Strathyre, An Sidhean, Beinn an t-Sidhein and Beinn Luidh

While forestry has often been accused of stifling wildlife, the buffer zones between heavily planted trees and the open hillside (such as at the top of Beinn an t-Sidhein) are well populated by both birds and animals. Along forest paths the belling of tits and the sharp song of chaffinches can be heard. Closer to the edge of the trees, great tits, blue tits, willow warblers, chiffchaffs, and blackbirds are common. Out on the open hillside, buzzards, skylarks, meadow pipits, curlews, lapwings, and lower down, oystercatchers can be seen, while roe deer browse in early mornings and evenings and red foxes creep silently to and from the glen below.

Below in Glen Buckie, there is an atmosphere of highland remoteness and rich history: Sir Walter Scott set his 'Lady of the Lake' here, describing local men rousing the clan to battle by carrying the fiery cross along the Balvag's swampy course.

While many people return to Strathyre from here, it is well worth descending the long northern shoulder of Beinn an t-Sidhein by Buachaille Breige to the forest track leading down to Stroneslaney (where a 13th-century battle took place between the MacLarens and Buchanans). Nearby lies the village of Balquhidder, final resting place of Clan MacGregor's outlaw chief Rob Roy, whose grave is in the village churchyard.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Gateway to Scotland and Wikimedia.