9 Days & 8 Nights

4.4

Rob Roy Way - 9 Days & 8 Nights

Follow in the footsteps of one of Scotland's most notorious figures
Experience Perthshire, an authentic highland region with world-class scenery
Taste Scottish culinary excellence
Enjoy a dram and first class distillery tour at Dewar’s World of Whisky
Take in summit views on optional side trips

The Rob Roy Way is an atmospheric, history-steeped walk through one of the most picturesque areas of Scotland. As you follow in the footsteps of the notorious outlaw Rob Roy you get a sense of appreciation of his love for the area and his passion for defending his land. This glorious 79-mile long-distance path starts from the small village of Drymen, easily accessible from Glasgow to the iconic town of Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire. Along the way, you pass through the ancient Loch Ard forest with wonderful opportunities to spot roe deer and red squirrels, stay in quaint towns like Aberfeldy, Killin and Callander and visit diverse historical sites such as ancient standing stones and stone circles, Crannogs – Ancient dwellings built on lochs, Roman forts and Viaducts. The route travels along a mixture of footpaths, cycle paths and some minor roads which are easy to navigate, all with dramatic highland views and more often than not, few other walkers. An unforgettable journey through a seriously underrated region of Scotland!

From $1,640.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Drymen and overnight

Arrive in Drymen and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the nearby sights.

Overnight Drymen

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ashbank B&B | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

Ashbank B&B is a family-run accommodation offering superior rooms in the heart of the village. Ashbank was once the home of the famous Olympian Eric Liddel whose story was depicted in the Oscar winning film Chariots of Fire.

Braeside | Bed and breakfast

Braeside Guest House is situated in the centre of the village, close to all local amenities. All rooms are En-suite and have WiFi, TV, Tea & Coffee facilities with fresh milk. The gardens are perfect to relax in after your walk, there is also a BBQ available to guests. Hosts Chris and Fiona have extensive local knowledge and are always on hand to offer any assistance you may require

Angel Cottage

The Angel Cottage is a cosy family run B&B in the centre of Drymen Village close to pubs, restaurants and shops.

Day 2 Drymen to Aberfoyle 11 miles / 18 km

Drymen is a very pretty market town which nestles below Conic Hill in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. You begin your journey by heading north along a minor road into the countryside. After entering Loch Ard forest you walk through part of the Loch Katrine water Scheme and then head down into the village of Aberfoyle. Keep an eye out for the cast iron coffins at Kirkton Church and the Scottish wool centre.

Ascent/Descent: 200m/223m

Overnight Aberfoyle

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Aberfoyle Inn

Aberfoyle Inn Is A Business In The Heart Of The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Of Scotland.

Mayfield Guest House | Guest House

The Guest House is on the Main Street in Aberfoyle, and is open from March to November. All the rooms are ensuite and have tea/coffee making facilities, television and oil central heating.

Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel | Hotel

Nestled within the breath-taking scenery of The Trossachs, Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa provides a luxurious overnight stay. The resort is surrounded by 25 acres of wooded landscaped gardens with clear, bubbling burns and well-tended paths meandering through the grounds. The rooms are decorated in warm tones and they all have an en suite bathroom. They also include tea/coffee making facilities and many have balconies with views across Loch Ard to the Trossachs. The leisure centre includes a swimming pool, sauna, plus steam room, solarium, and gymnasium.

Day 3 Aberfoyle to Callander 10 miles / 16 km

An unforgettable day’s walk through beautiful scenery as you head towards Callander, which sits on the edge of the Trossachs and is known as the gateway to the highlands. On the descent towards Loch Venachar the mountain views are breathtaking. Callander is home to a thriving Rob Roy industry as this was the heart of his territory; don’t miss the Rob Roy story at the visitor centre.

Ascent/Descent: 259m/204m

Overnight Callander

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Lubnaig Guest House | Guest House

Lubnaig Guest House is located within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park within walking distance of the centre of Callander. All bedrooms have modern, en-suite facilities, hospitality tray, luxury toiletries and hairdryers. Wrap yourself in Egyptian cotton linen along with feather and down duvets which will ensure a comfy night's sleep.

Dalgair House hotel | Hotel

The Dalgair House Hotel in Callander is a comfortable family run hotel. They have eight guest rooms that are all en-suite and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. They have Greg’s Bistro on site which serves great food, wine and cocktails and a lovely place to relax after a hard days walking.

The Waverley Hotel | 3 Star | Inn

A traditional Scottish theme is featured in The Waverley's bar and restaurant with various claymores, swords and targes hanging on the walls and the floor covered with the old favourite tartan carpet. The restaurant offers an appetising menu based on locally sourced food and includes some of Scotland's favourite and classic meals. The guest rooms are appointed to a modern standard, with tea and coffee making facilities, television with Freeview channels, free wi-fi internet connection, en-suite bathroom & complimentary toiletries.

