HEAD west along the A827 road towards Killin from Kenmore or north-east from Lochearnhead/Lix Toll. Once in the village head for Breadalbane Park opposite the Killin Hotel. The start/finish point for this walk is the McLaren Hall car park in this park.
Killin is a historic village in a beautiful setting at the head of Loch Tay and in the shadow of Ben Lawers, Perthshire's highest mountain (1214m). Killin is almost at the exact centre of Scotland and is surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Bread
albane, Scotland's 'High Country'.
The Falls of Dochart are a spectacular series of rapids that carry the river through the village. The River Dochart bridge gives fantastic views of the Falls.
Loch Tay is a magnificent dark stretch of water, 15 miles long and around 508ft deep. These impressive vital statistics make it the largest loch in Perthshire and one of the deepest in Scotland.
To the north, the loch is flanked by the impressive bulk of the Ben Lawers mountain range, much of which is designated as a National Nature Reserve.
Take time to visit Breadalbane Folklore Centre, where the history of the area is retold for today's visitor. The giant waterwheel that powered the mill in the days when meal was ground and tweed was woven here still turns today – a living testament to how the natural power of water was harnessed in Breadalbane for centuries.
This walk climbs to around 520 metres above sea level and starts at Breadalbane Park in Killin.
Walk through the park, bearing towards the left (south-west) corner, where you will find a galvanised metal gate. Go through the gate and follow the path up through the field adjacent to the park, taking care when cattle are present. The path heads towards a stile and woodland.
Once over the stile, climb steeply and steadily, until you're above the woodland. Continue along the path, but remember to look behind you for lovely views of the surrounding area.
As you continue along the path, you will eventually walk up through a small crag, and above this the path follows the remnants of a drystane dyke. Continue along the path to reach three cairns. The summit of Sron a' Chlachain is indicated by the biggest cairn, which has a flat top.
You'll now have wonderful views over Loch Tay to the east and views over Strath Fillan to the Munros of Ben More and Stob Binnein near Crianlarich, looking west.
At the summit you can either choose to return via the outward route or carry on, following the drystane dyke heading west-north-west until you reach a path, which eventually takes you down (north-east) to the National Trust for Scotland's Moirlanich Longhouse.
An outstanding example of a traditional cruck frame cottage and byre, dating from the mid 19th century, the building has been altered little and retains many original features, such as the Hingin' lum and box beds.
Moirlanich was home to at least three generations of the Robertson family: the last member left in 1968. The cottage is furnished according to archaeological evidence. A small adjacent building displays a rare collection of working and 'Sunday best' clothes found in the Longhouse, and an exhibition interprets the history and restoration of the building. It is open in the summer on Sundays and Wednesdays, 2pm to 5pm.
From Moirlanich Longhouse, follow the minor road east towards Loch Tay and the A827. At the junction with the A827, turn right and walk back towards Killin and the start point at Breadalbane Park.
Distance: 5km
Time: 2 hours
OS Map: Explorer 378: Ben Lawers & Glen Lyon
For further information on walking in Scotland log on to www.visitscotland.com/walking
The full article contains 629 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
