Walking the Cateran Trail

If you choose to stay at Strathardle Lodge while tackling the Cateran Trail we will pick you up and drop your off at the various points along the trail free of charge. This allows you to settle into your room and not have to think about moving your luggage daily. We can easily arrange packed lunches to be prepared so you can be fed and watered while enjoying the trail.

The Cateran trail is one of Scotland’s most beautiful trails taking in 64 miles (103 km) of stunning scenery around the Perthshire Highlands.

It is recommended to tackle the trail over 5 days at a leisurely pace with clear route markers throughout. Strathardle Lodge is positioned at a great vantage point as the trail heads off in three directions from the village of Kirkmichael.

You can start at any point but the suggested routes are:

  • Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee – 13 km

  • Spittal of Glenshee to Glenisla – 23.5 km

  • Glenisla to Alyth – 17 km

  • Alyth to Blairgowrie – 26.25 km

  • Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael – 24.25 km

The Cateran Trail was the first publicly marked circular route in the UK.

It takes its name from the Gaelic term ‘ceathaime’ who were infamous cattle thieves. The Caterans flourished in the lawless areas of Scotland up until the 17th Century. They were fierce and feared warriors who were skilled at evading detection and usually took unusual routes away from the scene of their crimes to avoid being caught.

They would often use ancient drove roads, which now makes up the Cateran Trail. 

The scenery is spectacular and takes in the market town of Blairgowrie and as far north as the A93 snow gates at the Spittal of Glenshee. If the whole trail is too much then just pick off a stage at a time and enjoy beautiful Perthshire at its very best.

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