Drymen is the starting point of the Rob Roy Way. The town sits in the hills at the western end of the Campsie Fells, overlooking the Endrick Water as it nears Loch Lomond. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Drymen was a popular stopover for Highland cattle drovers. The beautiful parish was built in 1771 and just outside the village are the substantial ruins of Buchanan Castle, a former stronghold of the powerful Grahams of Montrose which dates back to the 17th century. Other sites of interest include The Clachan Inn, which was first licensed in 1734, and the remains of a medieval motte which can be seen by the bridge in the village. Overnight in Drymen.

This first stage of the Way makes for a good beginning as the distance is short and the walk is along a combination of minor roads and forestry track, north to the Trossachs town of Aberfoyle. Views are limited over the Campsie Fells and Gargunnock Hills, on forestry ground that is waymarked by a combination of blue markers and yellow arrows. The route takes in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, with views to Ben Lomond and passes Loch Katrine, home of the famous Sir Walter Scott steamship and the main water supply to Glasgow.

The second stage of the Rob Roy Way climbs gently through the forests of the Trossachs, overviewed by the Menteith Hills before descending with grand views to Loch Venachar, to end at the picturesque town of Callander, the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. This part of the walk is a combination of road and track that can be boggy in places, so care should be taken, however the views to Ben Lomond and Ben Ledi make the effort worthwhile.

The third section of the Rob Roy Way leads out of Callander, through woods alongside the shores of Loch Lubnaig. It follows the loch on a well-defined cycle path for most of the distance, to reach the village of Strathyre by crossing a wooden suspension bridge at the River Balvag. It is possible to detour off the path, signposted approximately 3 km out of Callander, to visit the Falls of Leny.

Leave Strathyre by following a forest track above the east side of the glen, passing by the Mhor 84 Motel and on to a cycle path. Heading towards Balquidder until you reach the line of the old railway above Lochearnhead. Follow this north through Glen Ogle, before descending through woods past the Falls of Dochart to reach Killin.

On leaving Killin by the bridge over the Falls of Dochart, the Way ascends over moorland along the south side of Loch Tay. The moorland is extremely open in adverse weather conditions. There are good views to the north/west before it descends to cross the Newton Burn. Continue through Brae Farm to Ardeonaig. The official stage is 2.5 miles further on, at Ardtalnaig, but there is currently no accommodation there. If there is no availability at the Ardeonaig Hotel, then it may be necessary to spend a second overnight in Killin with a taxi transfer from and to Ardtalnaig.

The penultimate section of the Rob Roy Way is arguably the most picturesque. Follow the single track road to Ardtalnaig and continue on the south side of Loch Tay to reach Achran, before ascending up past the impressive Falls of Acharn and following varied paths and forestry tracks with fantastic views all around, including Taymouth Castle and Schiehallion. This section ends by passing the Falls of Moness down through the Birks of Aberfeldy and on into the Highland town.

The final part of the Rob Roy Way follows the River Tay east out of Aberfeldy past Dewars World of Whisky along footpaths on the edge of the River Tay to the village of Grandtully. A final climb then leads up over the moors, taking direction signs to Pitlochry before a forested descent leads to the suspension bridge over the River Tummel and journey’s end at the town.

Congratulations – you have completed the Rob Roy Way! After breakfast, it is time to set off on your onward journey.