cateran trail leaflet

Photography credits: Mike Bell, Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust.

• 64 page guide• 60 colour photographs• waterproof• open flat• built-in map flap

TheCateran

Trail

Rucksack Readers www.rucsacs.com

Tel : +44 (0)1786 824 696

Most of the Trail is suitable only for walkers owing to theterrain, deer fences and ladder stiles. Please do not takeyour dog(s) through fields containing young animals.

PKCT manages the Trail with the kindpermission and cooperation of the landowners through whose land it passes.

SERVICESCLASSIC CAR HIREClassic Car HolidaysGlenisla/Glenshee PH11 8QW01250 882238enquiry@classic-car-holiday.comwww.classic-car-holiday.comGrid reference: G 7

TOUR OPERATOR

Easyways Booking ServiceDouglas CrightonHaypark Business CentreMarchmont AvenuePolmontFalkirk FK2 0NZ01324 [email protected], inexpensive packages forwalkers on the Cateran Trail. Qualityaccommodation and luggagetransport.

WALKING & ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS/BAGGAGE TRANSFER/CORPORATE ACTIVITY DAYS/BIKE HIREGlentrek Kirriemuir DD8 4PN07934 [email protected] www.glentrek.com

ACTIVITY PROVIDERHighway 2Montrose DD10 9BW01674 [email protected] www.highway2.co.uk

WALKING HOLIDAYSMake Tracks Walking HolidaysScotland 26 Forbes RoadEdinburgh EH10 4EDScotland UK+44 (0)131 229 [email protected] guided walks on the CateranTrail. Maps, written guide, qualityaccommodation, and luggagetransfer.

The Trail takes its name from bandsof fearsome cattle thieves whoregularly raided the area from theMiddle Ages until the 17th century.The Caterans moved south fromthe more lawless regions of theHighlands to enjoy the richpickings of East Perthshire and theAngus glens.

Extremely well informed abouttheir targets, the Caterans oftenmade use of weddings and otherfestivities to raid their wealthyneighbours. It wasn’t unusual forrevellers to awake to discover theircattle gone – it certainly wouldn’thave helped their hangover!

The plentiful farmlands of Glen Islaand Strathardle were particularfavourites of the maraudingCaterans. Raiding parties, withtheir intimate knowledge of thelandscape, escaped detection byvarying their routes home, usingthe network of ancient drove roads… some of which can be walked aspart of the Trail.

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£10.99

The 64 ml/103 km route is fully waymarked with theTrail logo and direction arrows.

The Trail is divided into five stages, each of around 12miles, and can be walked in 4 or 5 days.Accommodation, a hot bath, hearty food and a dramare available at the end of each stage.

For those who prefer to base themselves in one placefor the duration of their stay, or would like to berelieved of the burden of carrying their pack, somehotels and B&Bs offer a pick-up and transfer service.

Walking the Trail

Fully illustratedin colour

£9.99

Explore the Cateran TrailThe rich vibrant history, storiesand legends of The Cateran Trail

Available from Blairgowrie VIC

PERTH AND KINROSS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST

www.pkct.org

AccommodationSTAGE 1Blairgowrie – Kirkmichael

STAGE 1 CONT’D STAGE 3 CONT’D

STAGE 4 Kirkton of Glenisla - Alyth

Restaurant/ café The Dome Restaurant, Blairgowrie PH10 6AH 01250 874888Grid reference: I 18

Self catering The Jute Store, Brooklinn Mill, Blairgowrie PH10 6TB01250 870158; [email protected]; www.brooklinnmill.co.uk Grid reference: I 18

Restaurant/ public house/ b&bThe Old Cross Inn & Restaurant, Rattray, Blairgowrie PH10 7DY01250 875502; [email protected]; www.theoldcrossinn.co.uk Grid reference: I 18

B&B The Red House, Ballintuim PH10 7NJ01250 886217; [email protected] Grid reference: E 13

Caravan park Ballintuim Caravan Park (static caravans only – for sale) Ballintuim PH10 7NH01250 886276; [email protected]; www.ballintuimpark.co.uk Grid reference: E 13

