THE

HISTORY, CULTURE AND LANDSCAPES OF THE CATERAN TRAIL

THE CATERAN TRAIL - SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY SUMMARY Experience the best of Scottish country life, abundant wildlife, wide open spaces and small highland villages on The Cateran Trail. This 64 mile waymarked circular walk through Highland and the Angus Glens uses old drove roads and existing paths to explore one of ’s forgotten corners. The word Cateran translates to “cattle rustlers” who caused havoc from the Middle Ages until the 17th century driving stolen cattle and booty through these remote glens. Follow in their footsteps today as you explore this beautiful land.

Your journey begins in Blairgowrie, a pretty market town which straddles the River Ericht. From here you walk in a clockwise direction to Bridge of Cally, Kirkmichael, Enochdhu (which means black meadow or moor), , Kirton of Glenisla, and finally return to Blairgowrie at the end of a rewarding 64 miles. Tour: The Cateran Trail Every holiday we offer features hand-picked overnight accommodation in high quality B&B’s, country inns, Code: WSSCT1-2 and guesthouses. Each is unique and offers the highest levels of welcome, atmosphere and outstanding Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday local cuisine. We also include daily door to door baggage transfers, a guide book with a detailed map and Price: see website pre-departure information pack as well as emergency support, should you need it. Single Supplement: see website Dates: March to October HIGHLIGHTS Walking Days: 5-6 Nights: 6-7  Exploring Blairgowrie’s historic past of old mills, mill lades and weirs Start: Blairgowrie  Enjoy the tremendous mountain views on the northern section of the trail Finish: Blairgowrie  Visiting Dirnanean Garden (1 mile north of Enochdhu) Distance: 64 Miles  Enjoy the atmospheric bar at the Spittal of Glenshee Grade: Easy to Moderate  Soak up the peace and quiet of this less trodden part of Scotland IS IT FOR ME? WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY WITH US? The Cateran Trail is a beautiful walk through Macs Adventure is a small, energetic company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We are the heart of Scotland. The route is well waymarked and lets you concentrate on ab- passionate about delivering outstanding walking holidays where every last detail is taken care of. Each sorbing the beauty around you and keep your holiday we offer is unique, tailor made to meet your requirements. From your first contact with Macs eyes peeled for the illustrious golden eagle, Adventure you will deal with a local specialist who knows the region intimately. rather than constantly referring to your maps.

Self guided walking holidays are a wonderful relaxed way to discover the magic of the Cateran Trail. Free WHAT’S INCLUDED? to travel at your own pace and wander off the beaten track you will discover the beauty of the landscape, the warmth of the people and the long history of this spectacular land. We will supply you with Accommodation: Hand-picked B&B’s, small comprehensive route notes, a clear map and a pre-departure information pack to guide you every step of hotels, country inns and guesthouses. the way so there is no need for a guide. Your baggage will be collected and moved onto your next Meals: A hearty breakfast included. Lunch and dinner not included but always available accommodation so that you are free to walk each day with just a daypack. In the unlikely event you should at accommodation or nearby. require emergency support our office is always more than happy to help with your queries. So, from the Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door baggage moment you decide to visit Scotland and The Cateran Trail you can relax and look forward to an transfer. unforgettable self-guided walking holiday. We hope that you will choose to travel with Macs Adventure Information Pack: Comprehensive guide soon. book containing maps. THE CATERAN TRAIL

