The Cateran Trail
Cattle rustling may be consigned to the history books but walkers in East Perthshire can still enjoy a flavour of those old days and take in some superb and varied scenery as well. The Cateran Trail is a 63 mile/101km circular waymarked walking route in the Perthshire and Angus Glens that follows the same ancient drove routes used by the cattle rustlers or Caterans, active in the 15th to 17th centuries.
Taking a clockwise direction, The Trail starts in Blairgowrie, a bustling market town at the heart of Scotland's soft fruit industry, then northwards by river and moor to the tiny settlement of Bridge of Cally. Strathardle is the next stage and the first of three Highland glens on the Cateran Trail. Onwards, leaving the soft contours of Strathardle behind, towards the wild mountainous country of Glenshee.
This glen has the distinction of being Britain's largest ski area and the route takes the walker to over 700 metres above sea level. Spectacular views of major peaks are virtually guaranteed and the sharp-eyed may catch a glimpse of wild red deer herds or an eagle soaring overhead.
Leaving Spittal of Glenshee, (Spittal is from the Scots Gaelic meaning `refuge on a remote hill pass`), the Cateran Trail follows the Shee Water into the lush farmlands of Glen Isla. Then onwards, by the gentle waters of the River Isla, towards the historic and picturesque burgh of Alyth. From here the Cateran Trail passes over Alyth Hill and the walker is rewarded with vistas over the wide expanse of Strathmore to the south. The final stretch is across open moorland to Bridge of Cally and the start point at Blairgowrie.
Using existing paths and some minor roads, the Trail can be walked in stages or completed in relatively leisurely fashion in 4/5 days. Either way, extensive use of the Cateran Trail logo and clear direction arrows ensure easy route finding for all grades of walker.
Further information and guidebook available from Blairgowrie Tourist Information Centre.
The Trail is managed and promoted by Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust.
Contact
Blairgowrie Tourist Information Centre
The Cateran Trail
by Blairgowrie
Perthshire & Angus
PH10
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1250) 872960
Fax: +44 (1250) 873701
E-Mail: blairgowrietic@perthshire.co.uk
WWW: http://www.perthshire.co.uk