Self catering Balnakilly Cottages & Log Cabins, Kirkmichael PH10 7NB01250 881356; [email protected]; www.balnakillyestate.co.ukWalkers Welcome. Grid reference: B 8 – C 9

Self catering Camnacar Cottage, Kirkmichael PH10 7NT01250 881435; [email protected]; www.camnacar.co.uk Grid reference: C 9

Guest house Cnoc Sualtach, Kirkmichael PH10 7NR01250 881329/ 07714 260139; [email protected] Grid reference: D 10

B&B Cruachan, Kirkmichael PH10 7NZ01250 881226; [email protected]; www.kirkmichael.net Grid reference: C 9

Caravan park Dirnanean Certified Location Caravan Park, Enochdhu PH10 7PD01250 881400; [email protected] Grid reference: B 8

Self catering Kirkmichael Apartments, Kirkmichael PH10 7NT01224 589268; [email protected]; www.kirkmichaelapartments.comGrid reference: C 9

Hotel Kirkmichael Hotel, Kirkmichael PH10 7NT01250 881769; [email protected]; www.kirkmichaelhotel.co.uk Grid reference: C 9

Self catering Kirkmichael Village Cottages, Kirkmichael PH10 7NT01250 872994/ 07798 791669; [email protected]; www.scotland2000.com/kirkmichael3 star self catering. Walkers Welcome. Grid reference: C 9

Self catering Riverview Cottage, Kirkmichael PH10 7NU01250 881416; [email protected]; www.riverview-cottage.co.uk4 star self catering. Walkers Welcome. Grid reference: C 9

Self catering The Butler’s House, Dirnanean, Enochdhu PH10 7PD01250 881212/ 01250 881400; [email protected] Grid reference: B 7

Hotel The Log Cabin Hotel , Kirkmichael PH10 7NA01250 881221; [email protected]; www.thelogcabinhotel.co.uk Grid reference: C 9

Hotel/ restaurant/ public house The Strathardle Inn, Kirkmichael PH10 7NS01250 881224; [email protected]; www.strathardleinn.co.uk Grid reference: D 9

Activity centre /b&b /self catering Compass Christian Centre, Glenshee PH10 7QD01250 885209; [email protected]; www.compasschristian.co.uk2 star self catering Grid reference: G 4

Self catering Dalmunzie Highland Cottages, Spittal of Glenshee PH10 7QE01250 885226; [email protected]; www.dalmunziecottages.com2-3 star self catering Grid reference: E 3

B&B Glenkilrie Bed & Breakfast, Blacklunans PH10 7LR01250 882241; [email protected]; www.glenkilrie.co.uk3 star farmhouse Grid reference: G 9

Retail Glenshee Pottery, Glenshee PH10 7LP01250 882238; [email protected] grid reference: G 7

Activity centre Glenshee Ski School/ Cairdsport, Spittal of Glenshee PH10 7QE01250 885216; [email protected]; www.cairdsport.com Grid reference: E 3

B&B Inveredrie Farmhouse, Glenshee PH10 7QD01250 885241; [email protected]; www.inveredrie.com Grid reference: E 3

Self catering Keeper’s Cottage, Dalrulzion, Glenshee PH10 7LJ01250 882230; [email protected]; www.scotland-cottage.net Grid reference: G 10

Self catering The Bothy, Glenshee PH10 7QE07903 831294; [email protected]; www.thebothyglenshee.co.ukGrid reference: E 3

Hotel The Spittal of Glenshee, A93, Glenshee PH10 7QF01250 885215; [email protected]; www.spittalofglenshee.co.uk Grid reference: E 3

Under new management.

A Trail SamplerThe Cateran Mini Trailis just 20 ml/32 km and is perfect for

those restricted on time, energy or inclination. A great way tosample the Trail, and ideal for a weekend break.

Enjoy Scotland’soutdoors responsibly• take responsibility for your own actions;• respect the interests of other people;• care for the environment.