HISTORY, CULTURE AND LANDSCAPES OF THE CATERAN TRAIL

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Spittal of Glenshee to Glenisla Day Route Miles Blairgowrie to Bridge of Cally The first 5 miles of this section of the walk are on rough moorland path, then onto quiet minor 1 Arrive Blairgowrie 0 From the bustling market town of Blairgowrie roads past the stunning Castle. There is 2 Walk to Kirkmichael 15 where the many of Scotland’s raspberries are the option of taking the alternative route into 3 Walk to Spittal of Glenshee 8 grown, the walk starts by following the banks of Glenisla by crossing Mount Blair, the terrain is 4 Walk to Glenisla 14 the River Ericht. A gentle start to the trail with heather coated and on a clear day from the top 5 Walk to Aylth 11 plenty of historical interest en-route. Old mills, you can see across to Ben Nevis. Staying on the mill lades and weirs can be found dating back to 6 Walk to Blairgowrie 16 lower route passes many lochs and the views up 7 Onward travel 0 the 17th Century. Fantastic open views follow to Mount Blair are magnificent. as the path climbs and then lengthens out over Cochrage Muir before descending into the tiny Glenisla to Alyth Total Distance 64 hamlet of Bridge of Cally. Leaving Glenisla you wind through forest and Bridge of Cally to Kirkmichael farmlands to reach Alyth, the walking is peaceful with fine open views as you raise high above the WSSCT2 Heading on from Bridge of Cally this short river Isla. The route crosses Alyth Hill which section winds through many forests and through rises steeply on the edge of town. Description: Ideal for those who like to gradually the Strathardle Glen. Watch out for the roe deer increase the miles after an easy start. This and the red squirrels which can be found feeding Alyth to Blairgowrie option starts with 3 days of 4—5 hours of walking on the cones from the many conifers. Woodland, and finishes with 3 days of 6—8 hours of walking As you head out of Alyth the trail uses moorland moorland and farmland are all features of this per day. and quiet minor roads, the walking is fairly gentle easy walk into Kirkmichael, a small country Walking days: 6 on this last section and walkers are rewarded village. with extensive views as the route climbs to over Nights: 7 Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee 950ft above sea level. The final descent into Average Daily Distance: 11 Miles Bridge of Cally is mostly on tarmac using quiet Grade: Easy/Moderate This part of the trail follows the wonderful roads. The walk ends by following the route on moorland route and hill pass from Enochdhu the first section into Blairgowrie. through to Spittal of Glenshee. Enochdhu means Day Route Miles black meadow and this settlement was once a gathering point for caterans following a raid. THE CATERAN TRAIL ITINERARIES Dirnanean Gardens are worth a visit for walkers 1 Arrive Blairgowrie 0 who have time and watch out for a glimpse of red A walking holiday on The Cateran Trail offers 2 Blairgowrie to Bridge of deer or an eagle soaring overhead. As you head something for everyone and we offer 2 itineraries Cally 7 down to Spittal the views are glorious with for this walk. 3 Bridge of Cally to Kirkmichael 8 mountains all around. WSSCT1 4 Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee 8 Description: This itinerary is perfect for the 5 Spittal of Glenshee to regular walker and most days offer between 6—8 6 Glenisla 14 hours of walking with the exception of the 8 mile 7 Glenisla to Aylth 11

section, which gives a more relaxed day. Aylth to Blairgowrie 16 Onward travel 0 Walking days: 5

Nights: 6 Total Distance 64 Average Daily Distance: 10 Miles

Grade: Moderate THE CATERAN TRAIL

HISTORY, CULTURE AND LANDSCAPES OF THE CATERAN TRAIL

Navigation Recommended Reading TRAVEL INFORMATION This route is waymarked and much of it does  Walking in Scotland - Lonely Planet Getting to/from Blairgowrie follows a path so you will not need to be a  Cateran Trail— One must first get to Perth from or competent navigator with map and compass, but www.caterantrail.orangehome.co.uk/ a little experience would not go amis. Glasgow of which there are frequent services. Meals From Edinburgh - 45 miles (1 hour 30 mins by RECOMMENDATIONS A hearty breakfast is included each morning. bus or 1 hour 15 mins by train) Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of From Glasgow – 62 miles (I hour 40 mins by bus Walking direction your accommodations will more than happy to or 1 hour by train) provide a packed lunch on request and this can We only offer this route in a clockwise direction From Perth to Blairgowrie it is 15 miles of which be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at due to luggage transfer restrictions. there are frequent buses which take 45 mins. your accommodation or nearby pubs and Additional Nights restaurants. Travel Insurance Many of our clients choose to add extra nights Baggage Transfer We strongly recommend taking out travel along the walk to sample more of the wonderful insurance to cover cancellation or curtailment of Your bags will be transferred from your walking and attractions available in the your holiday. accommodation as per your itinerary and moved Highlands. If you choose to extend your holiday onto your next overnight accommodation. We we would recommend spending extra nights in ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to M.A.C.S RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL Blairgowrie, Alyth or even Perth before or after 15kg per person. the walk. Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit Fewer Nights Equipment Your information pack has a detailed equipment Our operating policies, office policies, If you wish to reduce the number of nights we holidays and tours are all designed to list which includes standard walking gear such as can tailor your trip to your requirements. minimise impact and maximise benefit to good walking boots or shoes, warm and the environment and local communities. HOLIDAY INFORMATION waterproof clothes and a day pack. Action & Advocacy Accommodation Dogs We believe that by engaging our team and One of the highlights of this tour is the high Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate clients in environmental and community standard of the accommodation. We specifically walkers with dogs as many of the projects we can make a real difference. accommodation providers do not accept pets. choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your Carbon & Communities stay. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. Travel and our business activity does of course contribute to carbon output and Single Rooms climate change. We have put several policies in place to minimise our carbon This independent walking holiday is available to footprint. solo walkers at a supplement. If you require single rooms in your party we will of course try to Sensitive & Sustainable accommodate your request, subject to availability. Macs Adventure has worked hard to ensure that our holidays are sensitive to the community you are visiting and sustainable over the long term. THE CATERAN TRAIL

