Hiking to the peak of Ben Vrackie isn’t the only popular route around Pitlochry and Moulin. Locals and visitors alike often enjoy the beautiful bealach route, which offers excellent views along the way. The route is waymarked and heads out over wide open moorlands across the Bealach ne Searmoin. The walk heads to Killiecrankie and returns back along the River Garry and Loch Faskally.
The hike to the summit is beautiful, and once you reach the peak, you are treated to breathtaking views across the Scottish countryside.
The bealach walk can be started from either Pitlochry or Moulin. The beginning of the route is the same as the route up to Ben Vrackie, from the small car park near the Moulin Inn. From here you want to head left to Bealach, which will lead you uphill through the beech trees.
Cross over the track and continue on uphill around the woodland, and then make a left turn to a small track. From here, you will cross another forest track and then follow the pathway over the bridge and through the woods. You will eventually reach a gate onto open moorland.
Along the path, you will reach a fork, where you need to head left which is signposted for Bealach Walk. From here you will climb up over the Bealach na Searmoin, which stands for pass of the sermon. You will enjoy breathtaking views of Ben Vrackie, and then as the path descends, you can take in the views of Blair Atholl.
Follow signs to Killiecrankie, and eventually, you will reach a boggy section of path and head over a small bridge. Continue on and turn left after heading through a gate in a stone wall. Turn right and follow the downhill road, from here you can cross the road and bear left to the Killiecrankie visitor centre.
After the centre, you can begin your return by turning right and heading on a fenced path through the woodland towards River Garry. Follow signposts for Soldier’s Leap and view the area where a government soldier leapt over a 5.5m river to safety during the Battle of Killiekrankie. Follow the river downstream, and through the pretty woodland, from here you will see green signs leading you back to Pitlochry.