The Rob Roy Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails. It travels for 127km (79 miles) between Drymen and Pitlochry through the Lowlands and Highlands of Scotland. The trail takes its name from Rob Roy MacGregor, a famous Scottish folk hero and outlaw of the late 17th and early 18th century. In this post, we uncover Rob Roy Way’s best towns and villages.
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Take a look at our Rob Roy Way self-guided tours!
Drymen
Drymen is a historic village along the Rob Roy Way and was a popular stopping point for cattle drovers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Rob Roy MacGregor, who the trail is named after, would have regularly passed through here.
If you’re looking for more history in Drymen, look no further than The Clachan Inn. It is the oldest registered pub in Scotland, having received its licence in 1734.
Drymen is shared between both the Rob Roy Way and the West Highland Way, providing rest for weary hikers along both routes.
Staying in Drymen gives you an excellent opportunity to explore the eastern banks of Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Britain.
Aberfoyle
Aberfoyle is a popular town along the Rob Roy Way, with shops, cafés and restaurants to serve hikers who stop here. There is a history of wool-making here, with the Scottish Wool Centre bringing visitors on a journey of how wool gets from the sheep and into the shops.
You could take the opportunity to explore Loch Lomond further, as well as the Trossachs National Park. The famous Rob Roy MacGregor was born near Loch Katrine, a lake which is very close to Aberfoyle.
If you’re looking for adventure, there is a large Go Ape adventure park in Aberfoyle.
Callander
Callander is known as the “Gateway To The Highlands” as it lies on the boundary fault between the Highlands and the Lowlands.
It provides a fantastic base for exploring the nearby Loch Lomond, Rob Roy country and the Trossachs National Park.
Killin
Killin is another quaint village along the Rob Roy Way. It lies on the Falls of Dochart, a series of rapids which occurs when the River Dochart cascades down the rocks.
Loch Tay is quite close by, which you hike along as part of your Rob Roy Way route.
Killin offers a great place to stop and relax along your way, with places to eat and things to do aplenty.
Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy is a town built on Scotland’s longest river, the River Tay. There is plenty to keep visitors interested, through historical and artistic exhibitions in old watermills.
There is also a whiskey distillery which allows you to explore and discover the process of how world-famous scotch whiskey is made.
Pitlochry
Pitlochry marks the end of your Rob Roy Way hike. There’s no shortage of things to do in this town, whether you want more activity or some gentle relaxation.
Take in the castles, distilleries, walks, restaurants and so much more. You could even challenge yourself to climbing
Ben Vrackie, with a summit of 841m (2,759ft). This is only recommended in favourable weather conditions however!
We hope that you enjoyed this guide to: The Rob Roy Way: Best Towns and Villages.
Want to hike the Rob Roy Way for yourself?
Take a look at our Rob Roy Way tours!
