LOCH TAY FROM KILLIN AND AUCHMORE CIRCUIT WALK, PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND

Loch Tay from Killin and Auchmore Circuit was another walk with my Loch Tay Hikers walking group. Luckily we dodged the rain again. It was lovely to meet up with fellow walkers and see new faces.

two ladies walking on a tarmac road with a dog in front of them — Loch Tay Hikers

Parking

Park your car at the free little car park behind the new Co-op northeast of Killin, opposite the Public toilets. What3Words: https://w3w.co/roses.reduction.intersect

Killin

Killin lies just west of the Perth and Kinross border and was historically in the county of Perthshire. It is now part of the Stirling district. It’s situated at the western head of Loch Tay and sits within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

The village offers an excellent base for walkers because of its proximity to several Munroes including ranges of Meall nan Tarmachan and Ben Lawers. It has beautiful views of Tarmachan Ridge as well as Ben Lawers.

The Walk

This 6-mile walk starts at Killin, a tranquil beautiful village in Perthshire, Scotland. The first section is easy and flat on foot as it goes along the old railway line. From the car park, go through the gate, turn left and join the old railway line. After crossing the River Lochay on the old bridge, turn right when you see a sign posted to Loch Tay.

The trail then follows along the shore of Loch Tay. Stop at the lovely little beach for a picnic or even a little swim. It is also a popular spot for canoeing and fishing.

Killin beach at Loch Tay in Scotland — Perfect for a spot of picnic

Continue along the river Lochay joining the old railway path again via the Dochart viaduct to the Falls of Docharts in the centre of Killin.

Download the route GPX file

Dochart Viaduct

A listed Dochart Viaduct over the River Dochart is the second oldest mass-concrete constructed railway viaduct in Britain. It was contracted in 1885-8 and is 37ft high. The viaduct formerly carried the Killin (Loch Tay) branch of the Caledonian Railway which opened on 1st April 1886. Loch Tay station was situated a mile from Killin and closed to passengers in 1939.

During the early years of the branch, a pier extended out onto the loch, serving cargo and passenger steamers. The railway closed entirely in 1965. You won’t see the viaduct on this walk as you walk right across it!

Falls of Dochart

Admire the beautiful waterfalls when the River Dochart cascades over its rocky bed. The lovely Bridge of Dochart (mind the traffic when crossing it!) was contracted in 1960.

MORE WALKS IN THE AREA: Kenmore to Falls of Acharn Circular Walk, Perthshire, Scotland

The second section, Auchmore Circuit is slightly up the hill and it then backs down to Killin via a minor road. Take the minor road that leads off south next to the Falls of Dochart Inn, signed for Ardeonaig and South Loch Tay. The track climbs gently through woodland.

You might be able to see the Kinnel stone circle in the distance. There are fine open views of Loch Tay and Beinn Ghlas and Ben Lawers.

Passing the Auchmore House, the track eventually emerges onto a minor road. Turn right sharply and go back down to Killin via the road. After reaching Killin again, cross the Bridge of Dochart and follow the road right through the village back to the car park.

Cafes in Killin

After the walk, you have a few options for a coffee or lunch in Killin. There are the abovementioned Falls of Dochart Inn, The Capercaillie Restaurant as well as the Killin Hotel. We stopped for a coffee at the Shutters Restaurant.

Loch Tay from Killin and Auchmore Circuit Conclusion

I really enjoyed this walk. It is an easy and varied walk with lots of things to see. Kids will love playing on the beach and the Falls of Dochart are not to be missed. You can easily make a day out of it in Killin.