Walk 
6 to 7 nights
64 to 64 mls (km)
Central Scotland
Moderate to Challenging 
Mar to Oct
£815
Walk Through Picturesque Highlands Scenery on The Cateran Trail
- Blairgowrie, a quaint market town flanked by the River Ercht
- Bridge of Cally, a petite village which sits at the junction of 3 magnificent glens; Glenshee, Strathardle and Glenericht
- Enochdhu,otherwise known as ‘Black Meadow’ or ‘moor’, this was where the Caterans once gathered after a raid
- Spittal of Glenshee, situated at the heart of the eastern Perth highlands with small streams surrounding it
- Cargill’s Leap, a famous rapid where a 17th century covenanter daringly escaped from government troops
Cateran Trail Walking Holidays Made Easy
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 where to fly from (for international walkers) 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 20 years of experience, you can rest assured knowing we will successfully match your needs.
Path Walkthrough
Starting in Blairgowrie, there is a footpath following the river, with moorland scenery towards the Bridge of Cally and a descent through Blackcraig forest and clear, open landscape to Kirkmichael. The walk from Kirkmichael is largely composed of farm road through the glen, with several streams and bog to cross over and a steady ascent and descent to Spittal of Glenshee.
Rough moorland path on the next day, with more stream and bog to Kirkton of Glenisla - a varied day, packed with wild scenery. The next day from Kirkton begins with steep climbs through heather passing through Kilry wood followed by a descent between the hills of Alyth and Loyal into Alyth. The final walk from Alyth to Blairgowie passes over moorland and farmland tracks before descending over the bridge of Cally for the return to BlairGowrie.
Our Cateran Trail Itineraries
Blairgowrie to Blairgowrie
Distance: 64 miles (102.5km)
CAT1
6 Nights
from £815
CAT1 ~ Blairgowrie to Blairgowrie ~ 6 / 5
classic
| Day | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: | Arrive Blairgowrie | |
| Day 2: | Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael | 15 miles/24km |
| Day 3: | Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee | 8 miles/13km |
| Day 4: | Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkton of Glenisla | 14.5 miles/23km |
| Day 5: | Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth | 10.5 miles/16.5km |
| Day 6: | Alyth to Blairgowrie | 16 miles/26km |
| Day 7: | Depart Blairgowrie |
What's Included:
2024 Prices
Extras
CAT2
7 Nights
from £950
CAT2 ~ Blairgowrie to Blairgowrie ~ 7 / 6
classic
| Day | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: | Arrive Blairgowrie | |
| Day 2: | Blairgowrie to Bridge of Cally | 7 miles/11km |
| Day 3: | Bridge of Cally to Kirkmichael | 8 miles/13km |
| Day 4: | Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee | 8 miles/13km |
| Day 5: | Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkton of Glenisla | 14.5 miles/23km |
| Day 6: | Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth | 10.5 miles/16.5km |
| Day 7: | Alyth to Blairgowrie | 16 miles/26km |
| Day 8: | Depart Blairgowrie |
What's Included:
2024 Prices
Extras
Classic Plus: Blairgowrie to Blairgowrie
Distance: 64 miles (102.5km)
CAT11
6 Nights
from £920
CAT11 ~ Classic Plus: Blairgowrie to Blairgowrie ~ 6 / 5
classic
| Day | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: | Arrive Blairgowrie | |
| Day 2: | Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael | 15 miles/24km |
| Day 3: | Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee | 8 miles/13km |
| Day 4: | Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkton of Glenisla | 14.5 miles/23km |
| Day 5: | Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth | 10.5 miles/16.5km |
| Day 6: | Alyth to Blairgowrie | 16 miles/26km |
| Day 7: | Depart Blairgowrie |
What's Included:
2024 Prices
Extras
CAT12
7 Nights
from £1030
CAT12 ~ Classic Plus: Blairgowrie to Blairgowrie ~ 7 / 6
classic
| Day | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: | Arrive Blairgowrie | |
| Day 2: | Blairgowrie to Bridge of Cally | 7 miles/11km |
| Day 3: | Bridge of Cally to Kirkmichael | 8 miles/13km |
| Day 4: | Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee | 8 miles/13km |
| Day 5: | Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkton of Glenisla | 14.5 miles/23km |
| Day 6: | Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth | 10.5 miles/16.5km |
| Day 7: | Alyth to Blairgowrie | 16 miles/26km |
| Day 8: | Depart Blairgowrie |
What's Included:
2024 Prices
Extras
We can upgrade your accommodation on this trail to a higher 'Classic Plus' standard. As with our other itineraries - we can adjust and tailor a custom 'Classic Plus' itinerary to your needs.
