Fans of great outdoors to enjoy 13th walking fest
The Blairgowrie Walking Festival, organised by volunteers from the Blairgowrie and District Next Steps group and the Strathmore and the Glens Rural Partnership, takes place this weekend.
The event, now in its 13th year, is proving to be as popular as ever with nearly all the available spaces on the various walks already booked.
Around 50 people enjoy the annual festival, with many coming back year after year to enjoy the organised walks, beautiful scenery and friendly atmosphere it offers.
And this year is no exception with places filling up fast on the walks, all of which are new routes to be featured on the festival itinerary.
Organiser Nick Cole said: “In this 13th year we are providing a gentle introduction to our autumn weekend visit to the countryside in our corner of Scotland by visiting a historic ruined castle, Whitefield Castle, on our Friday walk from Enochdhu to Kirkmichael.
“On Saturday, our very strenuous walk is from Glenshee Ski Centre over the Glas Maol plateau and descending into the head of Caenlochan Glen and on to Auchavan.
“This glen is very scenic, very airy and very remote so this is a great opportunity to experience this unusual and rarely visited area.
“We are also offering walks along a couple of other sections of the Cateran Trail over the course of the weekend, with something for any keen walker and, again, all new for this year’s festival.
“On the Saturday for example, there is a moderate walk from Bamff to Alyth which will give those taking part the chance to spot beavers and wild boar before heading over Alyth Hill to take in the stunning views of Strathmore.
“And, on Sunday, there is a relatively new walk from Tullybaccart over the Sidlaw Hills to Newtyle village.”
All the walks are linear so make interesting and challenging trips that are not easy to do without multiple car journeys, and all are led and supported by qualified leaders and first aiders.
The festival takes place from September 9-11.
Further information on the routes, including booking forms and contact details, can be found on the website www.walkingfestival.org Alternatively, contact Nick Cole on 01828 640763 or email nick@ncsdesign.com
We are offering walks along a couple of sections of the Cateran Trail