B&B Bankhead Bed & Breakfast, Clunie, Blairgowrie PH10 6SG01250 884281; [email protected]; www.bankheadbnb.co.ukGrid reference: G 19

Holiday park/self catering Blairgowrie Holiday Park, Blairgowrie PH10 7AL01250 876666; [email protected]; www.holiday-parks.co.uk5 star holiday park/ 4 star self catering. Walkers Welcome. Grid reference: J 18

Holiday Park Corriefodly Holiday Park, Bridge of Cally PH10 7JG01250 876666; [email protected]; www.holiday-parks.co.uk5 star holiday park. Walkers Welcome. Grid reference: G 15

B&B Eildon Bank, Blairgowrie PH10 6ED01250 873648; [email protected] 3 star b&b Grid reference: I 19

B&B Gilmore House, Blairgowrie PH10 6EJ01250 872791; [email protected]; www.gilmorehouse.co.uk 4 star b&b. Walkers Welcome.Grid reference: I 19

B&B Glenvar Bed and Breakfast, Rattray, Blairgowrie PH10 7DE01250 875232; [email protected]; www.glenvarbedandbreakfast.co.uk Grid reference: J 18

Guest house Ivybank Guest House, Blairgowrie PH10 7BH01250 873056; [email protected]; www.ivybank-guest-house.co.uk4 star guest house. Walkers Welcome. Grid reference: J 18

Retail – fishing, shooting, outdoor equipment Kate Fleming, Blairgowrie PH10 6AD01250 873990; [email protected]; www.katefleming.com Grid reference: I 18

B&B Mrs Margaret Crichton, Lunanbrae, Essendy, Blairgowrie PH10 6RA01250 884224; [email protected] 4 star b&b. Grid reference: G 20

Self catering Pondfauld Holidays, Rattray, Blairgowrie PH10 7HF01250 873284; [email protected]; www.pondfauldholidays.co.uk2 – 3 star self catering. Grid reference: J 18

B&B Shocarjen House, Rattray, Blairgowrie PH10 7AF01250 870525; [email protected]; www.shocarjen.co.uk Grid reference – I 18

Restaurant The Antiquary Restaurant, Blairgowrie PH10 6AQ01250 873232; [email protected] Grid reference: I 18

Self catering The Bothy, By Blairgowrie PH10 6SG01250 884263; [email protected] 4 star self catering. Walkers Welcome.Grid reference: F 19

Hotel/restaurant/publichouse Bridge of Cally Hotel,Bridge of Cally PH10 7JJ01250 886231;[email protected];www.bridgeofcallyhotel.com3 star small hotel. Walkers Welcome.

Grid reference: G 15.

Friendly, 18 en suite room hotel,offering excellent food andaccommodation next to the CateranTrail. Pick-up/ drop-off serviceavailable on request. From £35 perperson. Short breaks available.

Retail – village shopBridge of Cally Post Office,Bob Brawn, Bridge of Cally,Blairgowrie PH10 7JG01250 886220;[email protected];www.callyshop.comGrid reference: G 15

Licensed convenience storeand sub post office.Newspapers, fresh morningrolls, and produce. Free touse ATM. Voted Best VillageShop/ Post Office 2008 bythe Scottish CountrysideAlliance.

Restaurant Cargill’sRestaurant, Lower Mill Street,Blairgowrie PH10 6AQ01250 876735.Grid reference: I 18.

Situated by the River Ericht,serving fresh homemade andlocal produce. Lunch, dinner,snacks, coffees. Open 7 days,all day.

Self catering East Mill Holidays, Glenisla PH11 8PH01575 530258; [email protected]; www.eastmillholidays.co.uk3 star self catering. Walkers Welcome. Grid reference: L 9

Self catering Forter Castle, Glenisla PH11 8QW07736 804426; [email protected]; www.fortercastle.com Grid reference: J 7

Retail Glenisla Community Post Office, Kirkton of Glenisla PH11 8PQ08457 223344; www.postoffice.co.uk Grid reference: K 9

Open Monday and Thursday 9am – 12noon.

