This varied waymarked walk explores the countryside on either side of Glen Derby above Kirkimichael - visiting a pinewood with many log cabins, and returning with an open moorland section offering stunning views across Strathardle.
Bog Factor
Footpaths, tracks and moorland walking with some boggy sections - waymarked.
Kirkimichael car park.
Kirkmichael is served by a bus that links Blairgowrie and Pitlochry.
NO080600
The walk starts from the car park reached by crossing the bridge over the river from the main road through the lovely village of Kirkmichael. Adjacent to the car park is the Bannerfield, which is where the Earl of Mar raised his standard to gather men during the 1715 Jacobite Uprising; today the field is used for the annual Highland Games. Begin the walk by exiting the car park and following the road to the left, uphill (away from the bridge). Almost immediately the road bends left - go straight on here past some beautiful cottages, and then fork right - signed for Riverside walk - down steps to continue beside the river.
The riverside stretch soon ends and the path swings left up steps to join a track. Turn left here and then right between two large stone gateposts. After 150m turn left - signed Kirkmichael Path Network - and follow the track between fields. When it joins a minor road keep straight on uphill (signed Kindrogan Forest), passing some scatttered houses and - higher up - a log cabin hotel on your right. Looking back there are great views over Kirkmichael.
The road becomes a track and continues into the pine forest - watch out for roe deer which are plentiful in these woods. There are many log cabin houses scattered amongst the trees. When a t-junction is reached (with benches, and the drive to one of the cabins ahead) turn left as waymarked. Eventually the pinewoods thin out and another junction is reached - this time turn left, signed 'Pitcarmick'.
The track slopes down to reach the Balnald Burn. Cross the bridge and follow the path beyond - there is boggy going here but also some boardwalk. Go over a stile and along a longer section of boardwalk, then continue uphill with the fence on your right. From here on the going is rougher across mostly heathery ground.
Near the top of the hill follow the path (and marker posts) to the left. Soon an information board is seen just to the left - this marks the location of the Pitcarmick settlement, a series of bronze age round houses. From here go through a gate in the deer fence and then turn left to continue along the opposite side of the fence. There are stunning views across Strathardle on this section.
The route keeps by the fence when it turns to the right. Continue until a gate and then turn left through this, following an old grassy track downhill. The track leads through some scattered native woodland and passes above the remains of old shielings. Eventually it descends to a gate; cross this and then bear left down the next field (waymarkers).
Go through the metal pedestrian gate at the bottom corner of the field, and then keep straight ahead to reach another gate. Go through this and turn left on the hard track, the route of the Cateran Trail. The track soon leads back to Kirkmichael and the start of the walk.
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