THE CATERAN TRAIL Cairngorms National Park, Scotland Explore the Scottish Highlands in this 4-day trek along the Cateran Trail, as you follow ancient paths through the hills and glens of Perthshire. A long-distance circular route of 57 miles, the Cateran Trail is an excellent introduction to Scotland s beautiful Highlands. The Cateran Trail is a tough walk, ideally suited to Duke of Edinburgh awards, with students expected to cover a distance of approx. 15 miles each day. In the evenings students will be expected to help with the camp and food preparations. The final day of this 5-day itinerary is spent at Gulabin Lodge, located just off the Cateran Trail, in the Spittal of Glenshee at the foot of Ben Gulabin. This day has been built-in as an optional activity day, with activities such as canyoning, mountain biking, archery, and high ropes, among others, available.
Day 1 Gulabin Lodge to Kirkton of Glenisla 14 miles Following an early breakfast, you ll depart Gulabin Lodge and join the Cateran Trail. From the Spittal of Glenshee the Trail heads south, following the Shee Water past Dalnaglar Castle into the fertile farmlands of Glen Isla. The first five miles of this stretch are through rough moorland, then along quiet minor roads as you pass Forter Castle. More energetic walkers may wish to take the alternative route into Glenisla by crossing Mount Blair. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and on a clear day you may even spot Ben Nevis in the distance. The Trail follows off road tracks and passes Auchintaple Loch and Loch Shandra. It is worth taking a short diversion through the trees to the banks of Auchintaple to witness the fantastic views of Mount Blair set in glorious tranquil scenery. The final destination for this stage is the village of Kirkton of Glenisla, nestled on the banks of the River Isla. Day 2 Kirkton of Glenisla to Bridge of Cally 19 miles The picturesque burgh town of Alyth is the host for the start of this stage, as the Trail winds through forest and farmland.
Glen Isla is tranquil in the early morning, and as the Cateran Trail rises high above the river and fields it gives way to fantastic open views over an idyllic pastoral scene. The area around Alyth has strong links to Arthurian legends and it is believed that Queen Guinevere was held captive by King Mordred at his fort on nearby Barry Hill. Crossing Alyth Hill, the route rises steeply, skimming the edge of the town, before making it way down Toutie Street down which cattle were driven in centuries past to the centre of town. The street takes its name from the noise of the herd-boy's horn as he drove the cattle to pasture. Leaving Alyth, the trail again passes over Alyth Hill and follows moorland and 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. A diversion through the picturesque Den of Alyth and Drimmie Woods allows you to vary your return route. Day 3 Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael 15 miles Your walk begins in the busy market town of Blairgowrie, which is at the centre of Perthshire s soft fruit growing industry. The town was once famous for growing flax and processing jute and you will see a number of old mills, lades and weirs along the River Ericht as you set out. In late autumn wild Atlantic salmon are often seen ascending the waterfalls as they head upstream to their spawning grounds. Please note that due to a landslide there is a short diversion in place on the Cateran Trail on the riverside at Oakbank Road, Blairgowrie. The diversion is signposted and will reduce your walk by about half an hour. After a gentle stroll along the river, the path climbs 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 Cateran Trail passes through Blackcraig Forest and into the peaceful glen known as Strathardle. In the past, this glen was a lucrative plundering ground for the Caterans, who seized on the cattle grazing the rich pastures. Farmed since the Bronze Age, Strathardle was once home to over 3,000 people. Nowadays it s a little quieter but the three villages of Ballintum, Enochdhu and Kirkmichael still provide a good range of places to rest and eat. Day 4 Kirkmichael to Gulabin Lodge 9 miles Leaving Kirkmichael, the route is predominantly upland, following a wonderful moorland route and hill pass from Enochdhu through to Spittal of Glenshee. Enochdhu means black meadow or moor and was once where Caterans gathered after a raid. Dirnanean Garden is on the route open during summer months and worth a visit for walkers with time in hand. Rising to over 650m / 2100ft above sea level, there are spectacular views of rugged peaks. For those interested in wildlife, you may be rewarded with a glimpse of red deer or an eagle soaring overhead. Along the path, a timber lunch hut, originally provided by the estate for shooting parties, offers an ideal resting place. Add your name to the fascinating record of characters in the visitors book and you ll be in interesting company Queen Victoria stopped here in 1865. The wild mountainous country on the walk from the Lairig Gate down into the Spittal of Glenshee is spectacular. The Spittal takes its name from the old Scots word meaning a refuge on a remote hill pass - from a time when wolves roamed wild in Scotland.
Arriving back at Gulabin Lodge this afternoon, the group will have a chance to wash and relax before enjoying a celebratory meal Day 5 Activity Day at Gulabin Lodge (Optional) Today is a free activity day at Gulabin Lodge. There are selection of available activities, including canyoning, archery, abseiling, mountain biking, and high ropes. Depending on the size of the group, it will usually be possible to split into teams, with each team taking part in different activities.