An enduringly popular route among those visiting Highland Perthshire for their Scottish walking holiday, the Aberfeldy to Kenmore Circuit is as well regarded for its magnificent views as it is for its unique place in Highland history.
The circuit itself serves as a link between two sections of the famous Rob Roy Way, an epic, 92 mile pathway used by Scotland’s most infamous outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor, back in the late 17th and 18th century.
We’ve featured the Roy Roy Way in our recent guide to the five most challenging hikes within reach of the Dunalastair Hotel Suites near Aberfeldy, but today, we’re going to focus exclusively on the Aberfeldy to Kenmore Circuit.
Why? Actually, there are a few reasons.
First and primarily is the fact that, at 13.75 miles, the circuit serves as a good day hike for those planning to explore multiple routes on their walking holiday in Scotland.
Then there’s the abundance of wildlife, and the ever-changing scenery to consider. Add all that together, and you should start to get some idea as to why we’re so enthused about this route, which is one of our favourite local walking routes.
Whether you’ve already booked your stay at our hotel near Aberfeldy and are now planning your itinerary, or whether you’re still researching possibilities for your next Highland hiking break, here’s everything you ever wanted to know about this popular walking circuit.
How Long Does it Take to Complete the Aberfeldy to Kenmore Circuit?
Most reports indicate that covering the entire 13.75 miles should take a reasonably fit hiker no more than seven hours, something we happily confirmed for ourselves when we undertook the route last summer.
Some of the more experienced hikers we spoke to however told us that it took them roughly five and half hours.
Where Does the Route Start?
Though numerous alternative starting points do exist, to really make the most of your hike, the majority of local experts suggest beginning at The Birks of Aberfeldy, which is well known or its connection to Scotland’s favourite son, Robert Burns.
How Do You Get to the Start?
Based about 40 minutes from the Dunalastair Hotel Suites in Kinloch Rannoch, The Birks does have a carpark on the upperside, and from here, you can go directly into the walking route.
Alternatively, if you’re planning to leave the car behind on your Scottish walking holiday, a limited bus service runs between Kinloch Rannoch and Aberfeldy during local school term time.
For an up-to-date bus timetable, please see: http://www.visitaberfeldy.co.uk/local-services/3849-Local-Bus-Service
What is the Best Way to Hike the Aberfeldy to Kenmore Circuit?
Assuming you start at The Birks instead of at one of the alternative starting points, your next steps should take you along a rather amiable nature trail and across Monness burn.
From here, you’ll follow the trail around the circuit, taking in miles of truly remarkable scenery, and experiencing the Perthshire Highlands at their most wild and dramatic best.
For a detailed guide to the full route, see:
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/perthshire/aberfeldy-kenmore.shtml
What is There to Look out for on the Circuit?
Guests coming to stay with us on their upcoming hiking break tell us that one of the things they’re most looking forward to is the sight of magnificent gorge and smattering of beautiful waterfalls towards the start of the route.
Other highlights include arresting views of Ben Lawers Munro and the mighty Schiehallion. The sight of Comrie Castle -originally the seat of the famous Menzies Family- is also guaranteed to stop you in your tracks.
Is There Anything Else That I Need to Know Before Setting Off?
Yes. Though the route has been highly popular for the longest time, it remains mostly without waymarks, meaning extra care and attention should be paid to guarantee you stay on the route.
If you’re unsure of the track, we recommend consulting an experienced hiker and doing some further research to ensure that your walking holiday in Scotland turns out to be the holiday of a lifetime.
Explore the Aberfeldy to Kenmore Circuit on your next visit to Highland Perthshire with the Dunalastair Hotel Suites. Book your stay online today, or call now on +44 (0)1882 580444.
Can you tell me if the newly refurbished Dunalastair has disabled facilities. Spent many wonderful holidays in the old Dunalastair which needed some tlc. We would love to spend a couple of days during the Highland Games, but only if there are disabled facilities.
Hi Sylvia,
Yes, we have rooms suitable for disabled guests.