Route Description
Starting at the Bridge of Cally Hotel, the route climbs steeply into Blackcraig Forest on a wide gravel track, signposted ‘Cateran Trail to Kirkmichael’. The gradient soon eases as the track contours above the Cateran Trail through a recently clear-felled area, before rejoining the long-distance route just above Blackcraig Castle.
From here, the route follows the Cateran Trail towards Dalnabreck on a mix of narrower and wider tracks, with some more technical sections along the way. At Dalnabreck, a gravel track branches off to the south of the trail, leading to Pitcarmick Mill. The route then continues on estate tracks, crossing the River Ardle, before joining the A924 for a short section back towards Bridge of Cally.
Along the road, you’ll pass the Balnabroich Stone on the right—a standing stone often used by cattle as a rubbing post. Nearby, Ballintuim Church is worth a short stop, its iron-clad flèche topped with a distinctive bell.
The route then leaves the road on a gravel track towards Blackcraig Castle, rejoining the Cateran Trail for the return to Bridge of Cally. From here, there are expansive views across Strathardle, followed by a fast and enjoyable descent back to the hotel.
If you still have time, a visit to River Thoughtful Fishing Books makes for a fitting end to a day exploring the area.
Navigation
Difficulty
Straightforward
70% off-road
Points to visit
Along the way you will find these points of interest:
Bridge of Cally
The leading entrance to the Highland Glens. Bridge of Cally is small village just north of Blairgowrie through which the Cateran Trail runs. The village sits at the junction of the glens Glenshee and Strathardle where they combine to form a third,...
Read more - "Bridge of Cally"Ballintuim Church
An important community Church. Dedicated in 1899, St Michael and All Angels’ Episcopal Church is a simple but picturesque building designed by the Rev William Sugden. On the roof sits an iron clad flèche containing a fine bell, the maker...
Read more - "Ballintuim Church"The Balnabroich Stone
A Neolithic of Bronze Age Monolith. Also known as Stylemouth, this single standing stone, some 2m in height and of Neolithic or Bronze Age date can more often than not be seen with cattle using it as a rubbing post! A scheduled monument, it may...
Read more - "The Balnabroich Stone"
