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| Distance Height Start Approximate time Parking |
5 mile or 4 mile negligible A821 Byre Inn entry 1½hr short, 2hr long A821 ¼Mwest of Byre Inn |
Description:
This is a gentle walk over mainly forest roads and a few footpaths with
lots of opportunities for observing wildlife and some magnificent views to Ben Venu and
Ben A'an.
Photo-opportunities abound, especially for photos featuring reflections in Loch Achray.
Warning:- Some of the roads in the woods are open to motor cars which may take you by surprise - use your ears!
Directions:
The car park is on the south side of the A821 just to the west of the bridge at the bend in the road close to the Byre Inn.
From the car park walk over the bridge and turn right at the Byre Inn sign toward the Inn. Continue past the Inn (which you are well advised to visit for a meal or just a drink on the way back) and past the little white cottage on the left to cross the Achray Water by the bridge.
Follow the farm road past the farm on your right and through the gate to turn left toward the woods.
After entering the woods, pass by a barred uphill track on your right and soon after a bend turn right onto a narrower footpath which climbs gently through the trees then drops down a little to cross a forest road. Cross this road and continue up another gentle slope before dropping down to yet another forest road. Turn right on this road and follow to a T junction.
You now have the choice of
- turning right to follow the short route (red dots) down to the lochside to follow the loch back to the farm & the pub
- going straight ahead to follow a narrower footpath up to a viewpoint beyond the public road (black dots).
The black route turns left at the public road then at a bridge, right into the woods to meander through the woods before re-crossing the public road close to Loch Achray to follow the loch back to the farm (now on the left) then to the Byre Inn for a wee refreshment before returning to the car.
Views:
The following are worthy of note if you have your camera:
- On the first narrow track some great views of Loch Venachar can be gained by venturing left off the track to find suitable vantage points.
- Misty skies often provide a mysterious atmosphere for photos of Ben Venue to the west.
- From the public road on the black track, fabulous views of Loch Drunky can be seen to the east and to the north west some great views to Ben A'an and Loch Katrine.
- Down at Loch Achray on a calm day wonderful reflection shots can be taken across the loch to Ben A'an, Tigh Mor with its spires and to the little Trossachs church below the hill at the lochside.
Click the thumbnails!
