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14 April 2009
Trail of the Unexpected
Named after notorious cattle thieves, The Cateran Trail, through East Perthshire and Angus, is a gentle 64 miles walk (103 km) through Scotland’s history, taking in sites of significance from the Roman times right up to modern day Scotland. It is also Scotland’s first circular long distance route. Accommodation, a hot bath, even a dram or two can be found every 12 miles or so. There is also a Mini Trail that makes an ideal weekend break.
However its modern gentility as a countryside walk is in direct contrast to its historical roots, the trail itself formed as part of the getaway route for the ancient Caterans, whose midnight cattle raids instilled fear into the law abiding farmers of rural Perthshire. Its lawless origins are emblazoned in a series of hand-carved posts, each featuring the head of an individual Cateran warrior marking the way forward for walkers who want to follow the Trail, either in part or in full.
Boasting some of the loveliest scenery in Perthshire, the Cateran Trail is still, as yet, relatively unknown to walkers. But this, in itself, is surprising as it is clear that the route has experienced more than its fair share of history.
Take, for instance, the prehistoric Hut Circles near the Ardle Water at Bridge of Cally, an ancient dwelling area for the Celts. Or The Priest’s Well at Kirkmichael, an ancient source of water for druidical ceremonies but which ironically saved the day in 1941, providing the only source of water to the town when the main water pipes to the village froze unexpectedly.
Or, if you prefer to go a little faster than ambling pace and running is more to your taste, why not take part in the annual Cateran Trail Races, which take place in May? Offering a unique opportunity to run 23 miles of the course either alone or as part of a relay team, it’s almost a marathon, with a difference, and guaranteed to appeal to cross country running enthusiasts.
With five stages, but seven possible starting points, The Cateran Trail has the flexibility to act as either a week long walking holiday, or a day trip for occasional walkers. Either way, you can be guaranteed an historically interesting journey, breathtaking scenery and a walking challenge through the sort of Scotland of which walkers dream.
Trail of the Unexpected
Named after notorious cattle thieves, The Cateran Trail, through East Perthshire and Angus, is a gentle 64 miles walk (103 km) through Scotland’s history, taking in sites of significance from the Roman times right up to modern day Scotland. It is also Scotland’s first circular long distance route. Accommodation, a hot bath, even a dram or two can be found every 12 miles or so. There is also a Mini Trail that makes an ideal weekend break.
However its modern gentility as a countryside walk is in direct contrast to its historical roots, the trail itself formed as part of the getaway route for the ancient Caterans, whose midnight cattle raids instilled fear into the law abiding farmers of rural Perthshire. Its lawless origins are emblazoned in a series of hand-carved posts, each featuring the head of an individual Cateran warrior marking the way forward for walkers who want to follow the Trail, either in part or in full.
Boasting some of the loveliest scenery in Perthshire, the Cateran Trail is still, as yet, relatively unknown to walkers. But this, in itself, is surprising as it is clear that the route has experienced more than its fair share of history.
Take, for instance, the prehistoric Hut Circles near the Ardle Water at Bridge of Cally, an ancient dwelling area for the Celts. Or The Priest’s Well at Kirkmichael, an ancient source of water for druidical ceremonies but which ironically saved the day in 1941, providing the only source of water to the town when the main water pipes to the village froze unexpectedly.
Or, if you prefer to go a little faster than ambling pace and running is more to your taste, why not take part in the annual Cateran Trail Races, which take place in May? Offering a unique opportunity to run 23 miles of the course either alone or as part of a relay team, it’s almost a marathon, with a difference, and guaranteed to appeal to cross country running enthusiasts.
With five stages, but seven possible starting points, The Cateran Trail has the flexibility to act as either a week long walking holiday, or a day trip for occasional walkers. Either way, you can be guaranteed an historically interesting journey, breathtaking scenery and a walking challenge through the sort of Scotland of which walkers dream.
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