WALK 5

Parish Church and Old 18th Century Bridges. (45 minutes)
From Dalmally Railway Station proceed down hill past the old Drill Hall on right to main road. At Glenorchy Lodge Hotel (nice pub) turn RIGHT. Pass by cattle mart and shinty field on left to Dalmally Hotel. (Not much left of the original, which was praised as early as 1785 by a traveller as the only decent hotel for miles.) At Hotel turn LEFT.

There are two bridges because the River Orchy has split in two forming a kind of island on which the early 19th century church stands. The old Gaelic name for the island is Clachan Deseart ('hermit's or saint's community'), so we may presume that Dalmally was a sacred place from earliest times.

Inside, the church has an interesting Laird's loft on a timber colonnade and the churchyard has grave-stones relating to both Breadalbanes and MacNabs. On the pretty river bank, below the fine second bridge, is a post showing how the floodwaters from the higher reaches of the Orchy can push up the water level at times.

From here you retrace your steps, unless you wish to extend your walk to Stronmilchan (1½ hours; turn LEFT over bridge) or Craig Lodge (30 minutes turn RIGHT). Formerly a hunting lodge, Craig Lodge is now a Catholic House of Prayer, Youth Community and Retreat Centre, welcoming all denominations; you are welcome to visit the house and lovely garden.

A short distance along the main road to Crianlarich is Glen View, where there is a pottery, a well-stocked General Stores and a modern Primary School. The original village school is a few steps further along the main road and, before it, down below the road level, lies St Conan's Well. Look for a fenced-off, landscaped descent opposite the police-station).