Long Distance Routes and Paths
The Cateran Trail
Beginning and ending in Blairgowrie, the Cateran trail was Scotland's first long distance circular route. At 64 miles, the route follows old drove roads through highland Perthshire and Strathardle. The trail is way marked and signed along its full length.
Beginning in the historic cattle town of Blairgowrie, where cattle where brought each year along drove roads from the highlands, before moving onwards to the famous markets of the Crieff and Falkirk Trysts, the trail heads north, following the path of the River Ericht and on toward Bridge of Cally over the wilderness of Cochrage Muir. Bridge of Cally is now a popular tourist resort, in summer offering a base for exploring this wild corner of Scotland and in winter offering easy access to the winter sports of Glenshee.
From Bridge of Cally, the trail leaves the Ericht behind as it enters Strathardle heading northwards still toward Kirkmichael, and on toward Enochdu. This remote and lush highland glen has been inhabited for at least the last 3000 years, and its pastures attracted cattle farmers and, of course cattle rustlers (Caterans)!
At Enochdu, the trail climbs away from Strathardle, and into Glenshee, dropping down to meet the A93 at the Spittal of Glenshee. A welcome break for tired walkers, the hotel here is a popular stop for walkers and skiers.
The trail now starts to wind its way southwards, following the line of the road toward Lair, before heading over the border into Angus and to Kirkton of Glenisla. The countryside now becomes softer as rolling hills and woodlands replace open hill sides, as the trail continues south to Alyth and returns to Blairgowrie.
The trail can be shortened by following the remote right of way over open muirland between Kirkmichael and Lair, or by following the road between Lair and Kirkton of Glenisla. The trail can be covered in five days, stopping at hotels en route.
A leaflet (PDF, 1.7MB) is available, which offers an introduction to the trail. More details are available in the Rucksacs Readers map which covers the trail comprehensively and is a recommended purchase for those wishing to cover the trail. The Trail is managed by Perth and Kinross Council and Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust.
The Rob Roy Way
A seven day walk across the Southern Highlands of Scotland taking in some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. Starting from Drymen on the West Highland Way it goes north east to finish in Pitlochry.
The Way is 79 or 92 miles - 127 or 148Km dependent on route choice. The path follows the tracks, paths and minor roads allegedly used by Rob Roy MacGregor in the 17th & 18th centuries as he worked fought and lived the life of Scotland's most notorious outlaw. The paths were also well used by other historical characters throughout the Jacobite uprisings, and the feuds between the local clans.
Sense the history of Scotland as you travel through glens, along rivers & burns and past mountains & lochs. Soak up some of Scotland's greatest scenery.
More details on the Rob Roy way are available on theofficial website. A Rucksac Reader guide is also available.