Self catering Glenisla Holiday Cottages, Glenisla PH11 8QW 01575 582316; [email protected]; www.holiday-glenisla.co.uk Grid reference: J 6

Guest house/ activity centre/ riding centre/ health spaGlenmarkie Guest House, Health Spa & Riding Centre, Glenisla, Nr Blairgowrie PH11 8QB01575 582295 (house), 01575 582293 (riding centre); [email protected];www.glenmarkie.co.uk Grid reference: L 9

Activity centre/ group accommodationHighland Adventure Centre, Knockshannoch, Glenisla PH11 8PE01575 582238; [email protected]; www.highlandadventure.co.ukGrid reference: M 9

Self Catering Olive Grove Cottage, Alyth PH11 8BJ01224 316182/ 07808 378507/ 07761 055161; [email protected];www.olivegrovecottage.co.uk Grid reference: N 16

Self catering/ b&b Purgavie Farm, Kirriemuir DD8 5HZ01575 560213; [email protected]; www.purgavie.co.uk 4 star farmhouse. Walkers Welcome.

B&B/ self catering West Freuchies, Glenisla PH11 8PG01575 582716; [email protected]; www.glenisla-westfreuchies.co.uk4 star b&b. Walkers Welcome. Grid reference: L 9

STAGE 5Alyth - Blairgowrie

If you are considering ‘wild’ camping, you can get adviceand a downloadable leaflet in PDF format from the websiteabove.

Supported by Perth and Kinross Council through:

KEYGrid reference: see inside map

“Walkers Welcome” denotes member of VisitScotland Welcome Scheme

A long distance circular routethrough beautiful Perthshire andthe Angus glens, in the footstepsof the fearsome cattle thievesof the Highlands

www.caterantrail.org

“The sort of Scotlandwalkersdream of…”The Great Outdoors(TGO) magazine

One of a seriesof hand-carvedCateran postsalong the Trail

ACTIVITY PROVIDERNSC Outdoor AdventuresBalmacron Farmhouse, Meigle PH12 8TD01828 [email protected] distance guided walks with transport,summer and winter outdoor skills training, nationalnavigation awards.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

TravelineVisit www.travelinescotland.com for the most up-to-datetravel information or 0871 200 22 33 (lines open 24/7)

Local travel informationStagecoach (Blairgowrie)01250 872772

Visitor informationVisitor Information Centre, Blairgowrie+44 (0)1250 872 960 Fax: +44 (0)1250 876 [email protected] www.visitscotland.com

Invaluable resource for additional local information.Stagecoach Strathtay 71 bus service for Kirkmichael &Spittal of Glenshee.

Self catering East & WestCromald Cottages, Bridge ofCally, Blairgowrie PH10 7NG01250 886391;[email protected];www.cromaldcottages.co.uk4 star self catering. Walkers

Welcome. Grid reference: E 13.2 units, sleep 1-5. £285 – £485per unit per week. Short breaksavailable. 2 luxury self cateringcottages with stunning viewsacross onto the Cateran Trail.

Self Catering Ericht HolidayLodges, Rattray, BlairgowriePH10 7AH01250 874686;[email protected];www.ericht.co.uk 3 star selfcatering. Walkers Welcome.

Grid reference: I 18.6 units, sleep 1-6. £255 – £525per unit per week. Short breaksavailable. Secluded river settingjust 10 mins walk from all townamenities. Pet friendly.

B&B Garfield House, PerthRoad, Blairgowrie PH10 6ED01250 872999;[email protected];www.garfieldhouse.com3 star b&b.Grid reference: I 19

2 double/ twin en suite, £27 –£29 pppn. 2 single, £25/ £26pppn. Comfortable and friendlyfamily home, offering qualityaccommodation, near all townamenities.

B&B/ self cateringHeathpark House, BlairgowriePH10 6JT01250 870700;[email protected];www.heathparkhouse.com4 star gold b&b/ 4 star selfcatering.Grid reference: J 19B&B: 3 en suite rooms, 1 double,

2 twin/ super-king. Comfortableaccommodation in bright,spacious Victorian family home.Self catering: sleeps 2. £285 –£385 per week. Short breaksavailable. Conversion of servants’quarters. Large kitchen/ diner,lounge and double bedroom. Ownprivate entrance.

B&B/ self cateringMiramichi Holidays, BlairgowriePH10 6LQ01250 873310 / 07796 462717;[email protected];www.miramichi.co.uk3 star self catering.Grid reference: I 20B&B: 2 double/ twin en suite/

private facilities. From £25, nosingle supplement. Self catering: 1unit, sleeps 4. £325 – £375 perweek. Short breaks available. 10%discount for over 60s. Ideallocation for walkers with easyaccess to Cateran Trail and otherroutes (pick-up/ drop-off availablefrom Blairgowrie upon request).

