SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY
A circular walk through Perthshire’s glens, woodland and open moorland, following old drove roads from Blairgowrie into Glenshee and back through Alyth.
At 103 km, the Cateran Trail is an excellent walk for those seeking to experience an authentic Scottish landscape. Immerse yourself in the culture of Highland towns and villages, follow in the footsteps of the Caterans and explore the amazing glens and hills of Perthshire.
From advice on flights and airports, to organising accommodation and transport, we take care of the finer details. Whether you need guidance on which walking trails to pursue or are intermediate walkers looking for a new challenge, with over 25 years of experience, you can rest assured knowing we will successfully match your needs.
From Blairgowrie, the trail follows the River Ericht before heading through Blackcraig Forest and open countryside towards Kirkmichael. Beyond the village, farm roads and hill tracks lead into Glenshee, with stream crossings, boggy ground and climbing on the approach to Spittal of Glenshee. The route then crosses rougher moorland towards Kirkton of Glenisla before climbing through heather and Kilry Wood. From here, you descend between the hills of Alyth and Loyal into Alyth. The final stage crosses a mixture of moorland and farmland tracks, returning to Blairgowrie to complete the circuit.
The trail takes its name from the Caterans, cattle raiders who once travelled through these glens. Enochdhu, meaning ‘Black Meadow’ or ‘moor’, is associated with a place where they gathered after raids, while the old tracks through Strathardle and Glenshee still trace natural routes between settlements and open country. Near Blairgowrie, Cargill’s Leap adds another piece of local history. The rapid on the River Ericht is linked to 17th-century Covenanter Donald Cargill, who is said to have escaped government troops here. These stories give the trail a character rooted firmly in the landscape.
From £880 Per Person
From £1,015 Per Person
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
4.8/5 based on 19 reviews
"Stipt, good contact and very pleasant"
"You are very service minded"
"I had a great walk on the Cateran Trail, the accommodations were great and the transport was great, so that?s the most important thing."
"Celtic Trails are a solid, dependable walking company!"
"Throughout the planning stages, the Celtic Trails staff was quickly responsive and courteous in all communications. When we needed to modify our plan, they did this with expediency and courtesy. The map and guidebook in the travel pack were excellent. Friendly, courteous, and timely communications that gave me the feeling of working with a person, not a company. Our walk materials were well organized with excellent information provided."
"A well organised trip with clear advice and instructions. Came back very relaxed and we could just enjoy the walking knowing everything else was taken care of. This is a lovely walk starting in beautiful lush farmland, up to the open moors. Lovely views"
"This part of Scotland is overlooked and has much to offer. It is always good to get out into the lovely Scottish countryside, so it was very uplifting. In describing Celtic Trails to a friend, I would tell them that it might seem expensive at first, but"
"I found myself again during this holiday. It was truly wonderful. West Highland Way next."
"Celtic Trails have always provided an excellent service and respond well to individual needs. Much better than the one other company we used once, many years ago."
We seek out the best accommodation of its type available
Glenshee marks a change in character on the Cateran Trail, as the route leaves the lower farmland and woodland for broader glens and more open Highland country. The walk towards Spittal of Glenshee includes rougher paths, stream crossings and boggy sections, with the surrounding hills giving this part of the trail a distinctly more remote feel.
Kirkmichael sits in Strathardle between Bridge of Cally and Glenshee, providing a natural stopping point before the trail heads further into the hills. The village has long been part of the route through the glen, and today its stone buildings and rural setting make a quieter contrast to the more open walking that follows towards Spittal of Glenshee.
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
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