Glen Ogle – Southern Highlands
Glen Ogle – Southern Highlands
4.1
(36)
143
hikers
Glen Ogle – Southern Highlands
03:31
12.8km
200m
Hiking
A scenic glen, marvellous wildlife and a lovely former railway viaduct characterise this hike, which takes in an elongated loop of Glen Ogle. In 1842, Queen Victoria coined this glen ‘the Khyber Pass of Scotland’ thanks to the way ancient trade routes made use of the dramatic narrow valley. Today, the Rob Roy Way footpath and the A85 to Killin pass through the glen, though the former railway is long gone.
The route starts in the village of Lochearnhead on the western end of Loch Earn and heads south along the A85 before turning right and joining the Rob Roy Way. You ascend in gradual zigzags as views of Loch Earn open up with every step. Eventually, you join the former railway line, which is today Route 7 on the National Cycle Network.
This well-surfaced path ascends gently and before long you arrive at the impressive Glen Ogle Viaduct with its 12 arches, once part of the Callander and Oban Railway. Further on, a stile signals the start of the Old Military Road, which is much rougher and potentially boggy. After sustained periods of rainfall, an out and back, returning the way you came might be preferable.
As you make your way along the path, you’re treated to lovely views back across the Ogle Burn towards the viaduct. After a while, you come to the A85 again. Cross with care and continue along the path, enjoying excellent views towards the Munros of Ben Vorlich and Stùc a’ Chròin.
The path leads back into Lochearnhead after crossing a few burns and descending through pockets of woodland.
Last updated: July 24, 2024
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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2.66 km
View of Loch Earn
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
5.98 km
Glen Ogle Viaduct
Highlight • Structure
The viaduct was constructed as part of the Callander and Oban Railway, which was built in the late 19th century to connect the town of Callander with the west coast of Scotland.
It's an impressive stone structure with 12 arches and was built to carry the railway line across the steep-sided glen.
The disused railway line, including the Glen Ogle Viaduct, has been converted into a popular cycle path known as the Rob Roy Way. This path is now a part of the National Cycle Network (NCN 7), a long distance cycling route from Sunderland to Inverness.
Tip by
9.18 km
View of Glen Ogle Viaduct
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
12.4 km
Painted Cow Sculpture in Lochearnhead
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
12.8 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.63 km
4.33 km
1.64 km
811 m
436 m
Surfaces
4.96 km
4.33 km
2.43 km
870 m
141 m
115 m
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Elevation
Highest point (290 m)
Lowest point (100 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 31 August
16°C
9°C
91 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Comments
January 24, 2023
A scenic glen, marvellous wildlife and a lovely former railway viaduct characterise this hike, which takes in an elongated loop of Glen Ogle. In 1842, Queen Victoria coined this glen ‘the Khyber Pass of Scotland’ thanks to the way ancient trade routes made use of the dramatic narrow valley. Today, the
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