Walk 29

Wednesday 8th October

Kirkton of Glenisla - Alyth (Cateran Trail section 4)

Very Strenuous

Distance: 17km/10.5 miles, 440m ascent.
Start: Bus leaves Royal Hotel, Blairgowrie at 09:00.
Finish: Alyth at 15:30. for refreshments - bus leaves for Blairgowrie at 16:00.
Limit: 20
Notes: Very Strenuous. Hillwalking gear required. Packed lunch required.
Maps: Landranger 44 & 53, Explorer 381

About the walk:

Kirkton means communal farming settlement (fermtoun) with a church. Now it is a small village but the church is still there. From here this fourth stage of the Cateran Trail starts to work its way back towards the tamer, but still interesting, lowland area of Strathmore.

After following the River Isla for some miles through farmland and woods, three hills must be crossed to get to the day’s end. The first, Balduff Hill, is turned on its eastern flank which gives views out towards Loch of Lintrathen and Kirriemuir. Then the path passes between Hill of Alyth and Hill of Loyal before descending into the small quiet town of Alyth. If the day is clear and there is sufficient time it is worth the effort to climb Hill of Alyth for its fine views. (Ask your leader!)