Glen Almond
Glen Almond walk starts at the Newton Bridge in the Sma' Glen or Narrow Glen. A beauty spot famed for the grandeur of its scenery. Scree, rock and heather covered hills tower up on both sides of the road and the fast flowing River Almond runs along the glen floor. As you approach Newton Bridge there is a large stone between the road and the river. Bones found beneath Ossian's Stone, this large stone removed to its present site by Wade's road-builders, were thought to be those of the legendary hero Ossian. Sir Walter Scott, so impressed by this glen's beauty and legend, was inspired to pen the following...... Upriver from Newton Bridge lies Wester Glen Almond which stretches almost through to Loch Tay. Located off the A822, between Crieff and Dunkeld. The car park has information panels detailing the cultural heritage of the area as well as other attractions and options for walking. Refreshments are available at Amulree, Crieff, Dunkeld and Aberfeldy.  In the mid 1750's the whole of this glen was one continuous mixed forest whose seclusion and cover made it ideal for caterans (cattle rustlers), outlaws and smugglers. A private road runs up the glen (walkers only!) and half way along, opposite the farm steading of Conichan lies Thieves Cave at the head of Altt Coire Chultrain. It is thought that this was the site of Caterans' Cave, a favourite hiding place for up to "three score rievers." Its last known occupant was one Alistair (Sandy) Bane, a one-time cattle drover turned cateran who was eventually hanged at Perth for sheep stealing. His last known foray at the head of a sixty-strong gang was in the Buchanty area. Not far from Thieves Cave there was a church called Kirk on the Green where 120 of the glen's young men took the sacrament before setting out for Culloden. A mile past Conichan is the remains of Clach Na Tiompan, a chambered cairn dating back to 2000-3000BC. It is one of the traditional drove roads linking Highland and Lowland Scotland. Its present name is a modern one for originally it was known as An Caol Ghleann, The Narrow Glen, and its Gaelic name is indeed descriptive of it. Today, the glen has few trees and an air of peace and tranquility, making it a perfect destination for walkers. 
Visitors and walkers can park their cars in the designated area close to Newton Bridge, after which walkers should cross the river and follow the right of way sign, through the gate on the left hand side of the road. Don't miss the old bridge over the burn, a visible remains of the famous military road, built by General Wade in the early 18th century. The wayahead is straightforward and the track continues by the banks of the Almond all the way to Auchnafree. The remains of crofting communities can be seen in this glen, as in so many in Scotland. Moss-covered foundations and broken down walls - a sad reminder of generations of families scattered by poverty, battles and finally the Highland Clearances. Return by the same route. Those wishing to walk through to Loch Tay should continue straight ahead for a further 15km - the track is generally good underfoot with one rough section of 2km. Distance: 7.5 kms Start Point: GR890315 ApproximateTime: 02:00 (hrs:mins) Height Gain: 0 metres OS Map: Explorer 379:Dunkeld, Aberfeldy & Glen Almond
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