The Glen Lednock circular walk is one of Perthshire’s best-loved short walks, and it starts right on the doorstep of Comrie, a few minutes from Invergeldie. In around four miles, it takes in a dramatic waterfall, a wobbly footbridge, an obelisk with one of the best views in Strathearn, and a proper woodland walk home. Here’s everything you need to plan it.
Quick facts
- Distance: Around 4 miles (some walkers report closer to 5 with detours)
- Time: 2 to 3 hours at a comfortable pace
- Difficulty: Moderate. Good paths throughout, with one steep, optional climb
- Parking: Free parking in Comrie village (near the primary school) or at the Laggan car park just east of the village on the A85
- Dogs: Welcome, and there’s minimal livestock on the route
- Refreshments: Cafes and a well-loved fish and chip shop in Comrie at the finish
The route
From Comrie, the path heads out through Laggan Wood, a lovely stretch of beech woodland running alongside the River Lednock. This first section is gentle underfoot and a good warm-up before the walk opens out.
The path then crosses the river via the Shaky Bridge, a footbridge that lives up to its name without ever feeling unsafe. From here, you have a choice: continue on the main circular route, or take the steep detour up to the Melville Monument.
Should you climb to the Melville Monument?
If your legs and the weather allow, yes. The obelisk sits atop Dun More and commemorates Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, but it’s the view that makes the climb worthwhile: a sweeping panorama across Strathearn, with Loch Earn, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a’Chroin visible on a clear day. The path up is short but genuinely steep, so it’s easily skipped if you’d rather keep the walk gentle, simply stay on the lower route and rejoin further along.
Deil’s Cauldron
On the return leg, don’t miss Deil’s Cauldron, where the River Lednock is forced through a narrow rock gorge into a churning pool. A constructed wooden walkway and viewing platform bring you right above it, and the falls are at their most dramatic after heavy rain. A smaller, quieter version, the Wee Cauldron, sits a little further along the path.
Finishing the walk
The route loops back through woodland, past a weir and McGregor’s meadow, before returning to Comrie. It’s a good moment to reward yourself: the village has a couple of cafes and a well-regarded fish and chip shop for a well-earned finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Glen Lednock circular walk take? Most walkers complete it in 2 to 3 hours, longer if you add the Melville Monument detour or stop often for photos.
Is the walk suitable for families? Yes, with the caveat that the steps around Deil’s Cauldron and the Melville Monument climb are steep in places. The lower loop without the monument detour is straightforward and manageable for most ages.
Where’s the best place to park? Either in Comrie village itself, near the primary school, or at the Laggan car park on the A85 just east of the village.
When is the best time to do this walk? Spring and autumn tend to offer the best combination of good light and a fuller river at Deil’s Cauldron, though it’s a pleasant walk in any season.
Starting from Invergeldie
Staying at Invergeldie puts you a short drive from the start of this walk, and close enough that it’s easily done before lunch, with plenty of the day left over for Ben Chonzie, Loch Earn, or simply a slow afternoon back at the farmhouse.