HISTORY, CULTURE AND LANDSCAPES OF THE CATERAN TRAIL

CUSTOMER REVIEWS HOW TO BOOK information please go to www.ipplondon.co.uk This Insurance has been arranged by We are justifiably proud of our reputation for factsheet or on our website and decided on your International Passenger Protection Limited and outstanding holidays on the Cateran Trail. You preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a underwritten by Insurers who are members of the can read numerous customer reviews on our call to confirm availability. You can then book by Association of British Insurers & Lloyds website to get a good idea of what to expect from any of the following methods: Syndicates. Macs Adventure on the Cateran Trail. Book Securely Online: www.macsadventure.com ABTA Member PRICE & AVAILABILITY Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886 Statement Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form Macs Adventure Holidays Availability and post it to Macs Adventure, 44 Speirs Wharf, is a Member of ABTA. ABTA and ABTA Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 This walking holiday is best enjoyed between Members help holidaymakers to get the most 527 5688 early April and the end of October. You can start from their travel and assist when things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a on any date that suits your travel plans and you Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code will find up to date availability on our website. +44 (0) 0141 530 8886 or email: of Conduct. The Cateran Trail is very popular so it is best to [email protected] if you have any book as far in advance as you are able to. queries and one of our expert customer service Activity Scotland Code of Conduct team will be happy to help. Price Macs Adventure is a member of the Activity Detailed up to date prices for all our Cateran Trail Scotland Association, the trade association Holidays are available on our website here... BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE which supports and promotes activity providers in Scotland. Macs Adventure abides by the Activity Included Scotland Code of Practice, which ensures that Financial Security your activities are safely and professionally  6-7 Nights bed and breakfast accommodation organised, comply with the law and are in en-suite rooms wherever possible. In accordance with "The Package Travel, financially protected.  Door to door baggage transfer. Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations1992" all passengers booking with  A detailed info pack, guidebook with map for Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the the group leader. initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all  Emergency telephone support from our office monies paid to us, including repatriation if in the event of a problem. required (this insurance will not cover repatriation to the country of origin for the passengers “ We were really pleased with all the Excluded outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or organisation, information pack, guide curtailment of your travel arrangements due to book and in particular, delighted with  Travel to the start or from the finish of the the accommodation booked for us the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd. walk. which suited us perfectly. Our luggage  Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks. There is no requirement for Financial Protection was always there when we arrived and a welcome sight when tired and  Travel Insurance. of day trips, and none is provided. This insurance is only valid for packages booked that perhaps rather wet. This is the first time I have done a long distance walk  Personal Equipment. DO NOT include flights. with the support of a company and  Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage. Consumer aware: Your booking is insured by luggage carrier and I would recommend Macs Adventure to others IPP Ltd and its panel of insurers. - This insurance who I know are planning a similar is only valid for passengers who book and pay directly with/to Macs Adventure Ltd. For further trip. So very many thanks!” Once you have read all the information in this Alison Johnston (UK)