Cateran Mini Trail link: Cray to Kirkmichael

Summary

This links enables a Mini Cateran Trail to be done (usually over 2 days, stopping overnight at Spittal of Glenshee). The section from Cray to Kirkmichael follows an ancient right of way over moor and farmland, pathless (waymarkers) and boggy in places (major work in 2018 has improved the route), it has a remote feel and would be a great walk in its own right if transport could be arranged.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Minor road, moorland paths, farm tracks, some pathless sections where map and navigation skills are needed.

Public Transport

No public transport to Cray. Kirkmichael is served by a bus that links Blairgowrie and Pitlochry.

Start

Cray. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3 hours
Ascent: 241m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO 150 641

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Having turned right onto the B951 from the main Cateran Trail walk down the road into the tiny settlement of Cray which has a few houses and an old church. From here continue on the road which soon crosses the Black Water and climbs up to the A93. Cross this with care heading slightly right and then following the signed route to Kirkmichael, going through the walker's gate next to an old stone cross. Climb the stile on the right after the crash barrier and head straight uphill with the burn on your right, soon reaching a waymarker.

Stage 2

Keep straight ahead onto heather moorland, keeping an eye out for the occasional markers (it is better to stay to the left (south) of a couple of posts as this avoids boggier ground. There are paths in places but keep heading west and then south-west aiming for the low shoulder south of Lamh Dearg. There are good views back to Mount Blair directly behind and later to the Cairnwell Munros to the north.

Stage 3

As you approach the shoulder the path follows a drainage ditch for a while and then splits with the clearer path heading south, take the indistinct path aiming west then southwest towards the flank of Cnoc Feanndaige. Look out for the waymarkers and drainage ditches as you cross boggy ground, heading straight across a new track and eventually aiming for some rocky outcrops ahead.

Stage 4

Keep just to the north of the rocky outcrops and the hut circles marked on the map and climb to cross the shoulder to see a clear view of the way down to the Ennoch Burn ahead. The path descends WNW through the heather eventually passing the ruins of a settlement before reaching the glen floor and a stile over a stone wall with a track and bridge just beyond.

Stage 5

Cross the footbridge and take the track heading uphill on the far side of the Ennoch Burn, keep following the track until a larger track is joined, turn left. Soon go through a farm gate and pass a small lochan on your left. The track heads downhill towards farmland and a conifer plantation. At the gate and stone wall go over the stile and follow the track around the edge of the field to another gate and stile. Continue ahead keeping the stone wall on your left to cross a pathless field heading for a gate and stile. A short section of track leads to another track, go straight across this, over the stile and uphill keeping the stone wall and felled area to your left.

Stage 6

At the top of the rise aim right just to the right of the trees (Ashintully Castle is beyond the walls to the left but it is hard to view from the route). At the stone wall go over the stile and cross the next field staying close to the top wall on your left. Another stile leads into the next field, aim diagonally downhill to reach a footbridge over the Allt Menach.

Stage 7

Keep in the same direction as the bridge to climb for a short distance to reach a gate and stile and then descend to a small burn and climb the rough ground on the far side aiming for a tall stile over the stone wall with felled trees to the left. Continue ahead aiming just to the right of a knoll with trees on it and once over the shoulder a low waymarker shows the route heading southwest downhill over pathless grassy ground. Go straight across a grassy track to continue in the same direction downhill, the ground becomes increasing wet and hummocky, aim for a gate and stile in the wall ahead with trees beyond.

Stage 8

After the stile keep heading downhill and at a gate on your right go through it and continue ahead with the fence on your left. Head down the grassy field aiming for a patch of trees to the left of a garden shed with the buildings of Kirkmichael visible between. Near the trees go through a metal gate to follow an old path between the stone wall and a fence soon reaching a house and Kirkmichael. At the road turn right to pass the hotel and reach the shop, or cross the bridge to get to the parking area over the river.

Route Profile

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