Cateran Ecomuseum

The ruggedly beautiful uplands of the Pitcarmick Estate contain a spectacular array of well-preserved material remains that represent thousands of years of human occupation.

Take a walk through time and place with local archaeologist Dr Gavin Lindsay for a glimpse at a once densely populated landscape. Examine the traces of the region’s most distinctive architectural forms, the Pitcarmick-type longhouse, and follow the wall footings of their enigmatic prehistoric predecessor, the double-skinned roundhouse.

Places are limited to 15 participants and booking in advance is essential – find out more and secure your place HERE.

Lair Pictish Longhouse Reconstruction ‘Artwork by Alan Braby & Gill McSwan, image courtesy of PKHT’ copy

Grade of walk: Hard – approx. 11.3km along undulating upland tracks and occasional open heath terrain. Suitable for adults with some hillwalking experience and above average fitness and stamina. The pace will be steady, there will be a significant amount of ascent and descent, and the route may involve steep sections and rough terrain and may include walking on uneven surfaces including grass, heather and peat bog. No children under 16 years of age.

Cost: Free

Assembly point: Vehicle owners should park by the Pitcarmick Estate sawmill (NGR: NO 0854,5638) to the south of Pitcarmick House. Public transport and pedestrian attendees should email [email protected] in advance to arrange car share from Blairgowrie or Kirkmichael.

Dogs are not permitted owing to estate activities. This is a long-distance circular day hike through a working estate, please bring a packed lunch and sufficient snack rations and drinking water plus any medications necessary for a day outing. Be prepared for Scotland’s varied weather with clothing for wet/cold and warm/dry conditions. Please wear sturdy footwear with ankle support suitable for mixed upland terrain. There are no public toilets on this route. Risk assessment and route plan available on request.

This session is part of The Cateran Ecomuseum’s Travel For All Our Tomorrow’s programme which offers a number of free, active travel for leisure experiences co-designed with local communities and led by local people and which aims to encourage more people in the Tayside region to enjoy what is on their doorstep, rather than increase their carbon footprint by travelling further afield.

The walk is being delivered by the Cateran Ecomuseum with the support of Inspiring Scotland and the Scottish Government’s Rural and Island Communities Ideas into Action (RICIA) Fund and Paths for All Smarter Choices Smarter Places programme.