Walk of the Month: The Cateran Trail
The Cateran Trail is a delightful, waymarked trail through the picturesque Scottish valleys of eastern Perthshire and Angus.
This circular route begins and ends in the bustling town of Blairgowrie – 60 miles north of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, and 15 miles north of the city of Perth.
The trail is named after The Caterans who, from the 1300s until the 1600s, supplemented their income by stealing cattle from the relatively prosperous Highland glens before driving them back to the upland areas.
This once turbulent area is now one of Scotland’s most peaceful and idyllic regions, with rolling green hills, sparkling rivers, and quaint villages where you can relax in historic inns.
How long does it take to walk the Cateran Trail?
The route is 64 miles (103 km), which we recommend walking over 5 or 6 days.
Our most popular itinerary is CAT1 which covers the route over 5 days, with an average walking distance of 12.8 miles (20.5km) each day.
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How difficult is the Cateran Trail?
We have graded the Cateran Trail as being of moderate difficulty.
The terrain is a mix of paths, tracks, short sections of minor road, and some moorland stretches. The route is rough in places and can be very muddy in others.
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3 reasons to walk the Cateran Trail
1. The epic view of Glenshee – one of Scotland’s most famous glens
2. Enjoy wild raspberries from Scotland’s soft fruit growing region
3. Get off-the-beaten-track in this wonderfully undiscovered corner of the Scottish Highlands
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In our clients’ words
“The accommodation was great and I feel so refreshed after the walk!” – Annie Wong, Hong Kong
“Only superlatives about the walk, the scenery, the weather, your info and service, the accommodations and hosts, and all other Scots we met!!!!” – Andre Quak, Netherlands
“To be recommended as one of the less challenging walks through varied, interesting and often spectacular countryside with interesting local communities and places to stay. There was plenty of wildflowers and wildlife – deer, hares, even a beaver dam at Bamff.” – John North, England
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Walking the Cateran Trail
If you’re inspired to walk the Cateran Trail, Absolute Escapes offer self-guided walking holidays in the UK & Ireland which include accommodation, daily baggage transfers, guidebook/map, and full information pack.
Send us an enquiry now – we’d love to help you plan an unforgettable walking holiday.
