Carie Walks & Rannoch Forest

The southern shores of Loch Rannoch offer fine forest trails through glades of mature Scots pines to panoramic views of the loch and distant hills.

Information

Farther west lies the Black Wood of Rannoch, a remnant of the ancient Caledonian Forest that once covered much of the Highlands.

Though a haven of peace & tranquility today, this wasn’t always the case. Used as a centre for cattle raids throughout the Scottish Highlands, the wood was populated with lawless, landless clansmen.

The wood, though much diminished since those times, still comprises one of the largest remaining areas of original Caledonian Pinewoods. Awash with wildlife, the woods are home to red squirrels (Scuirus vulgaris), pine marten (Martes martes) and capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and resonate with the warbling cry of the curlew (Numenuis arquata).

Waymarked routes begin at Carie car park - about three miles along the southside of Loch Rannoch.

A couple of short walks are ideal for those wishing to stretch their legs, whilst the third and longest walk follows the west bank of the Allt na Bogair (Bogair Burn), climbing through trees via a spectacular steep-sided gorge, a climb of 153 metres/ 500 ft.

An all abilities path to a covered picnic area was installed as part of the Heritage & Access Project. In addition, two bridges have been re-built and stone walled approaches created.

Natural woodlands inhabit the gorge, with the hills on either side containing man-made forests. At the furthest reach of the walk, where it crosses the burn to return through the woods, a small stand of naturally seeded Scots pine provide a small window into the forest of yester year.

Those looking for a more challenging route can follow the forest fence westward to Bridge of Balgie in Glen Lyon. The walk follows a ridge that climbs the summit of Carn Gorm, a classified Munro – Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet – but this route should only be undertaken with proper maps and hiking equipment.

The route around Loch Rannoch offers a 25 mile, moderate circuit suitable for cyclists.

Directions

3 miles/ 5 km south from Kinloch Rannoch.

Routes start at Carie Car Park.

Facilities

Car parking provision for approximately 20 cars.

Seasonal toilet block and an additional one in Kilvrecht camp site across the burn.

Further toilets, refreshments and accommodation are provided at Kinloch Rannoch.

Public Transport

Take the bus from Pitlochry to Kinloch Rannoch.

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