One of the perks of being a coffee roaster in the Scottish Highlands is that there is no end to the number of scenic walks, hikes, climbs, rambles and strolls available when we feel the need to get outside.
As the weather warms up (in between the rain) we’re all beginning to gaze longingly at the hills. If you’re visiting the area and need some inspiration, our team has chosen some of their favourite local walks of varying difficulty. So get your boots on, grab a Glen Lyon Coffee for the road, and get walking!
A stunning—if relatively steep—walk to a spot made famous by the poet Rabbie Burns, this one is a must if you’re visiting Aberfeldy. The mossy banks of the gorge, the birch trees, and the waterfalls make for a spectacular setting.
Due to its fame this one can get busy, especially in summer, so be prepared to go slow—and say hello to the many dogs you’ll encounter as you go. — Fionn
The Fairy Mountain (Schiehallion translates to ‘Fairy Hill of the Caledonians’) is popular in summer, and although it is one of the ‘easier’ Munros and is manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, the mountain environment should not be taken lightly. Please make sure you have a map and compass with you if you embark on this hike and are well equipped with hiking boots, waterproofs and extra warm layers and plenty of food and drink.
The views from the summit—although it is further along than it may first appear—are breathtaking and extensive on a good day, with mountain peaks and ranges as far as the eye can see in most directions. — Fran
Starting in a small car park next to Menzies Castle, this short walk takes you up Weem Hill to St David’s Well and some lovely views over Aberfeldy and the surrounding area.
Another quite steep one, but it’s well marked and the descent takes you past the Ailean Chraggan Hotel which makes the perfect place to end your walk with a drink and some chips (you’ve earned it). — Fionn
The stunning Falls of Acharn are well worth the visit and are situated just south of Kenmore Village in the small hamlet of Acharn. A short but steep walk takes you to an old Victorian Hermit’s cave where you can take a closer look at the waterfalls.
As you make the ascent, take a peek over your shoulder for glorious views of Loch Tay below and the peaks of Meall Greigh and Ben Lawers. The path descends back through the woodland. — Bethany
Driving up Glen Lyon to the tiny village of Pubil is breathtaking in its own right, but the real treasure at the end of the glen is the loop around the shores of Loch Lyon. Deemed Scotland’s “longest, loneliest, and loveliest” glen, this path will quickly sweep you out into one of the remotest parts of Scotland and shock you with its emptiness.
The full loop, at 25km, is a serious haul—in fact it may be better suited to a mountain bike. It is also in the highest reaches of Glen Lyon, so if you are to do it all, please be prepared for overnight camping, rapidly changing weather, and river fords that could become dangerous or impassable. However, you only need to walk a few kilometers down the (much easier and flatter) south side of the loch to begin to experience the emptiness that a place like this graces you with. — Nick
There are a couple of trails here to choose from but I always opt for the longer one from the car park that takes you uphill and across a boardwalk into some Caledonian pines. The views back down the hill from here are lovely. The route tracks westward and pops out at the top with commanding views across Loch Tay.
There is a big stone structure here that looks like it was used to set bonfires on in the past. Leave an hour to do this circular walk at a relaxed pace and you will need sturdy shoes as well as moderate fitness. — Jamie
A relatively long but also relatively flat walk (or bike ride) around Loch Kennard through a commercial forest that sits on the hill above Aberfeldy.
This one starts in a car park off the A826 Aberfeldy to Crieff road and heads along a fire road through the forest to the hidden loch—for the more ambitious there are options for longer routes that loop around additional lochs. — Fionn
This gentle, scenic walk takes you from the edge of Aberfeldy along the River Tay and joins what was once the Inverness & Perth Junction Railway line. The railway served the area for a hundred years from the mid 1800s.
The walk is gentle and takes in the stunning tree-lined railway path, ending in the small village of Grandtully where you’ll find a few spots to grab a well earned bite to eat. — Bethany
Drummond hill has several waymarked trails that are generally wide and a mix of gravel and mud tracks. Some sections are steep and the trails can be muddy. Trails can be walked on their own or combined depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.
The Blackrock viewpoint is a highlight; giving stunning views over Kenmore and Loch Tay. Taymouth Castle, Kenmore Church, the Crannog Centre and various small islands that were once crannogs (Iron age Loch Dwellings) can all be seen.
The Courtyard in nearby Kenmore is well worth a visit for some ice-cream as reward for your effort in making the climb to Black Rock. — Fran
INNERWICK AND BRIDGE OF BALGIE, GLEN LYON
There is a high and low trail that links up between the car park at Innerwick and the Bridge of Balgie Tea Room. Both routes are through woods and take around half an hour. The higher route is through native birch woodlands with lovely vistas across the Glen but has some steep sections and is a little more uneven under foot.
Both trails happily end at one of Scotland’s finest tearooms. Don’t leave without sampling Steven and Veronika’s ridiculously good homemade eclairs washed down with a cup of Glen Lyon coffee of course! — Jamie
