Famous Highland Drove Walk
A 200-mile long-distance walk in Scotland using old drove roads. In 1981, Irvine Butterfield led twenty-nine Highland bullocks and a cow called Matilda along the route. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: NG 409 225
Distance: 200 miles (322 km)
Time: 88–100 hours
Duration: 14–18 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL46 The Trossachs
OL47 Crieff, Comrie and Glen Artney
OL48 Ben Lawers and Glen Lyon
377 Loch Etive and Glen Orchy
384 Glen Coe and Glen Etive
385 Rannoch Moor and Ben Alder
392 Ben Nevis and Fort William
399 Loch Arkaig
400 Loch Lochy and Glen Roy
409 Raasay, Rona and Scalpay
411 Skye Cuillin Hills
412 Skye – Sleat
413 Knoydart, Loch Hourn and Loch Duich
414 Glen Shiel and Kintail Forest
Summary
The Famous Highland Drove Walk follows the path trodden by ancient drovers on a long-distance coast-to-coast walk from the Isle of Skye to Crieff, Perthshire. In 1981, Irvine Butterfield led twenty-nine Highland bullocks and a cow called Matilda along the route. Covering twelve miles a day across a variety of testing and breathtaking terrain, the herd successfully completed the 200 miles. The long journey traverses mountain ranges and upland passes, walks alongside rivers, and winds through Scottish glens. The walk makes its way from Glenbrittle on the Isle of Skye to Crieff in Perthshire via Broadford, Glen Arroch, Abhainn a’ Ghlinne Bhig, Arnisdale, Kinloch Hourn, Loch Quoich, Glen Garry, Loch Lochy, Spean Bridge, Lairig Leacach, Glas Bheinn, Black Mount, Bridge of Orchy, Water of Tulla, Glen Lyon, Loch Tay, Killin, Glen Lednock, Comrie, and the River Earn.