Day 4 Callander to Strathyre 9.5 miles / 15 km

Treat yourself to a lie in and then immerse yourself in your highland experience on the shortest days walk. You follow National cycle route seven for most of the day and the going is good and mainly flat. As you leave Callander you enter the highlands along the route of a disused railway line and soon pass the Falls of Leny and St. Brides Chapel. Loch Lubnaig keeps you company with reflections of the surrounding hills. For those feeling energetic there are several hills nearby which provide more of a challenge on this laid back day. If you have the energy or inclination Ben Ledi is a great walk and offers breathtaking views on a clear day.

Ascent/Descent: 140m/83m

Optional route via Ben Ledi: 22.3km Ascent/Descent: 852m/795m

Overnight Strathyre

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The White Stag Inn | Bed and breakfast

A warm welcome awaits at this comfortable and cosy inn - famed for its great food, beer, and views! The bar offers good pub, along with a large range of beer and whisky – perfect way to unwind after a hard days walking. In the summer months you can enjoy the outside terrace with views over Ben Sheann and beyond. Room are simply furnished and have all the amenities you require.

Rosebank House | Bed and breakfast

Rosebank House Bed and Breakfast offers you great accommodation in the heart of the Trossachs National Park. Situated in the picturesque village of Strathyre, easily reachable from Glasgow or Edinburgh. It Offers spacious bedrooms each with a fabulous view of mountains, garden or river on our door steps. We will be delighted to welcome you to our home and share the fantastic scenery all whilst relaxing in great comfort in the guest Lounge, the conservatory or in the gorgeous gardens. Free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV and other amenities are available in each room.

Day 5 Strathyre to Killin 14.5 miles / 23 km

As you wander through the highland Glens towards Killin you can imagine the ghost of Rob Roy walking beside you and the trials and tribulations he would have faced. A fantastic days walking with abundant historical interest and wildlife combined with ever changing mountain views. You pass the Falls of Dochart just before entering Killin with its attractive buildings and Breadalbane Folklore Centre. There are also a couple of good detours on todays trip. Rob Roy’s Grave lies in Balquhidder and you may wish to follow the cycle route into the town to visit this pertinent attraction, although this does add roughly 6 kilometres onto the days walk.

Ascent/Descent: 331m/334m

Overnight Killin

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Dall Lodge Country House | Country House

Dall Lodge is an old Victorian country house offering excellent B&B accommodation. Their Guest House has 10 en suite rooms including singles, doubles, twins and one family room. The rooms are traditionally decorated to a high standard and have wonderful views to the mountains or the adjacent park and garden. All rooms have free Wifi, a TV with DVD player and tea/coffee- making facilities.

Lochleven B&B | Bed and breakfast

Small bed and breakfast facility situated in the beautiful village of Killin in the historic area of Breadalbane within the boundaries of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. They have a dedicated guest wing with one double bedroom with ensuite bathroom containing a Jacuzzi bath and one twin bedded room with its own dedicated bathroom. Both rooms have their own basin and are provided with complimentary refreshments. The guest wing also has a small sitting room with television for the use of all visitors.

Killin Hotel | Hotel

The Killin Hotel has established its fine reputation on a friendly smile, relaxed service, great Scottish food and comfortable bedrooms. The Killin Hotel boasts a choice of food venues and serves food from 12 noon until 10pm daily.

The fabulous Tartan room with all its splendour overlooking the picturesque river Lochay and the Munro’s beyond, with a dining menu that boasts some fantastic dishes, expertly created by their renowned chefs, using the finest local ingredients.

Day 6 Killin to Ardtalnaig (overnight in Killin) 15.5 miles / 20 km

A fantastic day as you head cross-country past Loch Breaclaich into the hills above Loch Tay. This is the most challenging section of the way in terms of ascent and route finding so in poor weather conditions you should be willing to follow the south Loch Tay road if unsure of your route finding ability. On a good day it provides the highlight of this fantastic journey. Once you have descended to Ardeonaig you follow a minor road along the shore of Loch Tay to Ardtalnaig.

As there is no accommodation in Ardtalnaig you'll end the day with an included taxi transfer back to Killin for your overnight stay.

Ascent/Descent: 518m/505m

Overnight Killin

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Dall Lodge Country House | Country House

Lochleven B&B | Bed and breakfast

Killin Hotel | Hotel

Day 7 Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy 15.5 miles / 25 km

Begin with an included taxi transfer from Killin to Ardtalnaig to start your walk. Today is a challenging and interesting day of walking in this beautiful part of the world and there are numerous points of both natural and man made interest to admire during the day. The initial section to Acharn follows a minor road but then you will enjoy a mix of rough paths and even some gorge walking prior to arrival in Aberfeldy. The Scottish Crannog centre is worth a visit if you are interested in the historical aspects of the area; otherwise Dewar’s World of Whisky just north of Aberfeldy provides a more sinful pleasure at the end of a long day.

Ascent/Descent: 562m/596m

Overnight Aberfeldy

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Balnearn House | Hotel

Balnearn is a Victorian style property set within approximately three quarters of an acre of grounds. They have 10 comfortable and well-presented rooms, 7 of which have shower rooms and 3 with bathrooms. All their rooms have flat screen televisions, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryers. If you wish to keep in contact they provide free Wi-Fi access for your convenience. Each room has a high standard en-suite or private facilities with high pressure showers and the majority have heated towel rails and we provide Scottish Fine Soap toiletries.

