The Cateran Trail

Arrival to Ulverston or Coniston depending on the accommodation availability.

An initial stroll along the shady bank of river Ericht will lead us through beautiful farmland onto heath and open moorland. From Bridge of Cally the path will continue under the trees of Blackcraig Forest and will enter Strathardle, a lush Highland glen whose cattle rich pastures were a magnet for the Caterans. The glen has been farmed since the Bronze Age and in medieval times was home to 3000 people. Considerably quieter now, it still has three villages, Ballintuim, Enochdhu and Kirkmichael which offers a good choice of places to stay and eat.

We will cross several burns of pristine water that will make ideal stopping places to relax and wander about the great views across the valley. Keep your eyes open for red deer often seen in the vicinity. After a day walking mainly on flat ground we will reach the picturesque village of Kirkmichael, our final destination today.

Today we have a short day ahead of us but with a few metres to climb. We will walk through scattered and peaceful woodland to reach the little village of Enochdhu and the historical Kindrogan bridge before climbing slowly across the beautiful Chalamanach Wood on our way to the open hills. The trail heads north towards Glenshee (glen of the fairies), a wild highland area with spectacular mountain peaks. After passing the Upper Hut Lunch we will soon arrive at An Lairig, the mountain pass into the valley. Here we will enjoy splendid views to the distant Munros south of the Cairngorms National Park.

Shortly after starting our journey, we will visit the burial tomb of legendary Celtic warrior Diarmid sitting on top of a mound overlooking the mountains beyond. Leaving Glenshee, the trail forks after passing the peculiar, fairytale-like castle at Dalnaglar and enters beautiful Glen Isla at the foot of Mount Blair. On route, we will find two magnificent places to stop for a rest: quiet Loch Auchintaple with its amazing array of birdlife lying at the edge of a deep forest and mysterious Loch Shandra with its mirror-like waters.

You will then follow the trail through forest and farmland to the historic and picturesque burgh town of Alyth. Arthurian legends are strong in this area. It is said that Queen Guinevere was held captive by king Mordred at his fort on nearby Barry Hill. Beautiful sections of the track surrounded by the fresh scent of pine trees are waiting for us today. Near the end of the route, we will walk at the foot of Loyal Hill and its lovely forest. If you walk quietly you have a good chance to see roe deer roaming in the nearby woods.

The Cateran Trail passes over Alyth Hill onto open moorland close by the massive standing stones of Heatheryhaugh, through atmospheric beech woods and between grass fields where the cattle roam freely. From Bridge of Cally you just need to walk over the same itinerary as the first day across heath, farmland and fields where we will enjoy a sublime array of intense colours before arriving at Blairgowrie. If at Bridge of Cally you decide not to walk the final section you can take the local bus to Blairgowrie.

Depart after breakfast.