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.

Highlights
  • 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
  • 6 to 7 nights
  • 64 mls (view km)
  • Blairgowrie, Central Scotland
  • Moderate
  • Mar to Oct
  • £530

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

Cateran Trail walk map
Our Cateran Trail walking routes take you on a circular walk of the Scottish Highlands, starting in Blairgowrie

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.

Walk Gallery

The Cateran Trail Walking Holidays
Kirkmichael
Heather covered moorland of Glenshee, with hills either side of the valley of Perth & Kenross
Descent to Glen Ardle
Valley and glens Glenshee
Perth and Kinross Countryside
Glen-Shee-Cateran-Trail
Ben Gulabin from the Cateran Trail
Kirkton of Glenisla, Cateran Trail
Spittal of Glenshee, Cateran Trail
Footbridge over River Isla, Cateran Trail

Walking Holidays on the Cateran Trail

Prices are per person, based on 2 people sharing, single person supplements apply.

Blairgowrie to Blairgowrie

Length: 64 miles/ 102.5 km | Difficulty: Moderate

Code
Duration
From
CAT1
6 Nights / 5 Days
£530 pp
View Itinerary

Blairgowrie to Blairgowrie

6 Nights / 5 Days
Holiday Code: CAT1
From: £530 (pp)
Single occupancy (groups): £35 (pn)
DayLocationDistance
Day 1:Arrive Blairgowrie
Day 2:Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael15 miles/24km
Day 3:Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee8 miles/13km
Day 4:Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkton of Glenisla14.5 miles/23km
Day 5:Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth10.5 miles/16.5km
Day 6:Alyth to Blairgowrie16 miles/26km
Day 7:Depart Blairgowrie

Itinerary Information: 6 nights accommodation with 5 walking days. Arrive in Blairgowrie on day 1, walk from day 2 and depart from Blairgowrie on morning of day 7.

Departure Dates: This itinerary can be walked any time between Mar to Oct. You simply choose which day you would like your holiday to start on.

Rest Days: Should you wish, rest days can be taken at stops along the route, view details.

What's Included: view full details.

Back to all itineraries

CAT2
7 Nights / 6 Days
£585 pp
View Itinerary

Blairgowrie to Blairgowrie

7 Nights / 6 Days
Holiday Code: CAT2
From: £585 (pp)
Single occupancy (groups): £35 (pn)
DayLocationDistance
Day 1:Arrive Blairgowrie
Day 2:Blairgowrie to Bridge of Cally7 miles/11km
Day 3:Bridge of Cally to Kirkmichael8 miles/13km
Day 4:Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee8 miles/13km
Day 5:Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkton of Glenisla14.5 miles/23km
Day 6:Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth10.5 miles/16.5km
Day 7:Alyth to Blairgowrie16 miles/26km
Day 8:Depart Blairgowrie

Itinerary Information: 7 nights accommodation with 6 walking days. Arrive in Blairgowrie on day 1, walk from day 2 and depart from Blairgowrie on morning of day 8.

Departure Dates: This itinerary can be walked any time between Mar to Oct. You simply choose which day you would like your holiday to start on.

Rest Days: Should you wish, rest days can be taken at stops along the route, view details.

What's Included: view full details.

Back to all itineraries

  • What's Included?

    We include:

    • 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 (one bag per walker, max 18kg per bag)
    • Personal transfer between accommodation and path where necessary
    • Route planning
    • Walk Pack including Trail Guide, itinerary, accommodation directions, local interest leaflets and holiday planning
  • Price Info.

    Rest days: From £50 per person per night.

    Postage overseas: £5.00 (Europe), £10.00 (Rest of the World) per walk pack

    Bank holidays & short notice bookings may incur extra charges.

  • Getting There

    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)

    http://travelinescotland.com/   

    If you prefer to arrive by car, we can advise on car parking arrangements.

  • Best Time to Travel

    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/ 

    Average Rainfall Cateran Trail                                              Average Sunshine Cateran Trail (1                                                 Average Temperatures Cateran Trail

Client Reviews of our Cateran Trail Walking Holiday

Our past clients rated this walk 4.9 out of 5; read a selection of 8 reviews below.

"A great first experience of walking holidays, and Scotland!"

4.9 out of 5

September 2018

This first experience of a walking holiday and Scotland was great. We most enjoyed the scenery, tranquillity and warm welcomes everywhere.

5 out of 5

September 2018

We have walked with another company before and the mapping we received for this walk was better.

4.3 out of 5

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.

5 out of 5

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!

5 out of 5

July 2018

We heard of you via a friend who walked with you previously and you met our expectations.

5 out of 5

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."

5 out of 5

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."

4.8 out of 5

October 2015

Leave your own review of your Cateran Trail Walking Holiday with us here

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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 £100 per person (£150 for solo walkers) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking porcess 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.