Please enjoy the outdoors responsibly and take care to observe social distancing. See the COVID-19 Outdoors Access Guidance.

© Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust. Produced by Ashworth Maps and Interpretation Ltd 2016. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database rights 2016. OS 100016971. Use of this data is subject to terms and conditions.

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Kirkmichael – Enochdhu – Spittal of Glenshee – Lair – Kirkmichael 20 miles / 32 km

For those walkers looking for a two-day adventure, the Cateran Mini Trail offers the ideal opportunity to sample some of the best bits of the Cateran Trail over a weekend or for a short break. It is a circular route from Kirkmichael that takes in the Trail's highest point over Strathardle and Glenshee, scenic glen walks and remains of hut circles and Iron Age buildings.

TAKE CARE: From April to January, you may find livestock unfenced in fields. Parent animals can be aggressive when protecting their young, so please keep as far away as possible and do not separate parents from their young. Please keep dogs on a short lead or under control. 

Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee - 8 miles / 13 km Begin at Kirkmichael, where many ancient drove roads converged, and head north towards the Spittal of Glenshee. During summer months, if time allows, a slight detour to Dirnanean Gardens will reward you with walks through a stunning collection of big trees including giant redwoods and noble firs. The walk towards the Spittal passes through young plantations and heathery hillside before arriving at the Lairig Gate, the high point of the Trail (650m / 2130ft). Stunning views unfold on the descent to the Spittal, sitting cosily between Glen Lochsie and Gleann Beag.

Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkmichael - 12 miles / 19 km From the Spittal, the Mini Trail hugs the Shee water down to the bridge at Lair. Oyster catchers are often spotted and, if you’re lucky, black and white dippers may be seen disappearing under water to walk along the river bed. From Lair, the Mini Trail winds its way along the river valley over agricultural land. The unusual round buildings seen on some of the farm steadings are the old horse mills that were prolific until the introduction of the petrol engine in the 1940s. Back in Kirkmichael, enjoy a well earned meal at one of the local hostelries.

 Click here to download the Cateran Trail leaflet

Don't get lost!

Although the Cateran Trail is waymarked, you should not try to walk the route without a map or guidebook.  Every year a few walkers ignore this advice and end up getting lost.  We have worked in partnership with the publishers of the Rucksack Readers hillwalking guidebooks and Footprint hillwalking maps to create a guidebook and map for the Trail.  We check each new edition of these to make sure they are up to date and accurate.  If you are planning to walk the Cateran Trail and don't have a guidebook or map...

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