Strathyre Village

Rugged forest in a sheltered glen

Strathyre's name comes from the Gaelic Strath Cor, interpreted as 'broad winding valley', which describes the surrounding landscape perfectly. Start exploring this quiet wooded glen from the car park and picnic site in the village or head for the southern end of tranquil Loch Lubnaig to find trails at Ben Ledi and the Strathyre Cabins.

This area is steeped in Scottish history and many stories abound, especially of Rob Roy MacGregor, notorious 18th century outlaw and local legend. Visit his grave at the peaceful kirkyard at Balquhidder.

Walking trails

Walking

Tighanes Burn Trail

Follow the busy Tighanes Burn up through the Scots pine past waterfalls for fine views across to Ben Vane and the Braes of Balquhidder.

Long steep slope for 400m. Narrow earth and grass paths with muddy sections. Includes one bridge and a road crossing.

1 ¾ miles / 3.0 km

Allow
1½ hours

More information

This is a great walk for spotting wildlife – look out for red squirrels and deer, particularly early in the morning, and listen for shrieking jays and the mewing of buzzards overhead. There’s the option to extend the route by diverting on the descent onto the Coille MacCaskill Path. This grove is an excellent example of a native pinewood and is dedicated to Don MacCaskill, a local forester and naturalist. This trail starts from Strathyre village car park.

Activities

An Sidhean viewpoint

Strathyre also offers a great hill walk to the An Sidhean viewpoint at 546m which is signposted through the lower woods before continuing to the open hill (you can reach the true summit of Beinn an t-Sidhean by crossing the moor). It is an up and down linear walk of 4.25 miles / 6.75km and takes approximately 2.5 – 3 hours. A brilliant alternative to Ben A’an if you are looking for a quieter option, this route provides stunning views across Loch Lubnaig and the Southern Highland’s mountain peaks of Ben Ledi, Ben Vane, Ben Vorlich, Ben More, Stob Binnein and beyond. There are also a couple of fine stops along the way that provide excellent views if you are looking for a slightly shorter walk.

The route is not waymarked, so you will need to take a map and compass with you. Find out more about the route at WalkHighlands.

Stay at Strathyre Cabins

Take full advantage of the dramatic landscape and variety of activities that this area has to offer by staying at Strathyre Cabins, about 6 miles (10 km) south of the village on the tranquil western shore of Loch Lubnaig. There’s plenty to see and do, including fishing, archery and a children’s play area. You can book bikes and canoes here too.

Cycling

National Cycle Route 7 winds through the glen and links Killin and Callander. This section follows the route of the old railway line, originally built in 1880 to link Glasgow to Oban and closed in 1965. If you haven’t brought your own bike, you can hire one at Strathyre Cabins.

Canoeing and kayaking

Lochs Lubnaig and Voil provide opportunities for scenic open water canoeing. You can hire canoes at Strathyre Cabins. Advanced kayakers can challenge themselves in spate conditions at Monachyle Burn at the head of Loch Voil and at Calair Burn south of Balquhidder village.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

Viewpoint

Picnic area

There is a café, a shop and a hotel in Strathyre. The nearest public toilets are in Callander.

Getting here

Our car park at Strathyre is on the west side of the main road (A84) at the very south of the village.

National Cycle Route 7 winds through the glen, linking Killin and Callander.

Using SatNav?

FK18 8NJ is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Buses between Callander and Killin stop at Strathyre village. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions