The Cateran Trail: Long-Distance Walking Route Guide

The Cateran Trail is one of Scotland’s Great Trails. This fantastic circular long-distance route takes you through the best of Perthshire and Angus in the heart of Scotland.

The route is 104 kilometres (64 miles) long and is split into six sections, which can be walked in five days. The route is circular and can be joined at any point, the main joining stage is Blairgowrie.

The name of the route comes from the routes of cattle thieves which are known as Caterans. From the Middle Ages to the 17th century, the Caterans brought terror and bloodshed to the glens, raiding Strathardle, Glenshee & Glen Isla.

Now, the landscapes bring tranquillity and delight. 

The Route

Along the route, there is plenty of pubs and settlements. The trail out of Blairgowrie to Kirknewton via Bridge of Cally is quite steep in places but well signposted.

The route takes you through the best part of Glenshee & Glenisla. Also, there is a high moorland pass with amazing mountain views, brilliant wildlife and a great chance to spot some wildlife. 

There is a link route from Cray to Kirkmichael which shortens the Cateran Trail to create a mini option. This mini route is a lovely two-day long route with stopovers at Kirkmichael and the Spittal of Glenshee.

The Cateran Trail has way-marked paths, forest tracks and cycle paths through stretches of moorland. It follows old driven roads and ancient tracks across farmland and the countryside.

The route can be rough in places and can be muddy in others. There are multi-gates are regularly being installed along the route to allow better access for all visitors to the trail.

When you cross the gates, make sure you close them behind.

Public Transport

Blairgowrie is a small town in Perthshire, the nearest cities are Perth and Dundee. There are bus connections to both of these cities. 

Also, the nearby village of Alyth is serviced by bus. The rest of the trail has limited public transport.

From Blairgowrie, you can get a bus to Kirkmichael and Kirton of Glenisla. In the summer months, there is a bus which goes from Blairgowrie to Deeside.

Along the way, the bus stops at the Spittal of Glenshee. Visit Traveline Scotland for more information.

Accommodation 

There are several villages along the trail where visitors can find mostly hotels, guest houses and B&Bs. In 2014, the Spittal of Glenshee was burned down, therefore, there is limited accommodation at Spittal.

There are various designated campsites along the trail. Wild camping is legally allowed as long as campers follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. 

• Blairgowrie: Fir Tree Lodge, Ivybank Lodge, The Angus Hotel 
• Bridge of Cally: Granite Cottage
• Kirkmichael: The Kirkmichael Hotel & Strathardle Lodge
• Kirton of Glenisla: Larch Cottage
• Alyth: Lands of Loyal Hotel, Tigh Na Leigh Guest House & Banff Ecotourism

Supplies

• Blairgowrie: Co-op Food, Scotmid, Tesco Superstore, Dalmore Inn & Restaurant, Little’s Restaurant & Fair O’Blair 
• Bridge of Cally: The Bridge of Cally
• Kirkmichael: Kirkmichael Village Shop, The Kirky Bar & Restaurant 
• Spittal of Glenshee: Wee House of Glenshee
• Alyth: Premier, Co-op Food

Baggage Transfer

Many hotel and B&Bs on the route offers baggage transfer, with pick-up and drop-off services. Also, you can contact local taxi firms to organise pick up and drop off.

Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael

Blairgowrie to Bridge of Cally

The route beings in the busy market town of Blairgowrie, this town is the hub for Perthshire’s soft fruit growing industry. Park in the Riverside car park on the north side of the centre of Blairgowrie.

Follow the River Ericht upstream. There is a viewing platform and the river is far below in the gorge.

Soon there is a second narrower viewing platform with a series of cataracts in the river below, this is Cargill’s Leap.

Cargill’s Leap is a famous rapid where Donald Cargill – a 17th-century covenanter and local minister daringly escaped from government troops.

The path continues across a wooden bridge which has some amazing river views. Some old millworkers are on the left, and then on the right, there is Brooklinn Mill, an old mill which has been converted into a house. 

Follow the track as it climbs, through a pedestrian gate up to Cochrage Muir. From Cochrage Muir, you can get great views down to the tiny hamlet of Bridge of Cally, over the wind farm to Mount Blair and the Mounth Hills in the background.

