Distance: Possibly 36km (the GPS was playing up!)
Well, I did my homework as promised, and came to the decision that I would give myself a little more time to reach Aberfeldy. If I don’t need it, I can book an extra night in town once I get there.
With this information rolling around in my head, I woke in a relaxed frame of mind. Another stunning morning. And what a view to enjoy with my morning cuppa!
I left the campsite around 9am and followed a little forestry woodland track into the town of Callender. There was a lovely, bustling feeling in the town, with a large group of people gathered to watch a Scottish band in full kilt dress strike a tune on the bagpipes and accompanying instruments.
I had a few interesting chats as I made my way around town, grabbing some breakfast and getting supplies for the next few days. It appears that besides my bag, my tan is quite the focus of attention for many people!
It’s a short walk out of town before I meet what was probably the biggest hill climb challenge of the walk to date. I surprised myself by how good I felt (probably due to the extra large breakfast and coffee!) and I reached the top in a more timely manner than I had anticipated.
On this crystal clear day, the views were stunning in all directions. The town and lochs one way, and a vast emptiness the other. That was the way I was going.
It was hard not to feel mixed emotions down on the plain. The landscape was stunning. So vast and muted in it’s colours. Mountains crowding in on all signs and funnelling me towards the glen. But the sparseness… I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a large area completely devoid of trees before. It was both beautiful and desolate.
The walk was relatively easy going. Little streams trickling off the impressive mountaintops. A large squadron of deer stampeded across the top of one such mountain. It was peaceful walking.
Further along, past some stately lodges (deer hunting!), and I’m picking my way along a boggy track, quite enjoying the cool mud splashes up my legs.
My camp spot tonight is another one of those “I’m not completely sure I should be here” deals, but what else can I do? I’ve crossed a bridge, gone through a fence and am now seated on a small bench right in front of the Waters of Ruchill. I think it’s a sheep paddock, though there are none in here at the moment…but technically it could be an enclosed paddock?
I’m just going to have to chance it anyhow because it’s now after 6pm and my belly is grumbling. I’m sure it’ll be alright. Right?
This article was originally published on The Trek and can be found here
What an interesting day, so well described! And a chance to hear and see an actual Scottish band! Love the photo of the little hut perched in all that desolation… but yes, it must’ve been confronting to see so much timelessness xx
Sounds like a great day’s walk, and I guess that passing through towns regularly adds a bit of extra interest. I hope the sheep and/or deer leave you alone tonight!