Famous Highland Drove Walk + GPX

Distance: 320 km Grade: 3 (Moderate)

The gorge of the Allt Coire na Banachdich
© Copyright John Allan and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Famous Highland Drove Walk NEW
Geographical data – 262,3 KB 65 downloads

Kinlochleven

© Copyright Trevor Littlewood and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

 

Description:

The Famous Highland Drove Walk is not an easy trail. There are no markers and, unless you seriously deviate from the trail, there is no accommodation! Learn how to navigate and work with a compass! The trail follows the path trodden by ancient drovers from the Isle of Skye to Crieff, Perthshire. In 1981 Irvine Butterfield led twenty nine Highland bullocks and a cow called Matilda along the route. Covering twelve miles a day across a variety of testing and breathtaking terrain the herd successfully covered the two hundred miles. The long journey goes through mountain ranges, upland passes, along riversides and through Scottish glens. The walk makes its way from Glenbrittle on Skye to Crieff in Perthshire by way of Broadford, Glen Arroch, Abhainn a Ghlinne Bhig, Arniside, Kinloch Hourn, Loch Quoich, Glen Garry, Loch Lochy, Spean Bridge, Lairig Leacach, Glas Bheinn, Black Mount, Bridge of Orchy, Water of Tulla, Glen Lyon, Loch Tay, Killin, Glen Lednock, Comrie and the River Earn.

Stages:

There are no real stages with this trail as there is not much accommodation and not everyone likes to sleep rough. You'll have to wing it. My advice: If you want to do this trail, bring a tent and 'go with the flow'!