Bridge of Cally is a petite village which sits at the junction of three magnificent glens: Glenshee, Strathardle and Glenericht.

Bridge of Cally to Kirkmichael

From Bridge of Cally, the trail passes through Blackcraig Forest and up the west side of the peaceful Strathardle Glen. There are spectacular views of the area as it follows the River Ardle.

Follow the way-markers at several track junctions, climbing through a stile, the woodland section then into an open field. This part of the route then passes Blackcraig Castle and Ballintuim. 

Further on, the route crosses the Allt Cul na Coille before bearing right over a stile. Heading into the woods, then heading left along a good track once more.

The route passes Dalvey Loch, crossing a couple of cattle grids, keeping right at a couple of forks. 

Passing a few more gates, the route passes River Ardle, passing a ruined church, and follows a lane. The end of this section ends in the attractive village of Kirkmichael.

Highlights (Bridge of Cally to Kirkmichael)

Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee

Kirkmichael is a small village which has a good range of places to eat to sleep. This glorious section of the route mostly heads upland, climbing over a high moorland pass.

The path then follows the path to the highest point of the route which is between Strathcardle and Glenshee. From the highest point of the route, you will be amazed by the spectacular views.

Also, there might be a chance to see soaring eagles and the odd red deer.

Kirkmichael to Glenshee

When leaving Kirkmichael follow the sign ‘Cateran Trail – Spittal of Glenshee, 9’. Follow the lane that is signed Enochdu.

The route passes an impressive white house of Dalreoch and goes over the old stone bridge. This part of the route passes through a small settlement called Enochdhu.

Enochdhu is also known as ‘Black Meadow’ or ‘moor’ and is where Caterans once gathered after a raid.

Cateran Trail climbs gently, keeping to the left of the entrance to Dirnanean Highland Garden. During the summer months, Dirnanean Garden is open and is worth the stop.

Go left through the farmyard, go over the stile and follow the track uphill. Stay on track, where you will see the fire tower, turn left following the signs for Glenshee, climb the stile and enter the forestry. 

This part of the route has marker posts shaped with carved heads of the Caterans. Cross the Allt Dubhhagan, continue through the forest, and leads onto the open moorland.

Ben Earb, Creag an Dubh Shluic and Meall Uaine will encircle you as you climb up the route. 

Also, there is Upper Lunch Hut, originally provided by the estate for shooting parties. Also, the hut was an ideal resting place, as it did for Queen Victoria in 1865.

The descent down Coire Lairige is straightforward although very boggy in places. 

Highlights (Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee)

• Dirnanean Highland Garden

Spittal of Glenshee to Glen Isla

Spittal of Glenshee is located at the heart of the eastern Perth Highlands with small streams surrounding it.

This is a significant area as back in 1606 a battle occurred here between locals and Caterans who have stolen cattle from the neighbouring area.

After this battle, the caterans were defeated and cattle thieving had become much less of a threat. 

Spittal of Glenshee to Cray

The route will take you past Cairnwell Mountain Sports, over the Shee Water, past a church and Gulabin Lodge. Cross the main road, head left then climb a stile to follow the farm track.

The first five miles of this trail follow the Shee Water through the moorland. It is much gentler compared to the rest of the route so far.

This part of the route will take you along grassy tracks, over bridges, through gates and down muddy tracks in fields. Keep your eyes peeled for the next marker post.

You will eventually reach the farm buildings at Westerton of Runavey and climb the hill uphill from the gate. 

There are many fields along this route, and plenty of stiles to cross over. Markers will indicate whether to turn left or right.

A few fields on, cross a footbridge, climb up the steep hill opposite, and pick up the path near the top which heads right. Eventually, cross a stone wall on a high stile, then turn right and follow the vague path near the wall, passing behind Broughdearg.

Soon you will reach another high stile on the right, climb this to head down onto a clear track, and turn left along it. 

Farm buildings at Dunmay will appear, walk through the wooden gate on the left, and then follow a rougher track. The path then crosses a burn and follows the edge of the woods, then reaches a track with the river on the right.

This part of the route goes along minor roads where you will go past Dalnaglar Castle.

