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Waymarked Walks:Thanks to the work of Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, a new waymarked paths network was completed in East Perthshire in early summer 2006.
Routes cover varied terrain and take walkers through some of the best countryside in the Blairgowrie area. There are varied routes extending to a total distance of 20 miles/32km – all described in a coloured leaflet/outline map available from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Blairgowrie or local shops.
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MODERATE WALKS
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River Ericht Walk
Distance: 8 miles/13km
Approximate Time: 180 minutes
Height Gain: none
Further Info: Part of Blairgowrie Paths Network - leaflet available from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Blairgowrie.
A long circular walk by the banks of the River Ericht and through mixed countryside. The route begins near to the Wellmeadow in the centre of Blairgowrie – look out for the colour coded signposts at the start point on the bridge. The area is famed for its delicious soft fruit and huge fields of raspberries, wheat and barley are a feature on the early part of the walk. Further on the route hugs the river bank, crossing at Kitty Swanson’s Bridge, a spot where, for many years in the late 1800’s, Kitty operated a ferry crossing and lived in a nearby cottage. The return back to town is notable for the tremendous unfolding views of the Sidlaw Hills and the historical interest of old mills by the river. Refreshments, shops and car parking available in Blairgowrie.
The `Knockie`
Distance: 3 miles/5km
Approximate Time: 90 minutes
Height Gain: 80 metres
Further Info: Part of Blairgowrie Paths Network - leaflet available from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Blairgowrie.
The `Knockie Path` begins in the centre of Blairgowrie but on the opposite side of the bridge to the River Ericht Walk (described above). Several old mills can be seen along this path. Now sadly derelict, these buildings were once a hive of industry working noisily to turn flax into linen and employing nearly 2000 people at their peak. The path climbs, on a minor road, to Knockie Hill, where the walker is rewarded with excellent views to surrounding hills, before descending into town. The route from the riverside to the hill top is the first part of the long distance Cateran Trail, a circular route through the glens of Perthshire and Angus. Parking for the `Knockie` walk is at Riverside car park in Blairgowrie.
Den of Alyth
Distance: up to 2.5 miles/4km
Approximate Time: 60 minutes
Height Gain: negligible
Further Info: Descriptive leaflet from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Blairgowrie.
Den is from the Scots dialect meaning `wooded glen`. The Den of Alyth has several walks of varying length through the deep, shady glen of the Alyth Burn amongst mixed open woodland. As well as being a quiet place to walk, the Den is a place to rest, picnic and watch the varied wildlife. Oak, ash and birch trees are home to small birds like treecreepers and great tits, while dippers and grey wagtails live by the waterside.
One of the walking trails has been upgraded and is suitable for wheelchair users and buggies. The Den is situated less than 2 minutes drive from the centre of Alyth. From Market Square, take Bamff Road west out of the village. There are two car parking areas on the left hand side of the road close to the entrance to the Den.
Hill of Alyth & Hill of Loyal
Distance: 3 miles/5km
Approximate Time: 90 minutes
Height Gain: 230 metres
Further Info: `Walks East Perthshire` - Hallewell Pocket Walking Guide or OS Landranger Map 53 - both available from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Blairgowrie.
Beginning in the centre of the old market town of Alyth, the combination of these two small hills gives a rewarding half day circuit with the added benefit of 360 degree views to the fertile countryside of Strathmore and more distant peaks. Loyal Road, just past the entrance to Lands of Loyal Hotel, is a convenient start point from where a track leads up the hill through open woodland and heather to the unmarked summit of Hill of Loyal. Continue to Hill of Alyth by retracing your steps to `the three gates` and take the middle option up through gorse to reach the trig point on the hill top. A short distance to the west a tiny lochan indicates the best point from which to start the descent. Walkers should aim for the fence line which later leads to a track and the straightforward route back into the village where refreshments are available.
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LONGER WALKS
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Enochdhu to Spittal of Glenshee
Distance: 6 miles/ 9km (one way only)
Approximate Time: 210 minutes (one way only)
Height Gain: 400 metres
Further Info: `Walks East Perthshire` - Hallewell Pocket Walking Guide or OS Landranger Map 43 - both available from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Blairgowrie.
This route is linear and follows an ancient right of way across high moorland between Strathardle and Glen Shee. From the Middle Ages until the 17th century cattle rustlers (caterans) flourished in the region and made good use of this remote hill pass to quickly move herds of stolen cattle and other booty. The walk described is ideal for a single day walk but the route can also be walked as part of the 64 mile/103km Cateran Trail - a well signed circular route through the Perthshire and Angus glens.
