Rob Roy Way (Extended)
Length: 163km
Elevation gain: +3140m
The Rob Roy Way (RRW) is one of Scotland’s Great Trails, stretching about 127 km from Drymen to Pitlochry. Though quieter than some of Scotland’s more iconic routes, it offers wonderful variety and plenty of stunning scenery along the way.
In May 2025, I tackled an extended version of the RRW by adding to the route the first leg of the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Drymen, as well as taking an alternative path from Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy. Altogether, the journey came to roughly 163 km – doable in six days, though at times a bit of a push.
With four nights in a tent and one in a bothy, I ended up wild camping for nearly the entire trip and I’d highly recommend it to others! Aside from a few sections, finding a suitable place to pitch the tent wasn’t too difficult.
I’ve put together a GPX file that outlines the full route, including points of interest and suggested wild-camping spots for anyone planning their own trip. Just click the button below to download it!
A quick glance!
Itinerary
Day 1 – 30km / +425m – Milgnavie to Kelty Water
Relatively easy walking with a mild elevation gain. No highlands, but nice scenery nonetheless. Up to Drymen, there were a fair amount of other walkers! Afterwards, the trail became much quieter.
Day 2 – 28km / +467m – Kelty Water to Loch Lubnaig
Another relatively easy day, with a gentle climb out of Aberfoyle. The route featured beautiful stretches through woodlands and open plains, as well as along Loch Venachar and Loch Lubnaig – both perfect spots for a refreshing swim!
Day 3 – 22km / +456m – Loch Lubnaig to Lochan Lairig Cheile
A shorter day offering a bit of everything: peaceful shoreline walking, a few challenging climbs, gentle descents, and the impressive Glen Ogle Viaduct. Lochan Lairig Cheile was essentially the only practical wild-camping spot before reaching Killin.
Day 4 – 29km / +830m – Lochan Lairig Cheile to Claggan Ruins
An easy descent into Killin was followed by a fairly steep climb into some stunning moorlands. A long paved section led to Ardtalnaig, where the alternative RRW route turned toward Gleann a’ Chilleine. From that point, the scenery truly opened up again!
Day 5 – 33km / +585m – Claggan Ruins to Green Bothy
A breathtaking stretch through the glen along the River Almond was contrasted by a less impressive section after Loch Freuchie. Luckily, the climb up Glen Quaich transformed the experience once again, opening up fantastic views, capped off by a cosy night in a bothy!
Day 6 – 21km / +376m – Green Bothy to Pitlochry
A shorter day, featuring the Birks of Aberfeldy, the Falls of Moness, and a peaceful walk along the River Tay. A final challenging climb out of Strathtay was followed by a long, gradual descent into Pitlochry… Job done!
Segments and spots
Ending point
Some practical information
- Getting to the starting point in Milngavie is best by train and only takes about 25min from Glasgow’s Queen Street station.
- The return from Pitlochry is also straightforward. There are multiple buses and trains per day to both Glasgow and Edinburgh.
- The official part of the trail is nicely waymarked. However, the alternative path from Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy is not, so be sure to have a map!
- The route mixes trails, logging and miners roads. There are a couple long paved sections as well. It’s not too technical, I would recommend trail running shoes (or anything with good cushioning).
- There are no re-supply opportunities between Killin and Aberfeldy (unless taking the default route through Kenmore) so be sure to carry at least two days worth of food.
- There are quite a few spots along the route suitable for wild camping. Only between Lochan Lairig Cheile and Killin and between Killin and Ardtalnaig did there seem to be none. Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary!
- Carry a water filter and maybe some purifying tablets. The route is not that remote and there is quite a lot of livestock around! Plenty of water sources though.
- Rob Roy MacGregor’s grave is not actually on the route. If you want to see it, you will have to hike a couple kilometres west from Kingshouse to Balquhidder (and back).
- Pack proper rain gear! In Scotland, when it rains it RAINS and good rain gear will protect you from getting wet, cold and ill!
- Be respectful if wild camping. Leave no trace!
What do you think?
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