Cateran Trail

Cateran Trail
Stile on Cateran Trail
Length	103 km (64 mi)
Location	Perth & Kinross and Angus, Scotland
Trailheads	Circular, usually Blairgowrie 56°35′31″N 3°20′10″W / 56.5919°N 3.3361°W / 56.5919; -3.3361 (Cateran Trail, Blairgowrie trailhead)
Use	Hiking
Elevation
Elevation change	8,090 feet (2,470 m)
Highest point	2,144 feet (653 m)
Lowest point	195 feet (59 m)
Hiking details
Trail difficulty	Moderate
Season	All year
Hazards	Weather

The Cateran Trail is a 103 kilometres (64 mi) circular long distance walking route in central Scotland. The official start and end is at Blairgowrie, Perth and Kinross. The route was established, way-marked and is now maintained by, the Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust. A variety of terrain is covered by the trail including farmland, mountains and forest. The path itself follows old drovers' roads, minor paved roads and farm tracks and can be walked in 4 or 5 days.

The Cateran Trail is typically walked in 5 stages, with the stopping points being determined by the availability of accommodation and the walker's fitness. Generally, the trail is started at Blairgowrie and the clockwise direction is taken towards Kirkmichael, Spittal of Glenshee, Kirkton of Glenisla then Alyth. Throughout the walk, the path is well marked. Some waymark posts feature gnarled drover's faces carved into the edge of the post while most display the Cateran trail logo; a green ring enclosing a red heart on a white background. Due to the large number of stiles, the trail is mostly unsuitable for cyclists and dogs are prohibited where the path crosses fields with young livestock.

Starting from the centre of Blairgowrie, the trail follows the River Ericht before climbing onto the wide expanse of Cochrage moor. After descending close to Bridge of Cally, the path comes to a T-junction where walkers can opt to travel towards Kirkmichael or Alyth. Following the signs to Kirkmichael, the trail enters Blackcraig forest and offers some fine views over Strathardle.

This section is approximately 15 miles (24 km).

Although short at around 8.5 miles (13.7 km), this section of the trail reaches the highest point on the route and so presents its own unique challenges. Skirting Kindrogan wood on the West side of Strathardle, the path passes Tullochcurran Loch before crossing the river into Enochdhu. From here, the trail begins its long ascent through forest and open hillside to the col (An Lairig) between Ben Earb and Meall Uaine. On the ascent there is a wooden shelter known as the Dirnanean Estate upper lunch hut. After the mountain pass, the path quickly descends into Spittal of Glenshee.