- Good standard accommodation at a mixture of Guesthouses, Farmhouses, local Inns and B&B’s with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
- Route planning
- Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Cateran Trail holidays are available to walk March to October.
Conventional wisdom on British weather applies here, although generally the climate of Perthshire & Kinross is going to be more liable to rainy spells than the rest of the country (with the exception of the more westerly regions).
In mid-June, the annual Cateran Yomp - a large fundraiser for the Soldiers Charity - takes place. Our advice is to avoid that particular weekend unless you want to be involved in it: https://www.soldierscharity.org/events/the-cateran-yomp/
By Air: Nearest airport is located in Edinburgh (regular bus/tram to Edinburgh City for transport connections).
By Rail: Nearest railway station is located in Perth.
The two main routes passing through this station are the Glasgow/Dundee service and a train to/from Edinburgh via the Fife coast.
The overnight Caledonian Sleeper service between Inverness and London and the daily Virgin Trains East Coast Highland Chieftain service between Inverness and London Kings Cross call at this station
By Bus: Bus stations are located in Blairgowrie and Perth
Frequent bus services from Perth to Blairgowrie (45 minute journey)
If you prefer to arrive by car, we can advise on car parking arrangements.
📷Kirkmichael
📷Heather covered moorland of Glenshee, with hills either side of the valley of Perth & Kenross
📷Descent to Glen Ardle - James Allen
📷Glenshee
📷Looking North into Glen Shee. James Allan
📷Ben Gulabin
📷Kirkton of Glenisla
📷Farm near the Spittal of Glenshee
📷Footbridge over River IslaCateran Trail Client Reviews
4.8/5 based on 15 reviews
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.
Brent, Vermont, USA - May 2023
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
Brigid, Edinburgh - May 2022
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
J. Rochford - May 2022
I found myself again during this holiday. It was truly wonderful. West Highland Way next.
Mrs Horan - April 2022
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.
Michael Hendry - September 2021
Celtic Trails does what it says on the tin!
Eddie & Carol, Hereford - September 2021
"A great first experience of walking holidays, and Scotland!"
Schaefer - September 2018
This first experience of a walking holiday and Scotland was great. We most enjoyed the scenery, tranquillity and warm welcomes everywhere.
C.S. - September 2018
We have walked with another company before and the mapping we received for this walk was better.
W - July 2018
We have walked with you before, having heard of you via word of mouth, and you met our expectations again. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip.
D&P - July 2018
We have walked with Celtic Trails twice before and we would gladly walk with you again. We most enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the animals and the Scots!
Prentice & Shuderburger - July 2018
We heard of you via a friend who walked with you previously and you met our expectations.
R&F Southecoruo - May 2018
"Instead of walking the Spittle of Glenshee to the Mount Blair road end section, I started by climbing up Mount Blair first and then walked on to Kirkton & Glen Isla. This made a full and very interesting day. The viewpoint on Mount Bllair is amazing - Ben Lomond to south. Schiehallion to west and Ben Macdui to the north."
Law - August 2017
"Wonderful isolated landscape with a great B&b to end the walk. We hardly saw anybody on the Cataran Trail. Some parts not so well waymarked, but no problems. Well organised as with all Scotland holidays we have taken with you."
Peute - October 2015
First time for me with any company - Celtic Trail were well organised, absolutely no problem with any aspect of the walk (trail description, accommodation, transfers. This walk reinforces my feeling that it is important to remain active at any stage - very satisfied that I was capable of achieving my aim".
D. Hesketh -
📷Walk Through Picturesque Highlands Scenery on The Cateran Trail
Follow in the footsteps of the Caterans on an incredible walk across the heart of Scotland. At 64 miles (103km), this is a walk that explores the beautiful scenery of the secluded border between Perthshire and Angus, such as verdant glens, picturesque woodland and waterfalls.
Booking Request - Cateran Trail
We will check your details and come back to you within two working days with a personalised estimate based on your requirements. We will then formally request a deposit of £150 per person (£100 per person for a single centre break) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking process here.
Please note this does not constitute a booking confirmation, we kindly ask you to refrain from booking any travel until we have confirmed all your arrangements.
Still Have Questions?If you are still unsure on any of your requirements, please do enquire with us first and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with any queries you have.
Enquire About Cateran Trail
Our lines are open: 9am to 5pm (GMT), Monday to Friday
Sample Accommodations
Please note: exact accommodation booked will depend on availability.