The ultimate challenge - a 24-hour 54-mile hike along the Cateran Trail.

The inaugural ALLIANCE TRUST CATERAN YOMP takes place on 25th and 26th June 2011.  This great event is not only a massive personal challenge but will be raising vital funds to support ABF The Soldiers' Charity and the Alliance Trust Staff Foundation.  An epic adventure that will push you and your team, it will be full of great experiences.  The Yomp will be the Rolls Royce of charity walks. 
Please visit website for full details of costs and registration. 

The Cateran Trail was the first circular route in the UK. Fully waymarked, it is 64 mls/ 103 km long and you can walk it in one go - over four or five days - or in stages.

More detailed information on the Cateran Trail including route maps is available here , whilst details of accommodation on the trail can be found here.

Due to its circular nature, the Trail has no real beginning or end, allowing walkers to join anywhere along its length. However, as the biggest town, Blairgowrie is where many people begin their journey.
Little more than an hour north of Edinburgh, the Trail boasts some of the loveliest scenery in a corner of Perthshire that is relatively unknown to walkers. It follows old drove roads, ancient tracks and minor roads and passes through farmland and forests.  Signposts, stiles and bridges marked with the Trail logo and direction arrows, allow for easy route identification.

Most of the Trail is suitable only for walkers due to the terrain, many deer fences and ladder stiles. You are requested not to take your dog(s) through fields where there are young animals.

Stage 1

Blairgowrie is a busy market town at the heart of Scotland's soft fruit industry. Here, your walk begins gently along the banks of the River Ericht. Once well known for its jute production, Blairgowrie has a number of old mills, mill lades and weirs in the vicinity of the river. Late autumn often sees wild Atlantic salmon ascending the waterfalls as they head upstream to their spawning grounds.

As the path climbs over Cochrage Muir, you are rewarded with tremendous open before walking downhill to the tiny hamlet of Bridge of Cally. From Bridge of Cally, the Cateran Trail winds through the peaceful glen known as Strathardle. In the past, this glen was a lucrative plundering ground for the Caterans, who seized on the cattle grazing in the pastures.

The Trail passes through Blackcraig Forest, close to Bridge of Cally – keep an eye out for roe deer and red squirrels. Woodland, moorland and farmland are all features of this section as you descend into the small country village of Kirkmichael.

Stage 2

Leaving Kirkmichael, the route is predominantly upland, following a wonderful moorland route and hill pass from Enochdhu through to Spittal of Glenshee. 

Enochdhu means ‘black meadow’ or ‘moor’ and was once where Caterans gathered after a raid. Dirnanean Garden is on the route – open during summer months – and worth a visit for walkers with time in hand. Rising to over 700 metres above sea level, there are spectacular views of rugged peaks. For those interested in wildlife, you may be rewarded with a glimpse of red deer or an eagle soaring overhead.

Along the path, a timber ‘lunch hut, provided by the estate, offers an ideal resting place – don't forget to add your name to the fascinating record of characters in the Visitors' Book. Walking down into the Spittal of Glenshee, the wild mountainous country is spectacular, with the village visible far beneath. The place takes its name from the old Scots word Spittal meaning ‘a refuge on a remote hill pass’ - from a time when wolves roamed wild in Scotland.

Stage 3

From the Spittal of Glenshee the Trail heads south, following the Shee Water past Dalnaglar Castle into the fertile farmlands of Glen Isla. 

The first five miles of this stretch are through rough moorland, then along quiet minor roads take you past Forter Castle. For those more energetic walkers, you may wish to take the alternative route into Glenisla by crossing Mount Blair. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and on a clear day you may even spot Ben Nevis in the distance.

The Trail follows off road tracks and passes Auchintaple Loch and Loch Shandra. It is worth taking a short diversion through the trees to the banks of Auchintaple to witness the fantastic views of Mount Blair set in glorious tranquil scenery.

The final destination for this stage is the village of Kirkton of Glenisla nestling on the banks of the River Isla.

Stage 4

The picturesque burgh town of Alyth is the host for the start of this stage, as the Trail winds through forest and farmland.

Early morning in the tranquillity of Glen Isla is a real treat in the early morning, and as the Trail rises high above the river and fields it gives way to fantastic open views over an idyllic pastoral scene. The area around Alyth has strong links to Arthurian legends and it is believed that Queen Guinevere was held captive by King Mordred at his fort on nearby Barry Hill.

Crossing Alyth Hill, the route rises steeply, skimming the edge of the town, before making it way down Toutie Street – down which cattle were driven in centuries past – to the centre of town. The street takes its name from the noise of the herd-boy's horn as he drove the cattle to pasture.

Stage 5

Leaving Alyth, the Trail follows moorland and pleasant estate roads.

At this stage gradients are generally gentle with extensive views as the route twice rises to around 950ft above sea level. The homeward trek into Bridge of Cally is mostly on quiet minor tarmac roads.

The last part of the Trail back to Blairgowrie is the reversal of the first part of stage one.