Major investment to safeguard famous 64-mile hiking circuit

cateran trail: Repairs will aim to make the route more accessible

A conservation charity has secured nearly £10,000 to help protect one of Scotland’s favourite walking routes.

The Cateran Trail, a 64-mile trek through the Perthshire and Angus glens, forests and moors, attracts thousands of hikers from around the world each year. It is well-known for the annual Cateran Yomp, a challenge which raises money to support soldiers, veterans and their families.

Last year, the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust launched a fundraising appeal to bring the circuit up to standard, following nearly two decades of use.

Now the charity has secured more than £9,700 from the Suez Communities Trust for repairs which aim to make the trail – and a mini trail at Kirkmichael – more accessible.

The first part of the project involves improving almost 500ft of rough, overgrown path which forms the start of the Cateran mini trail. It will be resurfaced with compacted gravel and the overgrown vegetation will be cut back.

Signs and waymarkers will also be upgraded to help guide walkers across the open hillside.

The second phase will involve upgrading a further 65ft of path, just north of Kirkmichael. New drainage will be installed and the route will be coated in gravel to prevent it becoming too muddy in wet weather.

Andrew Barrie, the trust’s strategic routes officer and manager of the Cateran Trail, said: “The Cateran mini trail is a circular route connecting Kirkmichael, Lair and Spittal of Glenshee.

“It’s great for walkers keen on a shorter, two-day walk and shows off some of the best parts of the trail. By improving access to it, we hope more people will explore this lovely route.”

He added: “Sorting out the drainage along the path so that people can enjoy the views, rather than minding their step, will be a great improvement.”

The trail is well-known for the annual Cateran Yomp.