Cray to Kirkton of Glenisla

There is a road junction at Cray which will take you back to Kirkmichael if you wish to complete the Cateran Mini Trail. Otherwise, follow the road that climbs a low pass from Glen Shee to Glen Isla, crossing the border into Angus county.

Head left towards Forter Castle at the junction in Glen Isla. Turn right towards Folda and cross the Bridge of Forter.

Head left over a high stile, and follow the forestry track uphill, where you will be rewarded with good views back to the castle.

Keep right and head into the open moorland, keep right at the next junction and follow the high pass where Auchintaple Loch can be seen on the right. 

At the banks of Auchintaple Loch is worth taking a diversion to see the fantastic views of Mount Blair. The path starts to head downhill, look out for the carved marker post just before entering the forest.

Eventually, the smaller Loch Shandra appears on the right. Keep on the indistinct path going through the heather, sometimes this area can be very boggy.

Soon the path heads uphill and leads into the pine trees. Through the trees, you should be able to see Glen Isla on your left.

Walk past the farm, and soon, you will see a domed stone war memorial on the right, turn right before the barn. From here, walk a short distance to the town of Kirkton of Glenisla.

Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth

Kirton of Glenisla to Kilry

Kirkton of Glenisla has a hotel, church, car park, picnic area and toilets. From Kirkton of Glenisla, begin walking west along the B951, follow the Cateran Trail sign ‘Alyth 10’.

The route continues to a suspension footbridge over River Isla. The paths are quite discrete and you can follow the signs for this part. 

The route then curves left, crosses another path and heads straight uphill onto the heather moorland. Continue up Glen Isla, high above the fields and river to give way to amazing views across an idyllic pastoral scene.

The route continues through Kilry Wood. Then, it follows between the Hills of Alyth and down to Alyth’s town centre. 

At Whitehills Farm the Cateran Trail keeps straight on along a brief grassy section which leads onto a clearer track. Continue on the track as it curves past Cammock Farm.

Go through the gate and follow the track to the left of the barn. Forests are soon approached and the route continues onto a tarred drive. 

Keep left at Loanhead Farm and ignore the ‘Coffin Route’ signpost. The route countries left and pass the entrance to Kilry Lodge.

This part of the route follows a minor road, turn right along this road and then left at a junction by the whitewashed old schoolhouse. 

Kilry to Alyth

Look out for a green Cateran Trail sign which indicated when to turn right. This sign is past Wester Derry and Knowhead Farm.

Walk uphill and cross a couple of fields then turn left onto a grassy track where you can witness incredible views of the Knock of Formal. 

After another stile, a junction of tracks is reached. One is signposted for Reekie Linn. Reekie Linn is an impressive waterfall which is 1.5 kilometres off route.

Keeping to the right at the junction will allow you to continue along the Cateran Trail. Keep right after crossing the bridge and walk through a pedestrian gate.

The next part of the route is pathless. At one point the path is on the right of the remains of a stone wall.

The route follows behind the houses at Ardormie and onto a minor road. 

The next part of the route is faint and is behind some pedestrian gates. This slowly becomes a gradual climb with god views looking back between the Hill of Alyth and the Hill of Loyal.

Soon, the track begins to descend and Alyth and Strathmore can be seen with the Sidlaws behind. Continue on the track heading downhill and go through a gate onto Loyal Road.

At Hill Street, turn right, then Cateran Trail continues up the High Street to the right. For Alyth town centre bear left at Tourie Street to reach attractive shops and hotels perched on the Alyth Burn.

There are strong links to Arthurian legends in Alyth and the surrounding area. It is believed that King Mordred held Queen Guinevere captive at his fort on a nearby Barry Hill.

Alyth to Blairgowrie

The fifth and final stage passes through the Hill of Alyth. There are gorgeous views across the area as the route descendants into Bamff Estate.

This part of the route follows through moorlands and pleasant estate rods. The trail runs close to the massive standing stones of Heatheryhaugh.

From Alyth, the route back to Bridge of Cally is mostly on quiet minor tarmac roads. Take a detour out of Alyth to the Den of Alyth and the stunning path network.

