Part 1 - Perth to Pitlochry
Day 1: Perth to Dunkeld. 20 miles/32km.
From Perth, a path runs north from the North Inch
along the west bank of the River Tay. This passes by the Woody Islands to cross
the River Almond, using the A9 road bridge. Once over, the path returns to the
riverside and continues north to Luncarty, reaching this small village on its
eastern sides. Minor roadways lead to the Main Street (B9099) which should be
followed north. Just before it curves right, branch off to the left on a minor
road which passes under the railway and leads north to join the A9. There’s a
mile long stretch along the wide grassy verge of the highway until Newmill is
reached. Turn right here and follow the minor roaad east, past Newmills
Cottages. Five hundred yards beyond this, turn left and a forest track takes you
through Five Mile Wood. A short path links up with a farm track north to South
Barns. Turn left here and a minor road runs west, passing under the A9 to emerge
at a petrol station. Turn right and follow the B867 north into Bankfoot, passing
by the Hunters’ Lodge Hotel.
Beyond the local tennis club, turn left and a long, straight street, heads
through a residential area, passing the village primary school. Continue
straight on at the end and this leads out past Back Mill to Garry and then
Nether Obney, terminating at Upper Obney. Carry on west here into Glen Garr and
the way skirts below Obney Hill.
The path curves north to reach a junction west of Balhomish. Turn right here and
the track leads towards the farm steading before making a sharp left, following
the Inchewan Burn down to Dunkeld & Birnam Railway Station. An underpas
takes you beneath the railway and A9 and into Birnam. Once on the main
thoroughfare, turn left through Little Dunkeld. The A923 is joined at the end.
Turn right and follow the road over the River Tay and into Dunkeld.
Day 2: Dunkeld to Pitlochry. 20 miles/32km.
Carry on north, passing by the gates of the Dunkeld House Hotel and stay with the A923 as it makes a sharp right (signed to Blairgowrie). Ignore the first track on the left and take the second, signed as a right of way to Kirkmichael. The track leads north on to Atholl Estates, passing by Cally Loch, a house at Hatton and a steading at Kirkenburn. Go through a tall gate adjacent to The Glack and the track curves up to Mill Dam, then heads north west passing Rotmell Loch and Dowally Loch to reach a Raor Lodge. Go right here and the track leads through sheep grazing land to Loch Ordie. Head along the west shore of the loch, then turn left, the track rising through heather before curving sharp right. Carry straight on at the next junction, cross a small stone bridge and continue through a gate beyond. The track swings left to head north. Carry straight on at the next junction and pass by a ruined cottage a short way on. At a junction beyond this, bear left and stay with this to reach Loch Oisinneach Mor. (If you are looking for shelter/overnight accommodation at this point, turn right at this junction and follow the track up over the hill. On the otherside another track is reached. Turn left and this leads to Sarah’s Bothy, a tin hut, which operates as an open bothy). The path skirts the west shore to reach a junction at the far end. Go left here and the track descends west to another junction two kilometres down. Swing right here and walk north to Loch Broom, skirting the east shore to reach a boathouse on the edge of a large forestry plantation. From here, the track climbs into the trees, swinging left to reach a high point just below the mast on Faire Mhor. It then descends to Ballyoukan House, joining the public road below this. Turn right and follow the road into Pitlochry.