Guest house/self cateringGlenshieling House, RattrayPH10 7HZ01250 874605;[email protected]; www.glenshielinghouse.co.uk4 star guest house/ 3 star selfcatering. Grid reference: I 18.Guest house: 3 double, 2superior (twin or double – one

converts to king-size and one tofamily room). All en suite. £32pppn standard double, £35 pppnsuperior, b&b. £87 pn for familyroom (3 sharing) or £108 pn (4sharing). Self catering: 1 unit,sleeps up to 5. £270 – £500, min3 nights let. Short breaks &special offers available.

B&B Ridgeway Bed andBreakfast, Ridgeway, WesterEssendy, Blairgowrie PH10 6RA01250 884734;[email protected];www.ridgewaybandb-blairgowrie.co.uk3 star b&b.

Grid reference: G 202 double/ twin en suite. £28 perperson per night all year round.Quiet, peaceful, friendly, qualityaccommodation overlookingLoch Marlee in the heart ofPerthshire.

Self catering SouthLittleton Holiday Cottages,South Littleton Farm, Rattray,Blairgowrie PH10 7HF01250 870611;[email protected];www.southlittleton.co.uk3 & 4 star.

Grid reference: J 18.2 adjoining cottages eachsleep up to 5 people in 2double/ triple rooms. £280 –£550 per week. Short breaksavailable. Delightful cottagesin a pretty courtyard on openfarmland with terrific views.

Self cateringThe Dovetails,Bridge of Cally PH10 7JL01250 886349;[email protected];www.thedovetails.co.uk

4 star self catering.Grid reference: G 152 units. sleep 1-2. £252 – £322per week. Situated in quiet ruralsetting, ten minutes walk fromlocal hostelry.

RestaurantThe Pizza Place,4 Wellmeadow,Blairgowrie PH10 6ND01250 875358

Grid reference: I 18Open 7 days from 5pm. Take-awayavailable. Fully licensed. Includesgluten-free pizzas/ pastas, chickenand fish dishes.

Attraction Dirnanean Garden,John Manning, Enochdhu,Blairgowrie PH10 7PD01250 881400;[email protected];www.perthshiregardens.co.uk/

moregloriousgardens Grid reference: B 7. Highlandgarden with burn walk, walledgarden, shrubs and big trees.Open daily from June – August.Admission charge.

Group accommodationBlackwater Outdoor Centre,Blacklunans, Bridge of Cally01738 477878;[email protected];www.pkc.gov.uk 3 star group accommodation

Grid reference: G 9

1 single, 4 family, 1 en suite (sleeps3). 1 self catering unit, sleeps 6-18. £14.80 pppn, under 5 free ofcharge. Short breaks available.Exclusive use of the centre andgrounds during stay.

Self catering/activity centreCairnwell Mountain Sports/GulabinLodge, Spittal of Glenshee PH10 7QE01250 885255;admin@cairnwellmountainsports.co.ukwww.cairnwellmountainsports.co.ukwww.gulabinlodge.co.uk3 star activity accommodation

Grid reference: E 3.

Self catering from £20 pppn.Private rooms from £40 pn.Family rooms from £50 pn.Meals provided if required.Outdoor activities available onsite for all ages and abilities.

B&BDalhenzean Lodge, Glenshee,Blairgowrie PH10 7QD01250 885217;[email protected];www.dalhenzean.co.uk4 star b&b. Walkers Welcome.

Grid reference: F 4

2 double rooms, £27.50 –£30.00 pppn. Comfortable andwelcoming accommodation closeto the Cateran Trail, 3.5km southof Spittal of Glenshee.

Country house hotelDalmunzie Castle Hotel,Spittal of Glenshee PH10 7QG01250 885224;[email protected];www.dalmunzie.com3 star country house hotel

Grid reference: E 3

17 double/ twin, en suite/ privatefacilities. £50 – £105. StunningLaird’s mansion in Baronial style atthe head of a 6,500 acre estate.Free pick-up/ drop-off serviceavailable on request.

