Balquhidder Glen - Home of Rob ROy MacGregor
Activities and Things to See at Balquhidder

Balquhidder Glen - Where is it and what is there to see
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Balquhidder, properly known as 'The Kirktoun of Balquhidder' is located in Balquhidder Glen about two miles west of the A84 at King's House Hotel north of Strathyre. This single track road requiring some care will prevent the driver from enjoying the lovely scenery and views whilst travelling the two miles to Kirktoun of Balquhidder. A high point in the oad just before the Kirktoun affords a wonderful view past the village and over Loch Voil toward the distant head of the glen. The public road extends a further 6 miles past Lochs Voil and Doine before ending at a small picnic area at Inverlochlarig.

Things to see

The road passes the MacGregor Mausoleum on the left about one mile from King's House Hotel - it is often mistaken for a derilict church. At Kirktoun of Balquhidder the ruins of an ancient church and its 19th century replacement grace the burial place of Rob Roy MadGregor, his wife and two sons. On a side road beyond the kirk a hump back bridge affords spectacular views to the west over loch Voil.

A careful drive along the glen beyond the village provides lochside snenery and the occasional picnic spot beside the loch although parking is usually difficult as property owners have often blocked access with large boulders to prevent wild camping.

Things to do

At The Kirktoun, park at the old church to see Rob Roy's Grave then take the pathway behind the later church and follow up the hill to take a path on the right leading to a viewpoint at the Clach na Tuirk at the McLarens' meeting placs. Don't forget your camera!

If energetic either walk or take your bike up the same track but ignore the path to the viewpoint. Continue out of the mature trees to enjoy the open scenery all the way up the Kirktoun glen to a high point at a huge boulder called 'Clach na Eireanean' - the rock of the Irishman! Return by the other half of this circular route.

Drive over the old hump back bridge on the side road opposite the village hall and take the second road on the right to enjoy a 2 mile drive in rugged scenery to the end of the Glen Buckie road. A footpath continues to allow further exploration - or a shortish climb up Ben Vane.

Drive to the west from the Kirktoun past Loch Voil and Loch Doine to park at Inverlochlarig. Take any of a number of easy walks past Inverlochlarig farm where Rob Roy lived or if you are a serious walker, tackle any of :

• Stob Binean
• Stob a Choin
• Bein Tulachean
• Bein a Chroin

All of them requiring proper clothing, footwear and knowledge of mountain navigation.