A path less travelled: Trail offers spectacular scenery and a spot of silent solitude
With many beautiful walks in Dunkeld, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular destination. However, if you prefer quieter trails, Griffin Forest, near Aberfeldy, is worth a look. Lying on either side of the A826, the forest has more than 32 kilometres (20 miles) of signed forest and lochside paths, ideal for walkers, trail runners and cyclists. There is a car park just off the A826. Heading to the main gate, a large map shows the different paths. I decide to run a large loop around Loch Kennard and Loch Scoly.
It’s worth bearing in mind that the paths can be undulating, so little legs might tire quickly. There are also a few climbs, the first from the car park.
Using this initial climb as a warm-up, the path starts to veer off to the left and I turn to take in amazing views at the brow of the hill.
Loch na Creige and the surrounding countryside sit below me, with the summit of Schiehallion and the Lawers range visible in the distance. As I continue, the path remains wide, no matter the terrain, and is easy to navigate – with signposts popping up every now and again. After only a few kilometres, I spot the first loch through gaps in the thick forest.
The tree-lined Loch Kennard is truly spectacular – it’s so peaceful, with the only sounds coming from the water lapping around the loch’s edges.
I stop for a moment to take it all in, and my eyes scan the area, trying to spot any insects, birds or animals.
The quiet environment is the perfect habitat for otters, pine martens, grouse and dragonflies. On sunny days, common lizards can also be found basking on rocks.
A quick drink of water and I’m back on my way heading to the foot of Loch Kennard, where the trail is signposted for Loch Scoly. There is an alternative path that climbs to meet the return path if you prefer a shorter walk or run. It’s here that I pass another trail runner and, despite there being a few cars in the car park, this is the first person I’ve come across since I arrived. The path winds downhill for a bit and soon I am at the edge of Loch Scoly – a far smaller loch that sits partly in the shade of the surrounding trees. This area is a hive of activity with lots of buzzing around me and countless butterflies in the air. It’s another pleasant place to take a wee break, though. It’s not long before the path winds round the loch and I am starting on my journey back to the car park – it feels like there is far more uphill on the return! The varying terrain keeps the route interesting, as some parts of the path run between trees and can feel quite wild and secluded. Other parts, where there has been forest clearing, are quite exposed. I pass a small group of people carrying tents and imagine this would be an excellent place to camp out under the stars.
The path joins the outward one just before the hill at the car park, and I take one last look at the beautiful skyline before enjoying the descent.