The Cateran Trail

Most long-distance walks stretch across the country. The Cateran Trail is a little different. It is a circular walk and is one of Scotland’s Great Trails. The 64-mile route takes you on a tour of many of the hidden gems of Perthshire.

There are five full days worth of walking on the route. In those five days, you will be taken on a varied adventure. The path follows ancient tracks and old animal driving roads. It all winds through the varied lands that make up Perthshire. You will trek across farmlands, secluded woodland and open moors.

The Cateran Trail is named for the Caterans. They were a group of cattle thieves who terrorised Strathardle, Glenshee and Glen Isla. Their unrelenting cattle rustling started in the Middle Ages and didn’t come to a stop until the 17th century. The trail follows many of the routes that these bandits used over the years.

The route can be split into six sections. It can be done in five days with one longer day. Each section makes for a nice outing on its own so you can easily pop in and out at whichever point you like. As the route is circular, you can start wherever you want.

There is a link between Cray and Kirkmichael, which opens up the option for a smaller two-day loop. This is the mini Cateran Trail. It’s a great option for anyone who is trying out long-distance walking for the first time.

The whole route is well marked and maintained. There is a mix of paths and a few minor roads. In places, the route can get very muddy and rough. On the whole, the walk is very achievable for novice long-distance walkers.

Getting There

If you plan to walk the whole route, then it is a good idea to start in Blairgowrie. Blairgowrie has the best transport links with good bus routes in from Perth and Dundee. Alyth is also quite easy to get to by bus. The other stopping points on the route are a little harder to get to. Buses to some spots only run in the summer months, so you will have to plan carefully in advance.

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