Scotland | Rob Roy Way
Walk in the footsteps of Scotland's Most Legendary Outdoorsman, Rob Roy MacGregor.
Trip Highlights:
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Hike through the Trossachs, Scotland's first national park and one of the most pristine natural environments of Great Britain.
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Overnight in charming hotels and quaint B&Bs.
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Explore the countryside made famous by Rob Roy MacGregor, Scotland's real-life Robin Hood.
Walk in the footsteps of one of Scotland’s most legendary outdoorsmen and greatest heroes – Rob Roy MacGregor. Through green meadows, along the coasts of sapphire lochs and across the feet of wind-swept Munros (peaks over 3,000 feet), we walk as he did during this nine-day hiking tour through a beautiful region of the Scottish Highlands called the Trossachs.
Who was Rob Roy?
Rob Roy MacGregor was a sort of Scottish Robin Hood who lived during the turn of the 18th century. Stealing and conning wealthy farmers and land barons was his specialty, and bestowing his spoils among the empty hands of the less fortunate was his passion. Over time, Rob Roy became a local folk hero and legend, hence the long-distance foot path that bears his name.
The Rob Roy Way long distance hiking path penetrates the same wooded hills that Rob Roy MacGregor traveled during his racketeering days. The landscape is incredibly beautiful with historic stone cottages, crystalline lochs and one lane country roads providing an idyllic backdrop.
While hiking the Rob Roy Way, you will not only be steeped in history, but also immersed in one of the most pristine natural environments of Great Britain, traveling through waterside, woodland, and moorland ecosystems. Additionally, at the commensuration of every day of travel, we are accommodated to a spectacular degree in the pastoral villages that line the Way, eating and sleeping in only the finest B&Bs and hotels.
Trip Itinerary
Arrive and transfer independently to Drymen, where you will meet your guide(s) and group for drinks, orientation and dinner.
Commence our inaugural leg of the Way after a filling breakfast. Walk eleven miles past the Campsie Fells, through lush forests, and along the Loch Katrine water scheme. Arrive in the town of Aberfoyle, renowned for its legendary antique market. Overnight in a fine and historic B&B on Aberfoyle’s main street. Dine at one of the villages fine pubs.
Distance: 11 miles. Elevation change: 600 ft.
Today we walk through the woods and along the Lochan Allt a’Chip Dhuibh. This heavily wooded area is the home to many small waterfalls, and is sure to add at least a spell or two of magic to our day. Arrive in the village of Callander, home to the Rob Roy & Trossachs Visitor Centre. Tonight, we are in an elegant, superior four-star hotel.
Distance: 9.5 miles. Elevation change: 600 ft.
With the singing waters of the Garbh Uisge to our side, we depart Callander and walk upstream along the river until we reach the Falls of Leny. Arrive in the small, welcoming, and peaceful tiny town of Strathyre. The pub at our inn could not be better!
Distance: 9 miles. Elevation change: 400 ft.
On our walk to Killin, we traverse a few steady, yet manageable climbs, and pass by Balquhidder, the sight of Rob Roy’s grave. A quick side-trip to the sight to the graveyard is easy, and enjoyable. In Killin, we arrive at the site that was once the stronghold of the MacNab clan. All that is left of them is a burial ground on Inchbuie island, visible from the bridge that crosses into town. Tonight, we stay at a historic B&B.
Distance: 12.5 miles. Elevation change: 1150 ft.
Today we explore the highest reaches of the Rob Roy Way. In doing so we will also explore classic wild, brooding, Scottish moorland. A long, but gentle ascent takes us from Killin high above timberline on a forest road. The descent from our high point makes up for the forest road since it is trackless for a long period. We will pass by beautiful highland cattle on our way down to Loch Tay for a quick drive to Kenmore.
Distance: 11.5 miles. Elevation change: 1600 ft.
The patchwork countryside beckons us onwards towards Aberfeldy, as we walk across a ridge that spans across two gorges. Pass the iconic and memorable Taymouth Castle along the way. Near Aberfeldy, we take the time to stop by the Birks o’Aberfeldy, where Robert Burns, the famed poet, composed a number of his verses. Tonight we stay in a superior and historic B&B.
Distance: 9 miles. Elevation change: 1300 ft.
We begin our day with a journey past Dewar’s World of Whisky, a distillery that has been helping visitors “taste the highland spirit” since 1898. Continue the final leg of our journey through moorland, forest, and prehistoric stone circles. Pause for a glimpse of Grandtully Castle, built during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and proceed to Pitlochry, made famous by Queen Victoria’s visit back in 1884. We enjoy our last night in the Trossachs in a luxury four-star hotel.
Distance: 9.5 miles. Elevation change: 900 ft.