Self catering Dalnoid HolidayCottages, Glenshee PH10 7LR01250 882200;[email protected];www.dalnoid.co.uk4 star self catering. WalkersWelcome. Grid reference: G 9

2 units each sleep 4. £315 – £550pw. Short breaks available.Stunning views, underfloor heating,wood-burning stove, privategarden, en-suite, dogs welcome.Ideal walking base. Pick-up/ drop-off service available on request.

Self catering GlenbeagMountain Lodges,Spittal of Glenshee PH10 7QE01250 885204;[email protected];www.glenbeag.co.uk3-4 stars self catering.

Walkers Welcome. Grid reference: E 3. 4 units, sleep2-4. £330-£720 per unit pw. Shortbreaks available. Log Cabins withoutdoor hot tubs in mountainoussurroundings. Relax in peace withpanoramic views.

Retail/ caféKirkmichael Village Shop, Main Street,Kirkmichael PH10 7NT01250 881272;[email protected];www.kirkmichael-village-shop.co.uk

Grid reference: C 9.Friendly local knowledge,trail guide, maps, hats,toiletries, fruit and snacks,groceries, sandwiches, café,post office and fuel.

STAGE 2 Kirkmichael - Spittal of Glenshee

STAGE 3Spittal of Glenshee – Kirkton of Glenisla

Hotel/restaurant/publichouse Glenisla Hotel,Kirkton of Glenisla,Nr Blairgowrie PH11 8PH01575 582223; [email protected]; www.glenisla-hotel.com2 star inn

Grid reference: K 9

3 double, 3 twin, all en suite.Comfortable accommodation, withexcellent food, on the Cateran Trail.Close to Glenshee skiing.Please note Bunkroom currently notavailable.

B&B Airlie Mount Mansion, Alyth PH11 8AX01828 632986; [email protected]; www.airliemountmansion.co.uk Grid reference: N 17

Hotel Alyth Hotel,Alyth PH11 8AS 01828 632447;[email protected];www.alythotel.com2 star hotel Grid reference: N 17

4 double, 6 twin, 2 family, allensuite. Great hospitality, greatfood, great stay. Perfect finish to aperfect day at end of theCateranTrail.

Caravan park/campsiteFive Roads Caravan Park, Alyth,Blairgowrie PH11 8NB01828 632255;[email protected];www.fiveroads-caravan-park.co.uk4 star holiday park

Grid reference: M 17

2 units, sleeps 4-6 persons.£215 – £295 per unit pw. 2 persondiscount. Short breaks availableoff peak. Small, peaceful andperfectly located for the 3 golfcourses nearby. Open all year.

Country house hotelLands of Loyal, Alyth PH11 8JQ01828 633151;[email protected];www.landsofloyal.com4 star country house hotel

Grid reference: N 16

10 double/ twin 7 family, all ensuite/ private facilities. £65 – £80b&b. Traditional family hotel withroaring log fires, extensive bar/restaurant menu and superb views.

B&B/self catering Old Stables,Alyth PH11 8BT01828 632547;[email protected];www.oldstables.com4 star b&b/ 3 star self catering.Walkers Welcome.Grid reference: N 16

B&B: 1 single, 2 double/ twin,

1 four-poster, all en suite/ privatefacilities. £30 – £55 pppn. Selfcatering: 2 units, sleep 2-4. £250– £540. 10% discount for 2 in lowseason. Short breaks and specialoffers available. Four-poster &super-king beds, whirlpool bath,sauna, gardens, parking, WIFI.Golf, touring, fishing, walking.

Self catering RannagulzionApartment, Drimmie, Bridge of CallyPH10 7JR01250 886359;[email protected];www.rannagulzion.co.uk

3 star self catering. WalkersWelcome. Grid reference: I 15.1 unit, sleeps up to 4 (1 double/ 1twin). £240 – £300 pw. Shortbreaks available. Comfortable,tranquil and wonderful countryside.

