Route: Ben Vrackie and the Pass of Killiecrankie

Distance: 17km

Ascent: 950m

Grade: Very strenuous

Time taken: 7 hours

Starting in the small settlement of Moulin just above Pitlochry, the route follows the popular tourist path to the summit of Ben Vrackie - known locally as “the Ben”. Once passing Loch a' Choire, the path becomes steeper but is generally in good condition. The summit of Ben Vrackie, at 841m, is a great viewpoint and, in good weather, offers superb views in all directions. If you're wanting a shorter day, the route up Ben Vrackie can simply be reversed back to Moulin. The Moulin Inn should be open by then and is a great place for a drink to celebrate climbing up Ben Vrackie!

From the summit, the route descends back to Loch a' Choire and follows a path that takes us down to the Pass of Killiecrankie and its spectacular gorge. Initially, the route follows a path which traverses the hillside and joins up with the Bealach path (signposted). The path at this point becomes a track which heads down the hill with great views up towards Blair Atholl and the Grampian mountains. Once you reach Killiecrankie, there is an excellent cafe at the visitor ventre, which is a great place for a break and a sit down. From the visitor centre, there are a couple of options for returning back to Moulin. One option goes past the Soldier's Leap - which has an interesting story to tell - and then follows the banks of the River Garry and Loch Faskally back to Pitlochry. The other option is a higher route through the forest and back through the golf course to Moulin. There are plenty of options for refreshments in Pitlochry, as well as the Moulin Inn (hopefully the open fire will be lit!).

The full walk up Ben Vrackie and down to Killiecrankie is very strenuous, but it follows mainly good paths and tracks. It can, though, be muddy in places.

The description above is not a detailed one. If you wish to try this walk, please make sure you are properly equipped and prepared, and that you have worked out the route on an OS map (the route is on the Landranger maps 43 & 52 or the Explorer map OL49).

Or you can book us for the day and we'll guide you along the route and tell you lots of things about the route, the area and what you're seeing. To see what dates are available, our terms and conditions, what to bring with you and to book this walk please click here: