Cateran Trail
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The Cateran Trail is a circular long-distance walking route in central
Scotland Scotland is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It contains nearly one-third of the United Kingdom's land area, consisting of the northern part of the island of Great Britain and more than 790 adjac ...
. The trail has no official beginning or end and can be joined at any stage. The route was established, way-marked and is now maintained by, the Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust. A variety of terrain is covered by the trail including farmland, mountains and forest. The path itself follows old
drovers' road A drovers' road, drove road, droveway, or simply a drove, is a route for droving livestock on foot from one place to another, such as to marketplace, market or between summer and winter pasture (see transhumance). Many drovers' roads were anci ...
s, minor paved roads and farm tracks and can be walked in 4 or 5 days. It is now designated as one of Scotland's Great Trails by
NatureScot NatureScot () is an Scottish public bodies#Executive NDPBs, executive non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government responsible for Scotland’s natural heritage, especially its nature, natural, genetics, genetic and scenic diversity. ...
. As of 2018 it was estimated that around 8,000 people were using the trail each year.


Route

The Cateran Trail is typically walked in 5 stages, with the stopping points being determined by the availability of accommodation and the walker's fitness. Generally, the trail is started at Blairgowrie and the clockwise direction is taken towards Kirkmichael, Spittal of Glenshee,
Kirkton of Glenisla Kirkton of Glenisla consists of a church and graveyard, a hotel, hall and several homes forming the largest concentration of habitation in Glenisla, Angus, Scotland Angus (; ) is one of the 32 Local government in Scotland, local government ...
then
Alyth Alyth () () is a town in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, northeast of Blairgowrie and Rattray, Blairgowrie and about northwest of Dundee. In 2022 the town had an estimated population of 3,046. First mentioned by name in a 12th-century royal char ...
. Throughout the walk, the path is well marked. Some waymark posts feature the gnarled faces of drovers (or alternatively caterans, cattle raiders for whom the Trail is named) carved into the edge of the post while most display the Cateran trail logo; a green ring enclosing a red heart on a white background. Due to the large number of stiles, the trail is mostly unsuitable for cyclists, and dogs must be kept on a short lead or under control where the path crosses fields with young livestock. The Cateran Trail has been linked with the hobby of
geocaching Geocaching (, ) is an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called ''geocaches'' or ''caches'', at sp ...
: each of the "drover's face" posts is numbered, and further information about each one can be obtained by entering the number into th
www.geocaching.com
website. Additionally, a "passport" is available for walkers to record geocaches found along the way, with points available for visiting each one, or getting a stamp from participating businesses along the way. Small commemorative coins are awarded depending on the number of points scored.


Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael

Starting from the centre of Blairgowrie, the trail follows the River Ericht before climbing onto the wide expanse of Cochrage moor. After descending close to Bridge of Cally, the path comes to a T-junction where walkers can opt to travel towards Kirkmichael or Alyth. Following the signs to Kirkmichael, the trail enters Blackcraig forest and offers some fine views over Strathardle. This section is in length.


Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee

Although this section is, at , the shortest section in terms of length, it is here where the trail reaches the highest point on the route and so presents its own unique challenges. Skirting Kindrogan wood on the West side of Strathardle, the path passes Tullochcurran Loch before crossing the river into Enochdhu. From here, the trail begins its long ascent through forest and open hillside to the col (An Lairig) between Ben Earb and Meall Uaine. On the ascent there is a wooden shelter known as the Dirnanean Estate upper lunch hut. After the mountain pass, the path quickly descends into Spittal of Glenshee.


Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkton of Glenisla

This leg of the journey begins with a leisurely walk down Glen Shee. Just after Westerton of Runavey, there is an alternative route to the left which climbs through some rough terrain to Loch Beanie and rejoins the main trail at Forter. The main route continues to follow Shee Water to the grounds of the superb Dalnaglar Castle. Now the route follows the B951 to Forter. Another side path climbs Mount Blair, which offers commanding views of the surrounding countryside on a clear day. Between Forter and
Kirkton of Glenisla Kirkton of Glenisla consists of a church and graveyard, a hotel, hall and several homes forming the largest concentration of habitation in Glenisla, Angus, Scotland Angus (; ) is one of the 32 Local government in Scotland, local government ...
, the trail loops around Auchintaple Loch and descends by Loch Shandra. This section is long.


Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth

Over this stage the scenery mellows as the path returns toward Strathmore. To start this section, walk west on the road from the Glenisla Hotel until the primary school, turn left and cross the iron bridge. Here the path climbs rapidly over moorland before passing by a string of farms. A short diversion to the spectacular Reekie Linn is well worthwhile. Finally the trail passes between Hill of Alyth and Hill of Loyal prior to reach the village of
Alyth Alyth () () is a town in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, northeast of Blairgowrie and Rattray, Blairgowrie and about northwest of Dundee. In 2022 the town had an estimated population of 3,046. First mentioned by name in a 12th-century royal char ...
, a distance of from the Kirkton.


Alyth to Blairgowrie

North of the village, the trail climbs Hill of Alyth and passes through the extensive Bamff estate. From here, the route follows a quiet country road and passes through some mixed woodland before descending into Bridge of Cally. The final section of the Cateran Trail follows the same track as the very first stage, this time returning to Blairgowrie for a total distance of . An alternative, and much shorter route exists between Alyth and Blairgowrie. The trail progresses through the wooded Den of Alyth before passing the Tullyfergus farms and through Drimmie woods into Blairgowrie.


References


External links


Cateran Trail Official Website
{{Long-distance footpaths in the United Kingdom Scotland's Great Trails Footpaths in Perth and Kinross