Restaurant/ public houseThe Burnside Inn, Mill Street,Alyth PH11 8BJ01828 633356;[email protected];www.burnsideinnalyth.com

Grid reference: N 17

Public bar, lounge/ restaurant.Cosy family-run pub. Easy accessto the Cateran Trail, local walks,Den O’ Alyth and Alyth Hill.

Restaurant/ café TheDirliebaneCoffee Shop, Rhona & DaveMiddleton,2 Market Square, Alyth PH11 8AB01828 633644;

[email protected] reference: N 16/ 17

Friendly café in Alyth servinggood food and excellent coffeewith good range of home baking.

Guest houseTigh Na Leigh, Alyth PH11 8AJ01828 632372;[email protected];www.tighnaleigh.co.uk5 star guest houseGrid reference: N 17

1 single, 4 double/ twin, all ensuite. £47 – £60 pppn. Enjoyspa baths, evening meals andlicensed refreshments after yourwalk. Free pick-up/ drop-offservice available on request.

GLENSHEE TOURIST ASSOCIATIONwww.glenofthefairies.co.uk

BLAIRGOWRIE & EAST PERTHSHIRE TOURIST ASSOCIATIONwww.visiteastperthshire.co.uk

OUTDOOR ANGUSwww.outdoorangus.co.uk

Retail – outdoorclothing & footwearR Doig & Sons84 High Street, BlairgowriePH10 6DF01250 872216;

[email protected];www.thekiltshop.co.uk Gridreference: I 18Large selection of outdoorclothing, footwear &accessories.

Auchintaple lochMini TrailKirkmichael – Enochdhu – Spittalof Glenshee – Lair – Kirkmichael20ml/ 32km

For those walkers looking for a weekend break awayfrom it all, the Mini Trail offers the ideal opportunityto sample some of the best bits of the Trail.

Begin at Kirkmichael, where many ancient droveroads converged, and head north towards the Spittalof Glenshee. During summer months, if time allows,a slight detour to Dirnanean Gardens will reward youwith walks through a stunning collection of big treesincluding giant redwoods and noble firs.

The walk to the Spittal passes through youngplantations and heathery hillside before arriving atthe Lairig Gate, the high point of the Trail (650m/2130ft). Stunning views unfold on the descent tothe Spittal, sitting cosily between Glen Lochshie andGlean Begg.

After a night’s rest at the Spittal of Glenshee, thefirst part of the 12ml/ 19km return journey toKirkmichael hugs the Shee Water down to thebridge at Lair. Oyster catchers are often spottedand if you’re lucky, black and white dippers may beseen, disappearing under water to walk along theriver bed.

From Lair the Mini Trail wends its way along the rivervalley, over agricultural land. The unusual roundbuildings seen on some of the farm steadings arethe old horse mills that were prolific until theintroduction of the petrol engine in the 1940s.

Back in Kirkmichael, enjoy a well earned meal at oneof the local hostelries before returning home.

The Trail is approximately 1½ hours north ofEdinburgh, 30 minutes north from Perth andDundee, and 2½ hours south of Inverness – inthe heart of Scotland. It boasts breathtakingscenery in a corner of Perthshire relativelyunknown to walkers.

A circular route, the Trail has no real beginningor end, allowing walkers to join at any of themany settlements along its length. Blairgowrie,as the biggest town, is where most walkerschoose to begin.

The route follows old drove roads, ancient tracksand minor roads and passes through farmland,forests and rolling agricultural land. The area isrich in cultural heritage and places of historicinterest and a cast of fascinating characters areassociated with the area, including the notoriousCaterans.

To make it easier to plan your route, the Trail hasbeen split into five distinct stages.

Aboutthe Trail

The dramaticShee Water

A stoat is one of the many species thatcall the Trail home

Common blue dragonfly

Walkerenjoying aclear day onthe CateranTrail

Walkers resting at theUpper Lunch Hut

STAGE 3

Spittal of Glenshee –

Kirkton of Glenisla14ml/22.5km

From Glenshee the Trail heads south, following the

Shee Water and forks after Dalnaglar Castle. A left turn

takes you along a short stretch of road to Forter Castle

and on to Auchintaple Loch.

