The most difficult part of living in Brig O’ Turk is deciding which way to go when you want to go for a walk – there are so many possibilities! This stroll to Loch Achray may be one of my favourites – especially when the sun is shining. Loch Achray is overlooked by Ben A’an and Ben Venue – both great challenging walks in theselves!
Brig O’ Turk
This walk starts and ends with the village of Brig O’ Turk. Turn left out of The Ridings and walk down the hill along the footpath. Although this is an A road it is rarely busy and it is quite possible not see a car for ages.
As you go through the village you will see a Post Office sign on the left. This refers to the Post office that is run out of a house in the mornings. It is very convenient if you need some stamps or a parcel posting.
The Brig O’ Turk Tearooms
A little further down on you right you will see the wonderful Tearooms which have been trading there since the 1920s. Step inside and it does feel like a gentler era you have stepped back in time to. Have a cup of tea and cake before you go or a full meal on your return!
The Byre Inn
As you continue further down the road you will see the sign for the Byre Inn – another great place to stop on your return – whether for a pint of a meal. This is a real local pub with a lovely, friendly atmosphere
Black Water
Continue past the pub and you will come to a stone bridge over Black Water. Pause a while to take in the beauty, whatever time of year. Sometimes the river is fierce and overflowing after heavy rainfall – and at other times it is calm and peaceful.
Loch Achray Farm
Follow the path around to the right and through Achray Farm. As you go through the gate, if you are lucky you may encounter a herd (or more correctly ‘fold’) of Highland cattle. These delightful creatures are wonderful to look at. In spite of their horns they are gentle creatures. They will just stare at you through their long fringes.
The farm has a shop in Callander selling fruit and vegetables and health foods. They also do a vegetable delivery service – find out more on their website www.achrayfarm.co.uk
Loch Achray
You now have a choice of left or right along the path. If you turn right you will be headed towards Loch Achray. Continue along the path until you come to its shores.
Then if you wish you can continue along the path for another 300 meteres or so. From there you will come to a clearing on your right where you can walk down to the shores and even stay a while – may be have a picnic! It is a lovely spot. You may see people fishing on the shores of the Loch at other points.
The Trossachs Church
You will be able to view The Trossachs church. Completed in 1849 it must have one of the best locations in the country! It still has services on the first Sunday of every month and is a popular venue for weddings. Find out more about the church and its history
Tigh Mor
Walk along a little further and you will come to a path where you can turn right down the hill and over a little bridge. If you continue on this path in another 200 metres or so you will come to the road. From there you can look across at the stunning Tigh Mor. It was originally The Trossachs Hotel – built for the Victorians when tourism to the Trossachs was becoming fashionable – in th etyle of a baronial castle. It is now owned by Holiday Property Bond.
Back To Brig O’ Turk
It is now time to return and retrace your steps back to Brig O’ Turk. Perhaps stopping at the Byre Inn or Tearooms on the way