The Rob Roy Way: From Drymen to Pitlochry (Rucksack Readers)

I've just completed the Rob Roy Way and I have to say, I thought the guide book was verging on dire; the only reason I didn't give it the lowest rating possible, is because it wasn't all bad! The things it chooses to highlight are bizarre, there is not sense of pacing in the book, so the next paragraph may refer to something 5 minutes ahead, whereas the next again might refer to something an hour ahead. The author's understanding of 'soon' is beyond any meaning I've ever understood it to have and I thought some of the descriptions/instructions were just plain wrong.

The people who sponsor or maintain the RRW though need to get out there and put in some marker posts - about another 12 in really crucial places would make all the difference.

The Rob Roy Way (0/0 people found this helpful)

The Rob Roy Way is a guide detailing a long distance walking trail along the Rob Roy Way. This trail leads from Drymen, Scotland (about 29 kilometers or 18 miles north of Glasglow) to Pitlochry. This route is a total of 106 kilometers or 66.5 miles taking from five to eight days to traverse on foot.

The exciting adventures of Rob Roy are detailed in the novels of Sir Walter Scott. Rob Roy MacGregor was born in 1671. He was a property owner, the co-inventor of the Lennox Watch (a system of cattle protection in exchange for monetary compensation), and clan chief by the time he was 30 years old. Then, in 1712, when an employee stole a large sum of money and his patron Duke of Montrose turned against him, Rob Roy was left bankrupt and outlawed. In retaliation, Rob Roy took vengeance upon his former patron by stealing his cattle and kidnapping his servants. Rob Roy was caught several times, made several daring escapes, and eventually received the King's pardon in 1725. Rob Roy died peacefully in 1734.

The Rob Roy Way is located along the trails and areas frequented by Rob Roy during his daring adventures. The trail also includes stops at Rob Roy's grave and at the Rob Roy Visitor Center. Moreover, various archeological and historical sites from early prehistory through historical sites can also be enjoyed while undertaking this trail. However, the high point of this tour is the breathtaking highland scenery as well as the beautiful flora and abundant fauna.

The Rob Roy Way outlines not only the background story of Rob Roy and the various stops along this walking trail (including waterproof full color maps) but also details various long walking and hiking fundamentals. These details include what types of equipment the participant should bring to complete the walk, how long the various legs of the journey will take, and how weather and seasonally may potentially affect the trail. There are also helpful tips especially for novices about daily mileage, feet, weight, and the right gear.

Not comprehensive (9/11 people found this helpful)

I used the Rucksack Readers guide to the Great Glen Way and found some of the descriptions vague, but the guide generally OK. The GGW is however waymarked, the Rob Roy Way is not. I believe this is why the directions here proved to be inadequate in some places. Directions like "after 5 minutes.." are a bit of a joke as it depends on your walking speed, and the guide seems to vary its definition of "straight on", sometimes to mean 'continue in the direction you're travelling' and sometimes to mean 'do not deviate from the path'. This is a bad inconsistency. There is some good history in the guide, and suggestions for planning and side-trips, but it is in no way comprehensive. It feels like someone has done the walk, made some rough notes, and decided to cash in.
WARNING: Do not attempt the walk with this guide alone, but be sure to have with you OS Explorer maps 347, 365, 378 and 386, and a compass. On the first day we had to resort to GPS to navigate forest roads, this guide was next to useless. In fact it would be better to read this, highlight the route on an OS map, and leave the guide at home.
As for the route itself, some good Trossachs scenery, in particular Loch Tay, but a lot of walking on tarmac (mainly cycle route 7).

Another Rucksack Winner (8/9 people found this helpful)

The Rob Roy Way is the newest of the Scottish long distance walks and Ms Megarry has wasted no time in producing another of her excellent little guides for it.

The Rucksack Readers format is tried and tested and has proved an excellent companion to anybody setting out on one of these walks. Whether you are a long distance walker, or looking for an interesting and challenging day trek in Central Scotland, this is an invaluable guide.

The sturdy, water resistant construction of the book, and its compact size make it ideal to go in the rucksack. The information offered is excellent and covers everything from planning, equipment and travel to places of interest along the way, history and wildlife. The photographs are excellent, whetting the appetite even before the walk. The maps fold down from the back and are clear and easily read.

This new addition to Ms Megarry's Rucksack Readers series is another must have for anyone interested in walking in Scotland.

The Rob Roy Way: From Drymen to Pitlochry (Rucksack Readers)

Jacquetta Megarry

Reader Reviews:

Pretty Poor (0/0 people found this helpful)

The Rob Roy Way (0/0 people found this helpful)

Not comprehensive (9/11 people found this helpful)

Another Rucksack Winner (8/9 people found this helpful)

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