Moulin to Pitlochry via Ben Vrackie & Killiecrankie

Route 1

The walk today sees your Club in Perthshire to climb the peak of Ben Vrackie, which overlooks the town of Pitlochry and the pass of Killiecrankie. We will be dropped off at the village of Moulin, and our bus will return to pick us up from Pitlochry. This walk is a through one, so members who require a shorter or different walk, please let the committee member in charge of the bus know.

Our walk starts at Moulin (NGR 944 592), a small village to the north of Pitlochry. From behind the hotel, follow Baledmund Road uphill. Just past the car park, you’ll come across a junction. Keep to the right and continue uphill. Just before the road sharply bends to the right, there will be a well-marked footpath on the left side of the road. Follow it uphill through beech trees. The path crosses a couple of footbridges, then leaves the woods at a gate, continuing onto the open moorland.

You will come across two benches with a view of Pitlochry. It’s a nice spot to have a break and take in the view. Then keep on heading uphill. You will eventually come across a fork in the path. Keep to the main path on the right, heading NNE to the NW of Creag Bhreac.

The path will then start going downhill towards Loch a’ Choire. From there, you’ll be able to see the path climbing up the steep cone of Ben Vrackie. Follow the path to the summit trig point of Ben Vrackie (841m). On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the three summits of Beinn a Ghlò. There is a viewpoint marker to help identify the peaks.

The return route is by the same path initially, so head back down the way you came. As you reach Loch a’ Choire, take the narrower path to the right, following the shore of the loch. Past the loch, the path starts climbing uphill. You will come across two forks, one after the other. At the first fork, keep left. The path swings left and then back right to zig-zag as you gain a little height. At the second fork (about 160m past the first one), keep on the main right-hand path. There are great views towards Blair Atholl. Continue downhill until you reach a clearly signed t-junction.

At the t-junction, take the right turn to join the Bealach and Killiecrankie walk. Keep heading downhill. You will then come across another fork in the path. Keep to the main path going NW. You will then reach the estate road, which zigzags downhill below the remote house of Druid. Follow the road downhill until you’ve crossed the A9. Follow the path southward along the River Garry, past Loch Dunmore. Pass under the A9 again.

A path on the right leaves the road and returns to the banks of Loch Faskally. From here, an access road heads uphill into the town bus park, where our bus will be parked.

Walking distance: approx. 11.3 miles / 18.2km

Route 2

If you’d prefer a more gentle walk while still getting some good views. Remain on the bus to Pitlochry. From SSE Pitlochry Dam Car Park head south past the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre and towards the Pitlochry Fish Ladder. Cross onto the south shore of Loch Faskally and follow the path westward along the shore. The path runs parallel to the A9.
The path joins Foss Road. Follow the road until you cross under the A9.

Soon after crossing the A9, there will be a path to the right taking you over Clunie Footbridge. Once you’ve crossed the river, turn to the right to pass under the A9 again. Follow the path to Pitlochry Boating Station and Adventure Hire where you can stop for a cup of tea and home-baked goodies (should be open from 9am to 5pm on Sundays).

Follow the Clunie Bridge Road to Lagreach Brae. There you’ll find a path on your right leading you back to the loch’s shore. Follow the shore eastward back to the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre and then north to the car park where you got off the bus.

Walking distance: approx. 2.4 miles / 3.84km

NB – Bus departs for Aberdeen at 6pm. There may be a pub stop but only if time allows.

The above notes are for guidance only and are intended as an aid to be used along with a map and compass and/or a GPS device.

In the event of an emergency arising, the person in charge today should be notified, if possible, before the emergency services are contacted on 999.

The Committee Member in charge of today’s walk is Giada La Vite

Cancellations/Waiting List: It is important to contact Gilbert (Mobile number 07807240817) if you cannot attend & have to cancel your booking. The bus is often fully booked which means any cancelled seats can be re-allocated to those persons on a waiting list. Anyone unsuccessful in booking a seat should contact Gilbert who will put them on a waiting list.