Kirkton of Glen Isla to Alyth – Cateran Trail

 Bus departs Aberdeen at 08.00am

O.S. Map 44 & 53

 From the community hall car park in Kirkton of Glenisla, begin by walking west along the B951. A Cateran Trail signed ‘Alyth 10’ indicates where to turn left, down steps to reach a suspension footbridge over the River Isla. Follow the markers diagonally left on the far side to climb up to a more distinct path; turn right along this. The route then curves left, crosses another path, and heads straight uphill onto the heather moorland. As height is gained there are excellent views back over the middle reaches of Glen Isla. The waymarked route keeps to the left of a prominent cairn and eventually meets a drystone wall at a stile. Cross this and continue ahead until a rough grassy track is met, turn left and follow this to the woodland. Continue through the mature trees, the grassy track curving right to meet a gate and stile. Cross the stile and then turn left heading down the field edge beside the wall. At the bottom a gate and stile lead out onto a track, turn right along this. At Whitehills Farm the main track bends left, but the Cateran Trail keeps straight on along a brief grassy section before becoming a clearer track once more just beyond. Remain on the main track when it curves right, continuing to Cammock Farm. Here go through the gate and follow the track to the left of the barn, then bearing right beyond it to continue the walk along tracks elevated above the floor of Glen Isla. The track curves right and climbs slightly as forests are approached, eventually emerging on a tarred drive. Turn right along this. Remain on the tarred track at a junction it runs through a clearing with forest plantations off to either side. After almost 2km Loanhead Farm is reached; keep left here, ignoring the ‘Coffin route’ signpost. Past the farm the route swings left and keeps to the main track, passing the entrance to Kilry Lodge and continuing down to reach a minor road. Turn right along this road, and then left at a junction by the whitewashed old schoolhouse (now a cottage). The tiny road winds past a large new house at Wester Derry and then Knowehead Farm before a green Cateran Trail signpost indicates where to turn off and cross a stile on the right. Head uphill along the edge of the (often muddy) field, crossing a bridge and another stile to continue up the next field as well. A second stile leads onto an old grassy track; turn left along this, with views across the glen to the Knock of Formal. Eventually, after a stile, a junction of tracks is reached. One track off to the left is signed for the Reekie Linn – an impressive waterfall but around 1.5km off route. To keep on the Cateran Trail, follow the track to the right. When a gate is reached cross a small bridge and pedestrian gate to its right. The route continues – pathless – beneath the boughs of the mature trees by the fence. At a corner it turns right uphill to continue in the shadow of these trees, before descending quite steeply to cross two stiles with a grass track between them. Head straight across the next field to another stile once over this the route contours the slopes, keeping to the right of the remains of an old stone wall. After yet another stile it runs along a grass strip towards the buildings at Ardormie. Before reaching the houses turn sharp left, follow the track straight downhill, eventually emerging onto a minor road. Turn right onto this and right again onto the B954 just beyond. As the main road bends left at the next junction, go straight ahead through a gate (Cateran Trail sign for Alyth) onto a grassy track. This becomes faint but continue ahead – through some pedestrian gates – continuing in a straight line. The ground can be very wet in places as the route undulates before beginning a gradual climb (with good views looking back) between the Hill of Alyth and the Hill of Loyal. A track is then joined for the descent, with Alyth and Strathmore laid out ahead and the Sidlaws beyond. Continue downhill on the track, heading through a gate, and emerge onto Loyal Road. Turn right when it meets Hill Street then left on Toutie Street to reach the centre. The bus will be parked close to the centre.

Walk distance approx.11 miles/18km

Shorter Alternative Walk

Take the bus to Alyth and from the centre take Bamff Road North West out of Alyth for approx. half a mile to reach a path on the left, sign posted Path to Tullyfergus via Den o’ Alyth. Continue on the path which follows the north bank of the river to reach Upper Den o’ Alyth car park. Cross the road bridge and return on the south side of the Alyth burn to pick up the outward route back to the bus in Alyth.

Walk distance approx. 3 miles/5km

 Bus departs 5.00pm for Aberdeen at 7.00pm 

The above notes are for guidance only and are intended as an aid to be used along with a map and compass and/or a GPS device with OS maps.

In the event of an emergency arising, the person in charge today should be notified, if possible, before the emergency services are contacted on 999.

Committee member in charge of today’s walk is Fiona Wallace. Mobile No. 07715239042