Scottish

Towns

Tummel Forest

Length: 1.5 miles; 2 miles; 3 miles Height climbed: 550ft./170m Grade: B/C Parking: Car park at start of walks Toilet facilities: At car parks No heavy footwear is required for these walks, but if there has been much rainfall, making the ground wet, it is advisable to wear waterproof footwear for all three walks. A fine example of this type of walk can be found in the hills behind the Queen's View, on the north side of Loch Tummel. Travel north on the B8019 from Pitlochry for about 3 miles, then turn left across the Garry Bridge and follow the signs for Kinloch Rannoch. Approximately 3 miles along this road you will find the Queen's View Centre. The centre is run by the Forestry Commission and supplies information on the forest, its wildlife and walks. Two of the three walks pass through the "clachan", a typical 18th century farm settlement which was discovered whilst the forest was being planted. The main building has been reconstructed - the rest of the area having been excavated to expose the remaining buildings. Here you will also find a spectacular picnic site, perched on a high rock jutting over the forest with a fine view of Loch Tummel and Schiehallion at its head. There are four other similar sites spaced out along the walks, one of which is placed beside an 8th or 9th century ring fort, situated in a clearing in the forest. You are unlikely to see many animals in the forest. The smaller mammals which live in the forest, such as badgers, foxes and wildcats, are very shy and nocturnal in their habits, although you may be lucky and catch sight of the red squirrels. There are many small birds amongst the trees, but the most impressive residents are the Blackcock and the Capercallie - both large birds of the grouse family.

©