The Cateran Trail: If you want to experience some of the most dramatic scenery in the heart of Scotland, The Cateran Trail located in the Perthshire Highlands is one of the best ways to do so. The trail takes in some of the cattle drove roads that the Caterans used centuries ago. The name of the trail comes from the warrior people that lived here, the Caterans, who struck fear into the hearts of the villagers with their cattle rustling and pillaging of the towns and villages. Walk in the footsteps of history when you walk the Cateran Trail.
Start your walk on the Cateran Trail in Blairgowrie. There is public transportation from Perth to Blairgowrie in the form of trains and buses. You can also start the trail at any of the other towns along the route, such as Kirkmichael, Spittal of Glenshee, Alyth, and the Kirkton of Glenisla with buses from Perth so that you can start and finish the trail where you please without having to worry about where you left your car.
Distance:
60 miles / 100km
Special Requirements:
Boots or strong shoes recommended
The Route:
You can easily walk the 60 miles of the Cateran Trail in 5 days or just choose to walk a section of the trail. Blairgowrie is the recognized beginning of the trail with plenty of historic sites along the way. Take in the stunning view of the Cochrage Muir and descend into the hamlet of Bridge of Cally for some refreshments. The trail winds its way through the peaceful Strathardle Glen, the prime area for the Caterans in days gone by. It is highly unlikely that you will meet up with any of them today, though.
Pass through Blackcraig Forest along the Cateran Trail, where you will get a first hand look at the wildlife of the area in its natural habitat. Take a rest in Kirkmichael, with its range of bed and breakfasts, hotels and restaurants before you tackle the upland part of the trail. The moorlands and hills pass through Enochdhu and Spittal of Glenshee. Enochdhu used to be the gathering place of the Caterans and where they sold the stolen cattle. As you pass along this route, take time to visit the Dirnanean Garden, open during the summer, or rest for a while by the Lunch Hut, once a favourite place of Queen Victoria.
From Spittal of Glenshee, the Cateran Trail takes you past Dalnaglar Castle and into the farming country of Glenshee. The major part of this trail follows country lanes. Take time to explore the church at Cray and the peaceful setting of Loch Drumore. If you wish you can take a diversion and enter Glenshee by way of Mount Blair, but this is only if you are energetic. The result is a commanding view of the surrounding countryside and on a clear say, you can see the peaks of Ben Nevis.
The idyllic scene of Alyth will take you back to the time of King Arthur. Legend has it that King Mordred held Queen Guinevere captive here in his hill fort near Barry Hill. The final part of the Cateran Trail takes you to Bridge of Cally along the minor roads. This is one vacation that will go down in your memories as you get to see the unspoiled Scotland for the beautiful place it is.