Strathyre and Loch Earn
Length
35.8 Kms
Elevation gain
440.4 m
Max elevation
156.1 m
Difficulty
**
Rating
***
Type
Out and back
Route id
513
Main road
0 Kms
Country road
20.2 Kms
Dirt road
0 Kms
Dirt path
15.6 Kms
Trail
0 Kms
0
Route summary
The Strathyre and Loch Earn route is a trail and road run within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. The out and back covers a distance of 35.8 Kms ( 22.25 miles )
and has an elevation gain of 440 m ( 1445 feet )
.
Description
This is a route we have done several times though usually as part of a marathon training program. As it is an out and back it's ideal for training. That said, it is a really nice route and not too hilly.
The first part, about
8 Kms
, follows the cycle trail number 7 from Strathyre to Lochearnhead. At weekends this part can be popular during a sunny day with cyclists of all ages. Most of the path is tarred but parts are well formed and maintained dirt paths. This is part of the old railway line and features open space along with parts in the trees. It is actually rather calming on this part which is perhaps due to the mild variation on the path. The path pops out at Lochearnhead, from where you head back on pavement beside the main road before crossing the road and onto the south Loch Earn road.
The road is a small country road but there can be frequent traffic on it. Mainly fishermen, sorry fisher people, and those out for a bit of hill walking with Ben Vorlich and Stuc Chroin close by. The road is very undulating and for a good stretch runs alongside the loch. Try to choose a sunny day for this one as it can be so, so nice alongside the loch. The road is taking you to St Fillans, but on this route we turn back just prior to that at the holiday caravan site.
This is a route we will return to, probably as part of a training program.
Route directions
Kms
1
From the car park head in oppostite direction from main road, towards foot bridge.
0
2
Turn right, following the footpath
0.1
3
Cross the small road and continue on the footpath
0.4
4
For a short section you are alongside the road
0.8
5
Off the main road pavement and now onto the main track
1
6
Cross the small road and the path now turn into a dirt track. Good quality though.
3.8
7
A short length of old road.
5.5
8
The path heads off the old road up to the left. If you miss this turn you will end up in someones garden
5.7
9
Path is now tarred again
6.8
10
Go across the metal foot bridge
7.2
11
Leave the path, taking the side path to the right that takes you up to the road over the bridge and from there down to the main road.
7.8
12
At the main road turn right and keep on the pavement.
8.3
13
For a short section run on the grass before crossing the road.
8.7
14
Onto the single track road.
8.8
15
Keep on the road. It is very quiet but do be aware of traffic.
9
16
You are now down at the loch side
13
17
Marked with a fallen tree that looks like a stags head. Weird.
17.9
18
You could head off and run up Ben Vorlich if you are daft enough.
22.1
19
Over the old bridge
25.6
20
Back to the main road
27
21
Up the hill past the church and back the way you came
27.5
22
Follow the dirt path
30.2
23
Across the road and now tarred path back to Strathyre
32
24
Back over the road, keeping to the footpath
35.4
25
Turn left into the car park
35.7
26
And end... now time for a vist into the Broch cafe
35.8
Car park area
Car park area
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Beside road crossing
Path from Strathyre
Picture group D
Picture group D
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Picture group D
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Picture group E
Picture group F
Picture group F
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Metal foot bridge
Metal foot bridge
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Metal foot bridge
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Picture group H
Picture group H
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Picture group I
Picture group J
Picture group K
Picture group K
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Picture group L
Lochearnhead
Views along the loch
Views along the loch
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Picture group O
Picture group O
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Picture group P
Picture group P
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Picture group P
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Picture group Q
Picture group Q
Image from Strathyre and Loch Earn
Picture group R
