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A long distance circular walking route through the scenic Perthshire and Angus glens
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From the Middle Ages until the 17th century Scotland was a wild, rowdy place and cattle rustling was commonplace. The Caterans (cattle rustlers) would descend from their rough bothies high in the mountains to wreak havoc on the prosperous and peaceful farmland below, driving stolen cattle and booty through remote glens using ancient drove routes.
Hundreds of years later this illegal activity is gloriously celebrated in THE CATERAN TRAIL - a 64 mile (103 km) circular waymarked walk following many of the routes that the Caterans used all those years ago.
Fully way-marked
The Trail uses old drove routes, existing paths and minor roads and can be walked in a leisurely fashion over 5 days OR choose just one section for a fantastic day route through unspoiled countryside.
Whichever way you choose to walk the Trail you'll find extensive use of the Trail logo and direction arrows to ensure easy route finding.
All walkers are strongly recommended to equip themselves with either the Rucksack Readers combined guide and route map `The Cateran Trail`(available from www.rucsacs.com) OR Ordnance Survey Explorer maps 381 or 387
Where to Stay and other services
A superb range of quality assured accommodation is available in the area with everything from comfortable hotels and cosy B&B's through to welcoming hostels and campsites. Many establishments participate in the VisitScotland Walkers Welcome Scheme, providing specific services for walkers such as packed lunches, flask filling and clothes drying facilities. Staff at the VisitScotland Information Centres in Perthshire will be happy to advise according to your requirements and can also make bookings on your behalf.
If you prefer to make your own arrangements you can request a free information pack on the Cateran Trail which includes a comprehensive Where to Stay Guide for Perthshire.
VisitScotland Information Centre staff can also provide advice on car parking options at Blairgowrie and Bridge of Cally.
Contact: Blairgowrie VisitScotland Information Centre, 26 Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 6AS Tel: 01250 872960 or email blairgowrietic@visitscotland.com
Easyways is an Accommodation Booking Service specialising in long distance walks in Scotland, including The Cateran Trail. As well as making arrangements for accommodation along the way and providing detailed itineraries, the company can organise stage to stage baggage transfer and car parking. All inclusive walking package holidays are also available.
Further information from www.easyways.com
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A few route notes...
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Blairgowrie to Bridge of Cally - 7 miles/11km
Taking a clockwise direction, the Trail starts in Blairgowrie, a bustling market town at the heart of Scotland's soft fruit industry. The leafy banks of the River Ericht provide a gentle start to the walk with plenty of historical interest en route - Blairgowrie was once an important jute town and a number of old mills, mill lades and weirs can be found in the vicinity. In the late autumn, wild Atlantic salmon can often been seen ascending the waterfalls as they head upstream to their spawning grounds. Walkers are rewarded with tremendous open views as the path climbs and stretches out over Cochrage Muir before descending to the tiny hamlet of Bridge of Cally, where refreshments and accommodation are available.
Bridge of Cally to Kirkmichael - 8 miles/13˝km
For the next 8 miles the Cateran Trail winds its way through the soft green contours of the peaceful glen known as Strathardle. In times gone by this glen was a lucrative plundering ground for the caterans, who seized on the cattle grazing in the surrounding lush pastures. Near Bridge of Cally, the Trail passes through Blackcraig Forest where roe deer and red squirrels can sometimes be spotted, the latter feeding on the cones produced by the many different conifers. Woodland, moorland and farmland are all features of this delightful section before the easy descent into Kirkmichael, a small country village with a range of eating places, B & Bs and hotels.
Kirkmichael via Enochdhu to Spittal of Glenshee
- 8 miles/13km
This part of the route is predominantly upland in character, following a wonderful moorland route and hill pass from Enochdhu through to Spittal of Glenshee. The name Enochdhu means `black meadow` or `moor` and this settlement was once a gathering point for caterans following a raid. Dirnanean Garden is on the route (open 5th June to 28th August) and worth a visit for walkers with time in hand. As the Trail rises to over 700 metres above sea level spectacular views of rugged peaks are virtually guaranteed and the sharp eyed may catch a glimpse of red deer or an eagle soaring overhead. A timber `Lunch Hut`, by the path, has been provided by the estate and is an ideal resting place. Queen Victoria once stopped near to this spot to enjoy a picnic with her entourage. Don't forget to put your name in the Visitors' Book, a fascinating record of the many characters who have walked this way over the years. The descent to Spittal of Glenshee is dramatic, with wild mountainous country all around and the village visible far beneath. `Spittal` is an old Scots word meaning `a refuge on a remote hill pass` - and comes from a time when wolves roamed wild in Scotland. Something to think about as you munch your scone in the comfort of one of the local hostelries!
Spittal of Glenshee via Blacklunans to Kirkton of Glenisla - 14 miles/22˝km
Leaving Spittal of Glenshee the Trail heads southwards across the hillside and follows the Shee Water past Dalnaglar Castle into the fertile farmlands of Glenisla. The first 5 miles of this stretch are on a rough moorland path, then via quiet minor roads past the stunning setting of Forter Castle. Energetic walkers may wish to take the alternative route into Glenisla by crossing Mount Blair. The terrain is largely heathery and the summit offers a panoramic vista of surrounding countryside with views to Ben Nevis on a clear day.
Sticking with the Trail the route follows off road tracks and passes Auchintaple Loch and Loch Shandra. If time allows it is worth taking a short diversion through the trees to the banks of Auchintaple. Here you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Mount Blair set in glorious tranquil scenery. The village of Kirkton of Glenisla sits on the banks of the River Isla and is an ideal location for a dram, a hearty dinner and good nights sleep.
Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth - 11 miles/17˝km
The Trail winds through forest and farmland to the historic and picturesque burgh town of Alyth. Peaceful Glenisla is a real tonic in the early morning as the Trail rises high above the river and fields with fine open views over an idyllic pastoral scene. The area around Alyth has strong links to Arthurian legends and it is believed that Queen Guinevere was held captive by King Mordred at his fort on nearby Barry Hill. The route crosses Alyth Hill, rising steeply on the edge of the town, before meandering down Toutie Street into the centre. Cattle were driven along Toutie Street to grazing pastures in past centuries and the street is evocatively named after the noise from the herd-boy's horn. Alyth is a traditional farming town with a relaxed atmosphere and many options for eating and accommodation.
Alyth to Bridge of Cally - 9 miles/15km
Heading north - west out of Alyth the Trail uses moorland and pleasant estate roads. Although gradients are generally gentle on this quiet homeward stretch, walkers are rewarded with extensive views as the route twice climbs to over 950ft above sea level.
The final descent into Bridge of Cally is mostly on tarmac, using quiet minor roads. Bridge of Cally Hotel is located close to the old bridge above the River Ericht, is walker- friendly and has a welcoming and well stocked bar. Where better to reflect on this unspoilt corner of Scotland and the colourful life of the caterans?
Bridge of Cally to Blairgowrie - 7 miles/11km
From Bridge of Cally back to Blairgowrie the route is a reversal of that used on the outward journey. See first paragraph for details.
Responsible Access
Walkers are welcome on the Trail if they show consideration for the land and the work being done on it. Most of the Trail is suitable only for walkers. You are requested not to bring your dog(s) as the route passes through livestock and wildlife sensitive areas.
The Cateran Trail is managed by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust and could not exist without the permission and co-operation of owners whose land it crosses.
Further information from www.pkct.org/caterantrail
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"FROM CATERANS AND ROBBERS,
FROM WOLVES AND EVIL CREATURES,
LORD DELIVER US"
From the medieval Litany of Dunkeld
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