The route

The Cateran Yomp is a circular route which starts and finishes just outside the beautiful red stone towns of Blairgowrie on the side of the River Ericht.
Blairgowrie is a busy market town at the heart of Scotland’s soft fruit industry. Here, your walk begins gently along the banks of the river. Once well known for its jute production, Blairgowrie has a number of old mills, mill lades and weirs in the vicinity of the river. Late autumn often sees wild Atlantic salmon ascending the waterfalls as they head upstream to their spawning grounds.

As the path climbs over Cochrage Muir, you are rewarded with tremendous open before walking downhill to the tiny hamlet of Bridge of Cally. From Bridge of Cally, the Cateran Trail winds through 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 in the pastures.

The Trail passes through Blackcraig Forest, close to Bridge of Cally – keep an eye out for roe deer and red squirrels. Woodland, moorland and farmland are all features of this section as you descend into the small country village of Kirkmichael.
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. Rising to over 700 metres 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.

Walking down into the Spittal of Glenshee, the wild mountainous country is spectacular, with the village visible far beneath. The place takes its name from the old Scots word Spittal meaning ‘a refuge on a remote hill pass’ – from a time when wolves roamed wild in Scotland.
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 take you past Forter Castle.
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 nestling on the banks of the River Isla.
The picturesque burgh town of Alyth is the host for the start of this stage, as the Trail winds through forest and farmland.

Early morning in the tranquillity of Glen Isla is a real treat in the early morning, and as the 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.
West out of Alyth, the Trail heads through Drimmie Wood before dropping south to the finish at Blairgowrie.