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Lindsay
McDermid PITLOCHRY
- SCHIEHALLION - PITLOCHRY
Distance:
53 km (33 miles) approx.
Map: OS Landranger 52 covers all but
a small section of the route. The missing part (by Loch
Tummel) is a straightforward section where it would be
pretty hard to get lost. If you like to have your route
fully mapped however, OS Map Landranger 43 covers that
section.
Start and finish: Pitlochry.
Terrain: This circular route (all on
road) is quite hilly - but don't let that put you off.
The mileage isn't massive, giving you plenty time for
rest stops and taking in the views.
Places to eat
Pitlochry Itself has no shortages of places to eat. If
you are looking for a fine dinner and good accommodation
I would recommend the Birchwood
Hotel in East Moulin Road, just as you come into Pitlochry
from the south. (However, I should declare an interest.
The Birchwood is owned and run by John Holmyard, brother
of the Bike Co-op's Ged.)
The Coshieville Hotel is on the route at the junction
near the foot of the decent on the B846 tel: 01887 830
319.
Castle Menzies has a tea room.
Points of interest
Castle Menzies - 01887 820 982. Opening Hours: End of
March - Mid October. Monday - Saturday 10:30-17:00. Sunday
14:00 - 17:00. Small tea room. Cyclists welcome.
Cluny House Gardens - 01887 820 795
For accommodation and travel information
Pitlochry Tourist Information - 01796 4722 15
Start in Pitlochry. Head out of Pitlochry on the south
side of the River Tummel towards the Festival Theatre.
You should be on the A9 Tourist Route. Note: there is
a walk way and cycle path on the right hand side of the
A9 on the south side of the river, so you don't have to
cycle on the main road. Keep a sharp lookout for the road
turning off to the right (if you are on the cycle path,
you can't miss it.) You take this road down a hill and
under a bridge. You will see Loch Faskally on your right
through the trees.
Follow this minor road all the way along by Loch Faskally
and Loch Tummel. This is an undulating road but very scenic.
If you are looking for an early stop, there is a picnic
site by Loch Faskally on the right hand side. You can't
miss it as the entrance is a huge piece of concrete pipe
used by the hydro station.
Eventually at the end of Loch Tummel (it's a long loch)
you will meet up with the B846. Turn left and proceed
up the hill. Some way up you will see Schiehallion on
your right. As you are climbing, comfort yourself with
the thought that what goes up must come down.
At the foot of the descent, keep to the B846 as it veers
to the left, past Coshieville towards Aberfeldy. Follow
the B846 past Castle Menzies. Shortly past Castle Menzies,
the road splits. Continue straight on (avoiding the right
fork to Aberfeldy) past Cluny House Gardens. Don't be
tempted to turn right at Strathtay onto the A827 at this
point. That's a busy road best avoided. Instead, when
you meet up with the A827, turn sharp right over the bridge
and then left onto the much quieter B898.
A few miles along the B898 you will see an old railway
bridge to your left at Balnamuir. Look out for the small
road to your left heading for the bridge (the last time
I was there it was not sign-posted). The bridge has the
warning 'cross at own risk'. Cross it. At the other side
of the bridge you meet up again with the A827. Leave it
by turning sharp left and then first right up the short
but steep unclassified road back to Pitlochry via Ballinluig.
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