Camping at the start of the Rob Roy Way, Drymen

How far is the start from the campsite?

About a mile. The Way starts in Drymen Square, by the Clachan Inn, and the walk in from our gate follows the West Highland Way towards the village. Scotland’s Great Trails describes the route as starting close to Loch Lomond jointly with the West Highland Way before it soon diverges, so the first stretch is one you may already know.

What is the first stage like?

Stage 1 runs 10.8 miles (17.4km) from Drymen to Aberfoyle. It heads north out of the Square past the Clachan and follows a quiet, undulating minor road for nearly four miles, then takes forest tracks through Loch Ard Forest, past features of the Victorian Loch Katrine water scheme, before dropping down beside the Bofrishlie Burn into Aberfoyle.

It is mostly easy going on gentle gradients, with a high point of about 210 metres, which makes it a good first day while your pack settles.

Where does the route go after that?

On through Callander, Strathyre, Killin, Ardtalnaig and Aberfeldy to the finish in Pitlochry. There is an optional alternative over Glen Quaich between Ardtalnaig and Aberfeldy, which makes that stage much longer. The route is waymarked, particularly beyond Killin, though on open hillside the path is not always clearly defined, so carry a map.

Most walkers take six to eight days. The route is also popular by bike, and most cyclists take three or four.

Why start from Drymen Camping?

You can arrive the evening before, pitch up or take a pod, and walk to the start in the morning without a car to collect at the end. We stock Coleman C300 gas at reception, which is hard to bring on a plane, and the shop sells TentMeals dinners and breakfasts. Toilets, hot showers, charging and wi-fi are included in every pitch.