Well-loved by Blairgowrie folk, this varied circuit follows the River Ericht upstream with its waterfalls, woodlands and many old mills. The return is over the Knockie, a viewpoint looking out over Blairgowrie to the Sidlaw hills beyond.
Marked paths, tracks and minor roads.
Blairgowrie is well served by buses.
Riverside car park, Blairgowrie.
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. There are picnic tables and an information board in the car park. Begin the walk by following the path upstream beside the Ericht; this is the start of the Cateran Trail. After a fairly short distance 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.
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 covenanters were Presbyterians who signed a National Covenant in 1638 to retain their way of worship; this led to their persecution by Charles II. Cargill was eventually captured and executed. After enjoying the view, return to the path.
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. Upstream is another weir which once helped to channel water to drive the waterwheels, whilst on each bank are some of the textile mills that made Blairgowrie prosperous. In 1860 there were 11 mills, all water-powered, employing 1600 people. Today the grand old flax mill on the east side of the river here - Keathbank Mill - has been converted into luxury apartments, whilst that on the west side - Oakbank Mill - is derelict. Do not cross the river but instead return to the track running upstream.
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 left signposted for the Cateran Trail and then right signed for The Knockie. This track continues the climb uphill through rich mixed farmland. There are spacious views, particularly northwards over a windfarm to Mount Blair. This part of Perthshire and neighbouring Angus, Strathmore, has long been known for growing soft-fruits; these days many are grown in plastic polytunnels - a new addition to the landscape.
After around a kilometre and a half a wooden signpost indicates where a path goes off to the left (the post has arrows pointing both ahead - for the Cateran Trail - and left). The path is a little muddy and heads through a gap in a field fence. Just beyond is a bench and a view indicator, as well as an interpretation board. This is the Knockie, a fine viewpoint for Blairgowrie, the strath and the Sidlaw Hills beyond. A fine grassy lane continues the descent.
The lane winds down the hill and passes first some newer houses and then an old farmhouse. It swings left to reach the end of Burnhead road. Turn right here to head down Newton Street into Blairgowrie. Newton Castle is on the right, but is today a private house and hidden by the trees. Continue all the way down Newton Street, ignoring several cross-roads, until the High Street is reached. Turn left along this, following it when it bends right, to reach the Wellmeadow, a small park in the centre of Blairgowrie. The Riverside car park is off down a lane to the left.
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