Running the Rob Roy Way - What You See, What You Miss

The Rob Roy Way cuts across the heart of Scotland — a quieter long-distance trail linking Drymen to Pitlochry through forests, glens, old railway lines, and the edges of big Highland lochs.In this episode of Notes From Big Trails, Rob speaks with Pawel Cymbalista — or Pav — who set a fastest known time on the route, covering the entire trail in a single push.Moving fast through a landscape most people take a week or more to walk, Pav experienced a very different version of the trail — one shaped by rhythm, focus, and constant forward motion.Along the way there are moments that still stand out: climbing through forest above Aberfeldy, the sound of water rushing through narrow gorges, the long stretch beside Loch Tay with Ben Lawers rising through the cloud… and one very human moment outside a bakery in Callander that nearly derailed the whole effort.Beyond the pace and the performance, this is a conversation about mindset — about stubbornness, self-reliance, and the quiet internal negotiation that happens when things start to hurt.And it’s also a reminder that this trail — like all of them — isn’t just for records. It’s a route to be walked slowly, taken in properly, and experienced in your own way.In this episodeWhat the Rob Roy Way is really like underfoot — from forest tracks to old railway linesWhy Pav chose the route and how the FKT idea took holdPreparing for a solo, unsupported effortManaging discomfort, fatigue, and doubt during the runThe mental strategies that keep you moving when things get hardA navigational wobble, a stunning gorge, and a near-miss with a bakeryHow the trail changes as you move south towards DrymenWhy this is a route worth doing at a slower paceWhat FKTs mean — and why they don’t always matterAbout the trailDistance: ~79 miles / 127 kmLocation: Central Scotland (Drymen to Pitlochry)Terrain: forest tracks, estate paths, quiet roads, old railway lines, lochside pathsDifficulty: moderate — non-technical, but with steady climbing throughoutThe Rob Roy Way is one of Scotland’s lesser-known long-distance trails, offering a quieter alternative to routes like the West Highland Way — with fewer crowds, easier terrain, and a strong sense of journey through the landscape.Find out more about long-distance walking and running adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.