The Cateran Trail

Keen walkers often head to Scotland to tackle some of the excellent trails and walking routes in the area. Perthshire is a hugely popular area for walking and hiking thanks to its stunning countryside and beautiful nature. The Cateran Trail is one of Scotland’s Great Trails and is a picturesque long-distance route through Perthshire and the Angus Glens.

The 103 km /64-mile walking trail explores the heart of Scotland and takes walkers through secluded Strathardle and parts of Glen Shee and Glen Isla. While the length of the Cateran Trail sounds daunting to many; it is actually fairly moderate as long walks go. The highest point is a little over 2,000ft or 650m, and the walk can be broken down into short journeys.

Walking The Cateran Trail
The Cateran Trail is a circular route that is easily split into five different stages. Each stage can be walked comfortably in one day, making the duration of the Cateran Trail a pleasant five days.

Walkers are free to join the trail at any stage as there is no official beginning or end and the entire route is fully waymarked. During the trek, walkers will adventure down ancient tracks and old drove roads, across a mixture of terrains including forests, moors and farmlands.

The Cateran Trail can be broken down into:

• Stage 1: Starting in the bustling market town of Blairgowrie, the first stage of The Cateran Trail is a gentle stroll with beautiful views to the Bridge of Cally. From here the trail passes through Blackcaig Forest and Strathardle Glen, finishing in the village of Kirkmichael.
• Stage 2: From Kirkmichael the route is mainly upland, and this stage covers the trail’s highest point between Strathardle and Glen Shee.
• Stage 3: Beginning at the Spittal of Glen Shee, the first five miles of this stage is through the rough Scottish moorland. The trail then follows off-road tracks passed Auchintaple Loch and Loch Shandra.
• Stage 4: As the trail rises above the river and fields, there are fantastic open views and unbeatable scenery. This stage winds through Kilry Wood and to Alyth’s town centre.
• Stage 5: The final stretch passes over the Hill of Alyth with stunning panoramic views and descends into Bamff Estate. The last stage heads to the Bridge of Cally on quiet tarmac roads.

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