SCOTLAND
10 Faskally Forest, Perthshire
Distance: 1 mile/1.6km | Time: 0.5 hours | Grade: Easy | Total ascent: 28m
Set in beautiful Highland Perthshire just to the north-west of Pitlochry, Faskally Forest (or Faskally Woods) is home to more than 20 tree species, including wild cherry, oak, Douglas fir and Scots pine. Some trees are more than 200 years old and date back to the model woodland created here in the 19th century.
More recently, Faskally House was used as a forestry training centre, where students received guidance on repairing woodlands ravaged by felling during the war years. Today it is a place of solace with several walking trails. And, every October, Faskally Forest hosts the night-time Enchanted Forest event – a breathtaking outdoor sound and light experience (enchantedforest.org.uk).
1) START
From Faskally car park, go down the access road to reach an information board. Take the path to the left and, within a few minutes, the loch will come into view through the trees on the right-hand side. Continue to walk into this autumn wonderland: the bronze, red and gold colours of the leaves contrast strongly against the tall conifers. On the sheltered water, the reflections can be almost as intense.
Follow the signs for the red waymarked Dunmore Trail. This all-abilities trail winds around Dunmore Loch and is wide enough in most places for two people to walk side-byside. Route finding is very simple as the trail follows the loch in a loop. Watch for herons standing ramrod straight among the reeds, and the beautifully coloured kingfishers that you may be lucky enough to spy above the lily pad-covered water.
Further on, ignore a trail that leads up to the left.
2) 0.3 MILES
When you reach the southern end of the loch, continue to follow the red waymarkers, curving towards the opposite bank by a wooden barrier at the trail edge. You’ll soon pass some carved log benches, where you can sit awhile and enjoy the view (there are several resting points along the way). Allow time to enjoy the setting, looking out for red squirrels in the trees.
Pass a wooden bridge to reach a viewpoint by a stone wall; look carefully and you can spy a little wooden boathouse up on the left.
3) 0.4 MILES
The old boathouse is passed, almost within touching distance. The timber structure has a graceful, very photogenic pointed roof.
4) 0.6 MILES
The north end of the loch is rounded as the final leg leads back to the access path to the car park. The best views of the boathouse and bridge, seen against the burnished leaves, are enjoyed on this stretch of the walk.
USEFUL INFO
Starting point
Faskally car park (£1 for one hour; £3 all day) is off the B8019, about one mile north-west of Pitlochry. From the A9 heading north, follow sign for Faskally. Nearest postcode: PH16 5JZ. Elizabeth Yule bus no. 87 from Pitlochry stops at the end of the town.
Terrain
Wheelchair-friendly trail with some uneven parts; short, moderate slopes.
Map
OS Explorer 386
Eat/drink
Killiekrankie Visitor Centre. eatatkilliecrankie.co.uk