Fernbank House | Guest House

Fernbank House is an impressive Victorian House once owned by the Earl of Breadalbane. It was built in the late 19th century and is now owned by Annette and Rory Macdonald and their family. They offer a warm welcome to their home that offers a high standard of service and comfort.

Tigh N Eilean | 4 Star | Guest House

Tigh ‘n Eilean is a stunning Edwardian house overlooking the River Tay and is a perfect place to relax after a day’s walking. Each bedroom has been individually decorated in its own unique style, whilst still maintaining the character of this traditional Edwardian house. To help you prepare for the day ahead you can look forward to a hearty Scottish breakfast served in their stunning dining room or conservatory overlooking the garden.

Day 8 Aberfeldy to Pitlochry 10 miles / 16 km

You will love the beautiful scenery of the Tay River Valley as you leave Aberfeldy behind and head for your ultimate destination of Pitlochry. The walking is varied but relatively easy as you cross the open moor land towards Pitlochry. The Suspension Bridge over the River Tummel provides a great finale to your adventure and Pitlochry is a wonderful town to enjoy and celebrate your achievement. The Rob Roy Way is a fantastic achievement and an experience, we are sure you will treasure it forever.

Ascent/Descent: 338m/336m

Overnight Pitlochry

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Acarsaid Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

The Acarsaid is a small family run 3* hotel in the heart of Pitlochry. Enjoy a great night's stay in one of their 19 warm and welcoming bedrooms. The hotel also has a cosy bar with a great range of whisky and restaurant serving delicious local Highland cuisine.

Craigatin House & Courtyard | 4 Star | Guest House

Tucked away in secluded wooded grounds in the Highland Perthshire town of Pitlochry, this beautiful early Victorian house has now been transformed into a 14-bedroom boutique B&B, providing a unique blend of the traditional with the luxury of contemporary design. The individually designed spacious deluxe rooms all have comfortable six foot wide beds and are decorated with stylish fabrics and furnishings.

Derrybeg B&B | Bed and breakfast

On Lower Oakfield – an elevated position with unrestricted views over the town and the Tummel valley and distant views of the South end of the Cairngorm National Park. Derrybeg is approximately 350m from the centre of Pitlochry’s famous High Street and all of the amenities of the town centre. A large Edwardian building with 8 ensuite letting bedrooms, a large dining room and large guest lounge – both with spectacular views over the town and surrounding countryside.

Day 9 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

The Rob Roy Way is a real trek through time, not only due to its connections with the infamous Rob Roy MacGregor, but due to the wealth of archeological sites along the route. The scenery is wild and beautiful and the walking relatively gentle, a relaxing week in historical Scotland.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Activity Level & Terrain

If you are walking the trail over 8 days and 7 nights, then the tour is graded moderate. If you are walking the trail over 9 days and 8 nights, then the tour is graded easy to moderate. Some days will be more challenging than others and the terrain will be varied with some rough and rugged footpaths. There are ascents and descents involved so a good level of fitness will be required. On certain days much of the walking will be on tarmac and gravel forestry paths; for this reason walking shoes can be an advantage, as the hard surface can be tough on the feet, especially if wearing stiff walking boots.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Hand-picked accommodation in B&B's guesthouses and small hotels
Breakfasts
Baggage transfer
Return taxi transfers from Killin to Ardtalnaig
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to Drymen / from Pitlochry
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

Glasgow has two airports that are conveniently located for the start of your Rob Roy Way tour in Drymen. Glasgow International Airport is located west of the city and is only a 30-minute transfer by taxi to Drymen. Prestwick Airport is 30 miles south of the city and involves a 90-minute transfer by taxi.

If you would prefer to travel by public transport, you can take a bus from Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow taking you to Balloch (duration: 45 minutes). Alternatively, you can take a train to Balloch from Glasgow Queen Street (duration: 50 minutes). Whether you arrive by train or bus, you will take a short local bus from Balloch to Drymen (duration: 10-15 minutes). For more information, timetables and bookings please check www.citylink.co.uk or www.thetrainline.com.

If you wish to drive yourself by car, then your car can be left in Drymen in a public car park. To retrieve your car at the end of the walk you will require a taxi transfer or the use of public transport via Perth and Glasgow which could take as much as 4 hours.

Getting from the End

If you prefer to take public transport from Pitlochry, there are direct trains or buses to either Edinburgh or Glasgow which take under 2 hours. Please check www.scotrail.co.uk and www.citylink.co.uk for details.

Pitlochry is approximately 2 hours to Edinburgh Airport and 3 hours to Glasgow International Airport by taxi.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

When is the best time of year? Which direction should I walk? Am I able to take my dog? What happens if I cant walk a stage? How fit do I need to be? How far in advance do I need to book? What personal equipment do I need?

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