The best walks and hikes around Glenlyon And Loch Tay

Yes, the area is great for walking with dogs, but it's important to keep them on a lead, especially near farmland and during bird nesting season (typically April-July). Many of the lower-level forest and loch-side paths are suitable. The region around Kenmore and the quieter south side of Loch Tay offer numerous options.

The region is known for its beautiful waterfalls. A popular choice is the walk to the Falls of Acharn, a well-regarded trail leading up a wooded gorge to see the tumbling falls. Another classic is the Birks of Aberfeldy, a circular walk that follows the Moness Burn to the magnificent Falls of Moness.

Certainly. For a shorter, rewarding walk suitable for families, consider the hike up Drummond Hill to the Black Rock Viewpoint. It's a roughly two-hour walk through what's considered Scotland's first managed forest, offering fantastic views over Kenmore and Loch Tay. Many of the trails within Tay Forest Park are also suitable for all ages.

For a demanding day in the mountains, the Carn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Carn Mairg & Meall na Aighean loop is an excellent choice. This difficult 11.2-mile (18 km) route tackles four Munros in Glen Lyon, involving significant ascent and rewarding you with a true sense of remoteness and spectacular Highland scenery.

There is a high-altitude car park for the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve which serves as the starting point for many popular routes, including the main path up Ben Lawers and the Tarmachan Ridge. It provides a significant head start on elevation but can get very busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a space.

You can explore over 40 distinct hiking routes around Glenlyon and Loch Tay. The trails range from easy loch-side paths and forest walks to moderate ascents and difficult multi-Munro mountain traverses, offering something for every fitness level.

The trails are very highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning, wide-open views from the mountain ridges, the tranquility of Glen Lyon, and the sheer variety of walks available, from challenging Munros to gentle woodland paths.

For one of the most celebrated views, the Tarmachan Traverse provides breathtaking panoramas across Loch Tay and towards the Ben Lawers range. For a less strenuous option with a fantastic payoff, the walk to the Black Rock Viewpoint on Drummond Hill offers an iconic vista of the loch and the village of Kenmore.

The best time for hiking is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Autumn is particularly beautiful with vibrant colours. Winter hiking is possible but should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers with proper equipment, as conditions can be severe.

Yes, there are several welcoming options for a post-hike meal. The villages of Kenmore and Killin are popular hubs with a choice of pubs and restaurants serving hearty food. You'll find highly-regarded establishments perfect for relaxing and refueling after a day on the hills.

Reaching the main trailheads, especially for the high Munros like Ben Lawers, can be challenging without a car. Bus services operate to the main villages like Killin, Kenmore, and Aberfeldy. From there, you may need to use a local taxi service to get to the more remote start points. It's best to plan your transport connections in advance.