Total distance – 5 kilometres

Ascent – 140 metres

Walking conditions – Good footpaths and single-track road

Time required – Around 2 to 3.5 hours

Nearest town – Pitlochry

Over the past couple of years Pitlochry has become a favourite stomping ground of ours. It all started off with a two day dinner, bed and breakfast deal at Scotland’s Hotel, Pitlochry. We initially thought we had made a poor choice of hotel when the receptionist led us to our room which was in fact out of the hotel, across the road and into a converted house. We managed to keep our cool and a good thing too! This turned out to be one of the best places we’ve stayed in and we’ve been back a number of times since. We have found it impossible to get bored in Pitlochry. We will return again soon and perhaps, unlike last time, even conquer Ben Vrackie.

With the theatre just across the river from the centre of town, Pitlochry is always vibrant and there is a tangible party atmosphere about the place. We’ve not been to any wild parties yet but certainly have contributed to the general noise levels and commotion. We’ve also sought out things to do. A visit a couple of miles down the road to Killiecrankie was a particularly good day out and a very pleasant 5 Km walk. Park at the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre. Take the opportunity to have a walk around this tourist attraction. The staff are really nice and there are some fun things to do for the children. Then make your way to the clearly marked footpath which runs parallel to the River Garry and past The Soldier’s Leap. Keep following this path until you reach the road bridge over the River Garry. Then simply walk along the road as it gently ascends. After about 200 metres take the left fork in the road and after another 200 metres take a sharp left. This road provides an excellent vantage point at it gains about 100 metres in altitude along the way. After about 2 Km you will reach the car park next to the bridge. Do not cross the bridge. Instead follow the path beside the river leading north. After about 300 metres cross the footbridge over the River Garry. Then follow the path back to the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre.

Route