Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael

Summary

The initial stage of the Cateran Trail is very varied, starting by the Ericht before crossing low moorland to Bridge of Cally. It then heads up the west side of peaceful Strathardle, ending at the attractive village of Kirkmichael.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked paths and tracks, with rougher moorland section. Can be very muddy in places.

Public Transport

Blairgowrie is well served by buses, whilst there is a Mon-Sat service linking from Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael (and on to Pitlochry).

Start

Wellmeadow car park, Blairgowrie. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 24.25km / 15 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 519m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO180454

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Park in the Riverside car park on the north side of the centre of Blairgowrie. Those arriving on foot can reach it by descending steps starting next to the bridge over the river. Begin the walk by following the path upstream beside the Ericht. On the right another flight of wooden steps leads to a viewing platform. The river is far below here in a gorge. Return to the track and continue until a path forks off to the right. Take this path; soon there is a second, narrower viewing platform with a series of cataracts in the river below. This is Cargill's Leap, where Donald Cargill, a local minster and covenanter, escaped pursuing troops by leaping the falls below. the path goes left up a flight of wooden steps to reach a track at a higher level. Turn right along this, now high above the river.

Stage 2

When the wide path forks near some old mills, it is worth detouring along the right hand branch to head out onto a wooden footbridge spanning the river for the views. The track passes some old millworkers cottages on the left and, further on, Brooklinn Mill on the right - now converted to a house. Beyond this the track joins a minor road; turn left here and follow it as it climbs gently uphill and passes Lornty farm. At the next junction, turn right onto a track, signposted for the Cateran Trail and for The Knockie. This track climbs up through rich mixed farmland. There are spacious views, both looking back and northwards over a windfarm to Mount Blair.

Stage 3

Follow the track as it climbs, passing through a pedestrian gate alongside a locked gate and continue following the track as it turns sharp right and heads downhill towards a large barn. Just before the gate turn right onto a path which skirts around the farm buildings. When it reaches a track go straight across and continue on the path between a hedge and fence. The path follows the edge of a couple of fields until it emerges at a minor road. Turn right to pass a farm and down to a bridge.

Stage 4

The minor road soon becomes a track. Remain on the main track when it curves right at each of two junctions (waymarked), crossing a cattle grid, before turning left at a waymarker post onto a smaller, muddier track. This leads uphill and through a gate; keep straight on where other muddy tracks go off to one side or the other. The route now continues straight ahead, crossing almost level moorland, with distant views of the Mounth hills far ahead. The old track curves left at a wooded area and descends into Strathardle, eventually emerging at a signposted junction in the forest. The Cateran Trail turns left here, but those in need of refreshment (or a bed!) may turn right to make a brief detour to Bridge of Cally. Otherwise, the Cateran Trail soon emerges from the trees and passes through a gate into Blackcraig - Forestry commission land, though some of it has been felled.

Stage 5

The track climbs steadily before reaching a junction; bear right here to begin descending once more, passing Blackcraig croft. Keep ahead at the next track junction, following a walled lane with views to the mountains ahead. The route then passes through an area of forestry and some deciduous woodland; there are several track junctions but the route generally keeps straight ahead and is well marked. After passing the back of some houses it takes the left fork uphill, and then at Crowhill forks left again to pass through a field above the house before dropping back to the track beyond it. Again, keep a careful eye out for the waymarkers at several further track junctions, eventually climbing a stile, passing through a woodland section to a small bridge and another stile followed by an open field on a faint, grassy track.

Stage 6

After several more gates the route finally turns left above Dalnabreck to climb steeply beside a high fence to another stile. Cross this and then turn right, following the fence across rough pastures. After 500m another stile is crossed and the route continues contouring the lower edge of the moorland, giving comparatively rough going underfoot. After passing above some woods the route drops to cross a footbridge over the Pitcalmick Burn before continuing to contour the moors with a drystone wall over on the right.

Stage 7

A wall is crossed at a high stile and, further on, the route crosses the Allt Cul na Coille (burn) before bearing right over a stile, into the woods and then heading left along a good track once more. The track passes Dalvey loch and crosses a cattle grid; keep right at a couple of forks.

Stage 8

After more gates, the route comes close to the River Ardle before becoming a lane and leading into the village of Kirkmichael, passing a ruined church. Turn right on the road at the church; the Cateran Trail takes the next left whilst the road swings right and crosses the river to reach the shop and hotel.

Next stage: Kirkmichael to the Spittal of Glenshee

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