Alyth to Bridge of Cally

On leaving Alyth look out for a marked path heading uphill on the right and follow this to climb towards the top of the hill. Follow the path on the left side of the fence.

The grassy path splits, left for the Cateran Trail and right for the Hill of Alyth. Soon you will cross the moorland aiming for the moorlands in the distance.

Continue to follow the signs for Bridge of Cally, turning onto a marked path just before a ruined building.

When the path becomes a track turn right and stay right to pass to the left of Bamff House. Head along a track to the right to reach Home Farm. 

Turn right and walk along a road, then turn left at the next junction. The wind farm should be on your right.

Where the road turns left, keep going straight and follow onto a farm track. Continues along a high ridge with good views down the glen. 

The path will take you past the houses at Netherton and over the Black Water. The route follows back onto the A93 where you can turn left and follow a pavement which is fenced off from the main road at first.

After the sharp bend, the route heads down to Bridge of Cally where there is a shop and hotel. Cross the bridge, cross the road to the hotel side and right up a track immediately after passing the hotel.

The path leads into the forest and soon reaches a junction, at this point, you will have re-joined the outward stage of the Cateran Trail from Blairgowrie. Turn left to begin the walk back.

Highlights (Alyth to Bridge of Cally)

Cateran Trail Tips

Be aware of midges: If you are walking from mid-May to September, carry midge-repellent supplies. The midges are out in force and they bite, so anything from a head net to spray should be sufficient to deter the mini beasts. 

Be aware of Ticks: As well as midges, be aware of ticks, especially in the summer months. Pack a tick removal device and check yourself regularly. 

Organise baggage transport: If you do not want to carry your bag or have a suitcase as well as your backpack. You can organise a bag transfer service to drop off your luggage at Blairgowrie, Alyth or at a campsite, B&B, hotel or hostel along the way.

Carry a map: A map is not required to navigate this route as there are Cateran Trail signs and information boards along the route. However, it is handy and safer to have one.

The map was useful to name certain mountains that you see on route and to track how far you have to go until the next stop. 

Take a dry bag and waterproof: It does not matter what time of year you make your trip to Scotland. There is a high chance that it will rain at least once during the Cateran Trail trek. 
Carry a water filter: There are plenty of water and streams to collect water. However, the water is not safe to drink straight from the streams.

Also, this will reduce the load you will have to carry as there are always streams to top up on water from.

How Long Does it Take to Walk the Cateran Trail?

For most walkers, the Cateran Trail can be comfortably completed in 5 days. Also, depending on your ability, the route can take between four to six days.

The Cateran Trail is a 104-kilometre circuit showcasing the best of Angus & Perthshire.

The circular route can be shortened by following the mini trail link between Cray and Kirkmichael. The mini trail shortens the route so it can be completed in two to three days.

The mini trails miss out on the Spittal of Glenshee.

Can you cycle the Cateran Trail?

The Cateran Trail is a popular long-distance 104-kilometre route which follows way-marked trails. The route is not well-worn and is less popular than many of the other long-distance walking trails. 

The walking trail is a loop so you can return to your car. It is a mixed terrain, relatively easy flat walking.

However, it is not rideable on a bike in some parts. There are plenty of gates, many of them are new, and easy to access but some are old so bikes do not fit. 

Final Note

The Cateran Trail is one of Scotland’s greatest trails. It is not as popular as some other long-distance routes. So, you can be one of the first to complete the route. 

Cateran Trail is a route which was taken by the caterans centuries ago. There is lovely moorland.

Views of glens and mountains, and plenty of greenery and rivers. This is a suitable walk for beginner long-distance walkers. 

The Cateran Trail showcases the highlights of rural Perthshire and Angus. Also, it is a perfect hiking option for those who live in Perth or Dundee.

If you are going with a group of people, perhaps there is a way you can organise for someone to stay with your bags or leave a car at the Bridge of Cally so you can walk the Blairgowrie to Bridge of Cally stretch once and bag-free.

Although the Cateran Trail does not give you amazing scenic mountain views like other trails in Scotland. It is a lovely quiet and peaceful walk where you can get some solitude.

Also, this is a great place for wild camping. The Cateran Way will make a great memorable trip.