Glen Tilt circular, taking in Carn a 'Chlamain
A strenuous walk (mountain (above 600m)) in Perthshire, Scotland, about 26.80km (16.65 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 10:15h (1 overnight stay). It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
832m (2729ft)
Descent
832m (2729ft)
Max. Elevation
940m (3083ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
1664m (5458ft)
Start & End
Blair Atholl
Distance
26.80km
(16.65mi)
(16.65mi)
Duration
~10:15h
Difficulty
Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Maps
5Created by maryw on 29 Dec 2012
A long day combining spectacular glen scenery (especially recommended in late autumn when woodland colours are fantastic) with a straightforward Munro ascent, rewarded by great views across Perthshire and beyond. The circular route in Glen Tilt, following the west bank out and the east bank back, is well marked; the hill section of the route mostly follows a clear stony track - after a steep uphill pull from the road!
It is feasible to do this walk if based in Pitlochry, by careful planning with bus and train timetables - be aware it is a long day out, advisable to allow at least 9 hours in good conditions. If short of time, the Munro could be omitted and an attractive circuit made of Glen Tilt up to Gaws Bridge and back. Â
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid NN869652
From the station, turn right along the B8079, which crosses the River Tilt (by the 'new bridge'). Shortly beyond this point take the minor road to the left, towards Old Bridge of Tilt.
OS Grid NN875655
Turn left along this minor road for a short distance to Old Bridge of Tilt. (If arriving by local bus from Pitlochry, you can ask to be dropped close to this turning without going on to Blair Atholl itself).
About 0.71 km (~0.44 miles) from 
OS Grid NN876663
Turn left to cross the old bridge, follow the road round until you reach a small car park, which has information boards including dates when the rifle range further up the glen is in use, requiring walkers to divert around it. The estate road branches off on the right before the car park, offering an alternative starting point (but it is handy to consult the shooting dates in the car park before going too far!)
About 0.81 km (~0.5 miles) from 
OS Grid NN873661
A waymarked trail (yellow markers on posts) sets off from the left side of the car park, leading back towards the bridge, before ascending gradually through deciduous woodland along the gorge-like course of the river. The slope drops away steeply to the right of the path, so take care. This path rejoins the estate road and continues along it.
About 0.36 km (~0.22 miles) from 
OS Grid NN878682
The path leaves the estate track (look out for yellow marker) and heads uphill through woodland, before passing below the shooting range, and continuing downhill. Keep left at the bottom, do not turn right towards Gilbert's Bridge. Where a forestry track can be seen leading uphill beyond a locked metal gate, look to the left to spot a diamond-shaped pedestrian gate which bypasses it! Continue along the track (there is no real need to follow the yellow markers on a loop down to the river, as this rejoins the track shortly).
About 2.12 km (~1.32 miles) from 
OS Grid NN887711
A picturesque stone bridge crosses the Allt Mhairc. A little further on, a small stream is crossed on stepping stones and the path detours to the top of a grassy bank to avoid a washed away section close to the river.
About 3.08 km (~1.91 miles) from 
OS Grid NN900718
Follow the path to Gaws Bridge, do not cross, continue along the track to the metal bridge over the Allt Craoinidh - at which point the steep uphill climb begins!
About 1.44 km (~0.89 miles) from 
OS Grid NN907719
A faint path leads steeply uphill through heather until it joins a bulldozed stony track heading towards the summit of Munro Carn a'Chlamain (963m).
About 0.68 km (~0.42 miles) from 
OS Grid NN915737
A small cairn marks a short cut leading away from the main track on the left side into the heather, easy to miss the start; this first bit tends to be somewhat boggy, but soon improves (mostly).
About 1.89 km (~1.17 miles) from 
OS Grid NN919754
The short cut rejoins the track close to the alternative route coming up from Forest Lodge, further along Glen Tilt. Turn left for Carn a'Chlamain. A large cairn marks the point at which to abandon the track and make direct for the summit over stones (a bit less stony if you leave the track just before the cairn).
About 1.84 km (~1.14 miles) from 
OS Grid NN915758
Enjoy the panoramic view (cloud permitting!) before retracing your steps to the short cut turn off.
About 0.56 km (~0.35 miles) from 
OS Grid NN920752
Take the short cut back to the junction with the stony track, leaving this track where it bends sharply to the left, and regaining the road at Allt Craoinidh bridge by the steep path used for the ascent.
About 0.74 km (~0.46 miles) from 
OS Grid NN906722
Follow the track back to Gaws Bridge, this time crossing it to the far side and keeping to the estate road. Yellow markers will reappear - one indicates a short cut which rejoins the road, the next one leads to an alternative path higher above the glen.
About 3.25 km (~2.02 miles) from 
OS Grid NN887708
A yellow marker indicates an alternative higher level path which provides a good option for returning to Old Bridge of Tilt, passing above and through woodland, occasionally a little boggy but always clear. Eventually it turns into a minor road, with a right of way sign informing you that this path you have just left leads all the way to Deeside!
About 2.46 km (~1.53 miles) from 
OS Grid NN882671
Turn right and walk steeply downhill to the turn off for Old Bridge of Tilt, then carry on back to the junction with the B8079.
About 3.72 km (~2.31 miles) from 
OS Grid NN875654
Turn right and return to Blair Atholl where refreshments and bus/train connections await!
About 1.77 km (~1.1 miles) from 
Blair Atholl stationOS Grid NN870652
Back to start point if travelling by train.
About 0.56 km (~0.35 miles) from 
