Discover Blairgowrie: Trails, River and History

Blairgowrie combines varied trails, the banks of the River Ericht and a remarkable history of textile and jam production. Anyone planning a trip to Perthshire can combine active days here with regional culture and distinctive local traditions. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore worth first considering whether you would like to focus on hiking, landscapes, history or a variety of activities.

Hiking on the Cateran Trail and around Blairgowrie

A defining experience is the Cateran Trail. Its first stage begins in Blairgowrie and leads via Bridge of Cally to Kirkmichael. It is 15.5 miles or 24.9 kilometres long. The entire Cateran Trail is a fully signposted route through Perthshire and the Angus glens and covers 64 miles or 103 kilometres. This means you can include either a single stage or a longer hiking trip in your plans.

For a shorter excursion, the circular route to Knockie from Blairgowrie town centre is a good option. The route is approximately 3 miles or 5 kilometres long and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. In clear conditions, the view from Knockie extends over Blairgowrie and Rattray to the Sidlaw Hills and beyond. This combination of a manageable route and views is a distinct way to spend a day in the surrounding area without planning the long Cateran Trail.

The Blairgowrie Path Network complements the longer trails with several walking and cycling routes in and around the town. These include the Knockie Path, the Ardblair Trail and the River Ericht Path. The routes are considered easy to moderate and suitable for most age groups and fitness levels. This selection can be helpful for families or travel groups with different preferences: while some choose a longer route, a shorter route can be planned for others.

Riverside paths, mills and special viewpoints

The River Ericht also shapes the history of Blairgowrie and Rattray. There were 16 mills along its banks; many of the former mills can be seen on a walk along the riverside. Cargill's Leap can be reached on foot along the banks of the River Ericht. A viewing platform at Cargill's Leap provides a view down to Keith Falls.

The town's more recent industrial history also makes it interesting. During the Industrial Revolution, Blairgowrie and Rattray was a centre of textile production. Flax was processed first, followed later by jute and finally rayon. A purpose-built jam factory opened at The Croft in 1905; Adamson's Jam was sold worldwide. Alongside its natural attractions, this development gives the town a clear economic and cultural-historical profile.

Golf, festivals and regional specialities

Blairgowrie Golf Club has three championship courses. The Rosemount Course was designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie and later extended by James Braid. Golf is therefore another aspect to consider when planning your trip if you are looking for a sporting alternative to hiking.

The local identity is also reflected in distinctive traditions. The Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games were first recorded in 1868. The BOOKMARK Book Festival was founded in 2012. The Blairgowrie Jampionships were launched in 2011 as a competition to determine the world's best jam maker.

Blairgowrie and Rattray is known as Perthshire's berry-growing capital and is also called “Berry Toon”. Taystful products can be purchased at Mitchell's on the High Street in Blairgowrie. Such regional connections are particularly interesting if, during your trip, you want to discover not only the trails and attractions but also the town's culinary side.

Blairgowrie as a starting point for choosing your accommodation

A holiday apartment in Blairgowrie can suit different travel plans, provided you organise your days around the experiences you want. For longer hikes, the start of the Cateran Trail stage is an important reference point. For shorter activities, the Path Network, Knockie and the paths along the River Ericht offer various starting points. Those interested in culture can include the history of the mills, textile production and local traditions in their plans, while golf provides another option.

Your journey to the area can also be included in your preparations: Bus route 57 serves Blairgowrie. Alongside your preferred holiday theme, this means that your personal mobility plans are also worth considering before choosing accommodation.

More places for your travel planning

If you would also like to compare other places, you can continue from here to Edzell, Kirkton Of Glenisla, Westmuir, Kirriemuir, Dykehead, Kinnaird, Brechin and Menmuir.

To the overarching travel overview: Angus.