Walk Perthshire

Deuchary Hill & Loch Ordie

Starting in the scenic village of Dunkeld, we walk up a lovely track to Mill Dam – seeing some evidence of local beavers – and then up Deuchary Hill. This hill might only be just over 500m high, but in decent weather it offers a majestic view in all directions. From here we walk down to Loch Ordie and then back to Dunkeld along tracks and paths. Back in Dunkeld, we can have a look around Dunkeld Cathedral and have a well-earned coffee and cake!

The walk starts and finishes at the Cally car park just off the road to Blairgowrie outside Dunkeld. Follow the signs to Mill Dam, which is along a good track. At Mill Dam, there is a track off to the right. Follow this on the east side of Mill Dam. The track steadily rises up the hillside and reaches a junction just after a bridge. Turn right up here and continue along a steadily rising track to the foot of Deuchary Hill. Look out for a path that turns leftwards – it’s a bit difficult to find at first but it then rises steeply at times to the top of Deuchary Hill (510m). This is a very good viewpoint, with views in all directions.

From the summit, look for a faint path that heads westwards and then drops down to Lochan na Beinne. When you reach the lochan, there is a good track that you can then follow. After dropping down the north side of the hill, you pick up a track that heads right towards Loch Ordie. This is a lovely, peaceful place to stop for a snack. From here, you can follow a good track that runs alongside the Dowally Burn to Raor Lodge. Turn left here and follow signs to Mill Dam and Dunkeld. Along the way, you’ll pass Dowally Loch and Rotmell Loch.

The description above is not a detailed one. If you wish to try this walk, please make sure you are properly equipped and prepared, and that you have worked out the route on an OS map (the route is on the Landranger map 52 or the Explorer OL49.