Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee

Summary

This is a glorious section of the Cateran Trail, exploring the landscape of the glen before climbing over a high moorland pass. The descent to the Spittal of Glenshee gives good views of the surrounding mountains.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Moorland tracks and paths, small streams to cross, exposed and muddy in places.

Public Transport

Kirkmichael is served by a bus that links Blairgowrie and Pitlochry. Sat only bus to Spittal of Glenshee.

Start

Kirkmichael. 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: 13km / 8 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 484m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO096686

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (0)

Stage 1

This stage of the Cateran Trail starts in Kirkmichael on the west side of the river, heading alongside a row of cottages (on your right) from the old schoolhouse - and signed 'Cateran Trail - Spittal of Glenshee 9'. Ignore the riverside footpath which heads down to the right, instead continuing on the lane signed for Enochdu. When the track splits in three, take the middle route, then keeping right at each of two forks, the second by a wooden chalet. As a white house is approached, fork left onto a grassy path and head through a gate to head into the woods.

Stage 2

A small loch can be seen on the right. The woods are left behind at a gate; cross the grassy field ahead, bearing right to pick up a track that leads towards and passes the impressive white house of Dalreoch. Continue ahead onto a track, and when this bends right to reach a larger track cross it to continue over the old stone bridge. This rejoins a lane; continue ahead until the buildings of Enochdu.

Stage 3

Turn left past a row of cottages to emerge in a parking area with recycling bins and an information board. Bear right - going straight across the main road - and follow the track signed for Spittal of Glenshee. This climbs gently, keep to the left at the entrance to Dirnanean Highland Garden which is open in the summer. At Home Farm the track heads behind the house and then left through the farmyard, go over the stile to follow the track uphill. Stay on the main track until a clear junction with a fire tower visible ahead, turn left here (signed Glenshee) and climb the stile to enter the forestry. Deer are often seen on the next section and look out for the marker posts with carved heads of the Caterans, roaming cattle thieves, and local clansmen, who often fought with them.

Stage 4

Cross the Allt Dubhagan on a bridge and continue through the forest until a high stile leads onto the open moorland. The next stretch is more exposed than the rest of the Cateran Trail and can be tough in poor weather. The clear track climbs gently encircled by the hilltops of Ben Earb, Creag an Dubh Shluic, and Meall Uaine. Soon a hidden hut is reached on the left, named the Lunch Hut, Queen Victoria rested here with John Brown on 13 October 1863 on one of their pony jaunts from Balmoral, walkers are welcome to use the hut.

Stage 5

The route continues on the track, keeping right where a fainter vehicle track goes left, crossing the burn and aiming for the An Lairig pass, the lowest point between Creag an Dubh Shluic and Meall Uaine. A smaller burn is crossed on the steady climb to the top, the going is often very wet underfoot. The reward is the view from the top of the pass, high mountains providing the backdrop to the green farmland around the Spittal of Glenshee.

Stage 6

The descent down Coire Lairige is straightforward although very boggy in places. Further down the path runs alongside a tumbling burn with a stone wall on the left. The buildings at the Spittal become clearer and the turf-roofs of chalets are passed on the left before the path reaches the main road at the Spittal of Glenshee. Since the large ski hotel was destroyed by fire in 2015 there is no serviced accommodation here but some local B&B's and hotels may provide a pick up and drop off service especially if staying 2 nights.

Next stage: Spittal of Glenshee to Glen Isla

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