Approximate Length: 29km
Approximate Height Gained: 800m
Nearest Town:
Nearest Postcode: PH8

Development route to create off road link between Dunkeld and Pitlochry

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A medium distance cycle or walk between Dunkeld and Moulin/Pitlochry through varied and gorgeous landscape.  High nature value and a genuine feeling of being away from it all. Three escape routes to the western main roads and settlements, if needs be. Easy link to Kirkmichael via Glen Derby.

This is an idea for a route that has been developing for some time now.  I rode virtually all of it.  (I worked it out and it's 97% rideable, sad git, I know). The 750m section from the track above Loch Broom to the bridge at the Pitlochry Angling Club hut on Loch Broom is through rank heather and a bike has to be pushed.  Otherwise, with some very small and limited exceptions, it is perfectly rideable. It provides the only offroad connection from Dunkeld to Moulin/Pitlochry that is relatively easy to walk or cycle.  It starts on the Core Path network at Cally, Dunkeld and makes its way via Loch Ordie, Loch Oisinneach, Loch Broom, Ballyoukan Wood, Moulin Moor, Kinnaird Wood and the Old Kirkmichael Road to join the Core Path Network at Moulin and Pitlochry.  It's around 18 miles/30km long and can be comfortably cycled in four and half hours with stops.  Some attention is required to several drains and a bit of strimming and pruning on the stretch above Loch Broom and in parts of Ballyoukan and Kinnaird Woods would be good.  Getting into and out of Ballyoukan Wood and Kinnaird Wood with a bike would be easier with stiles or bike-friendly gates (I had to lift mine over deer fences).  Large, wind blown trees have blocked the very last section down to the road at Moulin but they will likely be cleared in time.  You can by-pass them relatively easily through the new planted area adjacent.
Tips:
Best ridden south to north.
The wonderful Escape Route in Pitlochry is your best option for a bike shop with all facilities. Located in the main street of Pitlochry near the Tourist Information building.
Treat this as a developing route that's best covered in good weather in the meantime.
After the climb and downhill from Loch Oissineach you will come to a field gate.  Bear left here and then you'll notice that the track starts to curve gently to the right towards the blue container and fank in the distance.
Particular attention has to be paid on the stretch approaching Loch Broom.  Take the right hand option each time to keep high above the loch.  When  you are equal with the huts at the north-eastern end start heading down through the rank heather to the bridge over the small inflow at the loch end.  There's a stile of sorts into Ballyoukan Wood here.
When you cross the fence out of Ballyoukan Wood on to Moulin Moor bear west around the side of the hill to encounter the ancient remains of buildings on the slope of the hill. The start of the track that leads down to the derelict wooden shed lies amongst those shielings.
The end of the trail comes out on the main road between Pitlochry and Kirkmichael.  You have to cross it to get to the footpath down into Moulin.




Dunkeld to Moulin Offroad at EveryTrail