Pitlochry Local Walks

Pitlochry, in the heart of Highland Perthshire, is a walker's paradise. With its excellent network of well-marked routes, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging hikes, and surrounded by dramatic scenery, there is something for everyone to enjoy. All the Pitlochry walks start and finish in the town centre, avoiding the need to use a car, and they are clearly marked with colour-coded sign posts. Covering an area of approximately 20 square miles, there are nearly 41 miles of tracks and paths taking the visitor along river, burn and loch-side, through woodland and up hills, from where there are spectacular views.

One of the most popular short walks is a circular route from the main street, across the River Tummel to the dam on Loch Faskally, to view the salmon ladder and the Hydro Station, on through the ancient hamlet of Port na Craig, and back over the footbridge into Pitlochry. Another short hike takes the visitor through pretty woodland and up a gentle hill to the Edradour distillery – the smallest distillery in Scotland – and on the return journey, there are beautiful views across open farmland with Ben-y-Vrackie mountain as a backdrop.

Pitlochry and its surrounding area is steeped in history and folklore and, to discover more, stop at the National Trust for Scotland's Visitor Centre on the Killiecrankie walk. Learn about the Battle of Killiecrankie and the Soldier's Leap, see the Linn of Tummel waterfall, or spot salmon and admire the abundant bird life from one of the many bridges on this route.

Frequent trains throughout the day connect Pitlochry with Perth, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow, Stirling and a limited local service to Blair Atholl, Dunkeld & Birnam, Kingussie and Newtonmore. It is easy to enjoy a day trip from Pitlochry and leave the driving to someone else.

For a more energetic experience, try the Bealach route which takes the walker up onto the moorland above Pitlochry offering, along the way, spectacular views south over the town and north towards Blair Atholl. Further afield, but still within easy reach of Pitlochry, are many other interesting walks including the Falls of Bruar to the north, the Hermitage to the south, and the Birks of Aberfeldy to the west. Whatever your ability, you will find a route to suit.