More energetic walkers may wish to take the alternative

route, climbing Mount Blair and passing Drumore Loch on the

way. The summit has panoramic views of the surrounding

countryside and on a clear day you may even spot Scotland’s

highest mountain, Ben Nevis, in the distance.

For those sticking to the main Trail, off road tracks guide you

to Auchintaple Loch and Loch Shandra. It’s worth the short

diversion through the trees to the banks of Auchintaple to

experience the fantastic views of Mount Blair set in

glorious tranquil scenery.

This stage ends at the village of Kirkton of

Glenisla nestling on the banks of the River Isla.

In the past, the village harboured a number

of illicit stills - thankfully having a wee

drink with your meal is no longer

such a risky business.

Main Trail

STAGE 2 Kirkmichael – Spittal ofGlenshee

8ml/13kmAt Enochdhu – ‘black meadow’ and once a gathering point forthe Caterans post-raid – the predominantly upland route followsmoorlands and hill passes to Spittal of Glenshee (glen of thefairies).

Rising to over 700m/2300ft above sea level, there are spectacularviews of rugged peaks. The Trail crosses a bealach – pass –between the hills where those interested in wildlife may berewarded with a glimpse of red deer or an eagle soaringoverhead. Along the path, a timber ‘lunch hut’, originallyprovided by the estate for shooting parties,offers an ideal resting place. Add your nameto the fascinating record of characters inthe visitors' book and you’ll be ininteresting company – QueenVictoria stopped here in 1865.

The wild mountainous countryon the walk down into Glenshee is spectacular. TheSpittal takes its name from the old Scots wordmeaning ‘a refuge on a remote hill pass’,from a time when wolves roamedwild in Scotland.

STAGE 1

Blairgowrie – Kirkmichael

15ml/24.5km

The busy market town of Blairgowrie is known as the ‘berry

capital’ of Scotland thanks to its thriving soft fruit industry.

Owing to its jute producing past, the town has a number of old mills,

lades and weirs along the River Ericht. In late autumn wild Atlantic

salmon are often seen ascending the waterfalls as they head upstream to

their spawning grounds.

The Trail begins gently along the banks of the River Ericht, before climbing

over Cochrage Muir. Tremendous views accompany your descent to the

tiny hamlet of Bridge of Cally – a popular location for field and winter

sports.

From Bridge of Cally, the Trail winds through the peaceful glen, a

lucrative plundering ground for the Caterans, who seized on the cattle

grazing the rich pastures.

Farmed since the Bronze Age, the strath was once home to

over 3,000 people. Nowadays it’s a little quieter but the

three villages of Ballintuim, Enochdhu and

Kirkmichael still provide a good range of

places to rest and eat.

STAGE 5

Alyth – Blairgowrie16ml/26km

Leaving Alyth, the Trail again passes over

Alyth Hill and follows moorland and pleasant

estate roads, close to the massive standing stones

of Heatheryhaugh.

At this stage gradients are generally gentle with

extensive views as the route twice rises to around

289m/950ft above sea level. The homeward trek into

Bridge of Cally is mostly on quiet minor tarmac

roads.

The last part of the Trail back to Blairgowrie is the

reversal of the first part of stage one. For an

alternative ending, take the route through Den

of Alyth and Drimmie Woods. At

Blairgowrie, cross the river by the

Keathbank Mill footbridge to find

yourself once more on the

riverside path.

STAGE 4 Kirkton Of Glenisla – Alyth11ml/17.5km

Early morning in the tranquillity of Glen Isla is a real treat,and as the Trail rises high above the river and fields it gives

way to fantastic open views over an idyllic pastoral scene. The picturesque burgh town of Alyth provides sustenance forthose completing this stage – an area with strong links toArthurian legends. It is believed that Queen Guinevere washeld captive by King Mordred at his fort on nearby Barry Hill.Crossing Alyth Hill, the route rises steeply, skimming theedge of the town, before making its way towards Toutie

Street – down which cattle were driven in centuriespast – and on to the centre of town. The streettakes its name from the noise of the herd-boy's horn as he drove the cattleto pasture.

Oystercatcher

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Bridgeof Cally

Couple looking atinterpretation at Glenisla

Auchintaple loch

A stoat is one of the many speciesthat call the Trail home

cateran trail leaflet

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