Starting from the village of Enochdhu there is a signposted path leading up the hillside through woodland and farm buildings. The path climbs to heather moorland and is clearly visible as it stretches north across high ground to An Lairig (The Pass). At 2133ft/650metres this is the dramatic mid point between the two glens. The descent to Glen Shee is fairly steep at first, however the path is clearly marked and there are inspiring views to the glen below. Spittal of Glenshee Hotel serves food and refreshments all day, including gigantic scones and rock buns. Return to Enochdhu is by reversing the route or, for a more leisurely option, walkers may wish to stay overnight in Spittal of Glenshee where hotel and bunkhouse accommodation is available. Dirnanean Garden is close to the first part of the route (open during summer months)
Glen Lochsie and Glen Taitneach
Distance: up to 6 miles/ 9.5km (one way only)
Approximate Time: variable
Height Gain: variable depending on route
Further Info: OS Landranger Map 43
Two excellent low level routes start from the picturesque village of Spittal of Glenshee, both running north west along deep cut glens with towering hills on either side. Good estate tracks run close to mountain burns in both Glen Lochsie and Glen Taitneach, with many tempting pools and idyllic picnic spots. Both routes are clearly shown on the appropriate OS map. Energetic walkers can extend the Glen Lochsie route to climb the mountain known as Glas Tulaichean, gaelic for `green hills` and classified as a Munro at 1051 metres/3448ft. Parking, refreshments and accommodation available in Spittal of Glenshee.
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HILL & MOUNTAIN WALKS
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Ben Gulabin
Distance: 3 miles/5km
Approximate Time: 180 minutes
Height Gain: 450 metres
Further Info: OS Landranger Map 43
In Gaelic, Ben Gulabin means `Hill of the Curlew`, named thoughtfully and descriptively by our ancestors who lived and worked close to the land. Ben Gulabin is classified as a Corbett (mountain over 2500ft) and provides an attractive backdrop for the settlement of Spittal of Glenshee. Walkers reaching the summit are rewarded with excellent views down Glen Shee.
The walk begins at a small parking area (GR 114714) just north of the village of Spittal of Glenshee, off the A93. From this point, a good track leads up the hill to the summit. Until the 18th century wolves roamed the deep wooded glens of Scotland and struck fear into the hearts of many, to the extent that shelters or `spittals` were built in remote areas. Travellers would progress only as far as the `spittal` before nightfall …. while outside the wolves howled on the chill northern wind. Something to ponder whilst enjoying refreshments in the comfort of the hotel at Spittal of Glenshee.
Mount Blair
Distance: 2 miles/3km
Approximate Time: 140 minutes
Height Gain: 385 metres
Further Info: OS Landranger Map 43
A sweeping shapely cone, Mount Blair (Hill of the Moor) is visible from Glen Shee and Glen Isla and offers a short and straightforward walk to a good viewpoint. The hill is located prominently between the two glens and the terrain is mainly heathery with some rough and rocky areas on the lower slopes, which are easily avoided. Wonderful 360 degree views from the summit, where there is a toposcope to help identify major landmarks and surrounding hills. There is also a large telecommunications tower on the hill top – an unattractive feature but one which can help with navigation in poorer weather. Large numbers of red deer are frequently seen in the area, particularly in winter when the herds forage for food at lower altitudes.
The most straightforward route of ascent begins 1 mile/1.5km from Cray (GR 156643) off the B951. Cars can be parked in an open area at the edge of the forest plantation, near the start of the walk. Slightly further east, a path leads directly up the hill to the summit. Return by the same route or, for a longer circular alternative, descend directly to Cray.
The Cairnwell, Carn Aosda and Carn a Gheoidh
Distance: 6 miles/10km
Approximate Time: 240 minutes
Height Gain: 400 metres
Further Info: OS Landranger Map 43
Situated off the A93 at the head of Glen Shee, Cairnwell and Carn Aosda are not the most attractive hills in Scotland, being covered in ski tows and other man-made structures, they are, however, very accessible. When combined with the remote outlier Carn a Gheoidh (Hill of the Goose) they make a good short hill day, with the possibility of spectacular views. Begin at the large car park at the Cairnwell Ski Centre (GR 141 779). From the Ski Centre buildings a path leads up the side of the burn, branching left and right onto the respective hills. Carn a Gheoidh is reached later after an uplifting tramp across open heathery ground. Return by the same route. Refreshments at the ski centre, Spittal of Glenshee or Blairgowrie.
Creag Leacach and Glas Maol
Distance: 13 miles/21km
Approximate Time: 420 minutes
Height Gain: 730 metres
Further Info: OS Landranger Map 43
The most scenic and tranquil approach to these beautiful peaks is a start from Glen Isla at the small informal parking area close to the River Isla (GR193 684). From here a good estate track leads northwards and joins with the ancient Monega Hill Pass (look for the right of way sign on the left). From the highest point on the Monega route, easy high level walking leads north westwards first to Little Glas Maol and then onto the broad flank of Glas Maol (grey-green bare hill). The summit cairn once marked the meeting point of the old county boundaries of Perthshire, Angus and Aberdeenshire. The broad and rocky ridge of Creag Leacach lies ahead and is a good point from which to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Glen Shee and the ski facilities across the glen. The usual descent is through Glen Brighty and past Tulchan Lodge to rejoin the estate track and route back to the car park. Red deer stalking takes place in these hills from June to mid-February and walkers are advised to follow local guidance or enquire in advance. Refreshments at Kirkton of Glen Isla or Blairgowrie.
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LONG DISTANCE ROUTES
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The Cateran Trail
Uniquely among long distance walks in Scotland, the Cateran Trail is circular, beginning and ending in Blairgowrie. The route covers 63 miles/103km through the scenic, unspoilt Perthshire and Angus Glens following the paths used by the 15th century Caterans or cattle rustlers. Contact the VisitScotland Information Centre in Blairgowrie for an information pack or visit
Cateran Trail
See also www.pkct.org/caterantrail
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