Bridge Of Cally: Paths Between Glens and Rivers

Bridge Of Cally lies where the Glenshee and Strathardle glens meet and merge into Glenericht. The village is arranged around the bridge over the River Ardle and forms the gateway to Strathardle. For a trip that brings together nature, historic paths and waterside activities, the village therefore has a distinct character of its own.

Hiking between rivers, woodland and open hill country

The Cateran Trail passes through Bridge Of Cally. The fully signposted route is 64 miles, or 103 kilometres, long and runs through Perthshire and the Angus Glens. The section from Bridge Of Cally leads through Blackcraig Forest. Those planning a longer hiking trip can therefore regard the village as an important point on an extensive route; for shorter outings, the forest section can be planned as a specific focus.

The landscape immediately beside the water also shapes the destination. At Bridge Of Cally, the Black Water joins the River Ardle. Both rivers rise in open hill country and are rocky over much of their length, with alder trees lining their banks. The area also consists of a mixture of farmland and woodland. This combination of river valleys, wooded areas and more open landscapes makes a difference when choosing accommodation: depending on your travel plans, the focus may be more on hiking routes, scenery or waterside activities.

Historic paths with a character of their own

The historic “Old Military Road from Blairgowrie” route begins in Bridge Of Cally. Its section near Bridge Of Cally forms part of a 100-mile road built between 1748 and 1757 from Coupar Angus via Braemar, Corgarff and Grantown-on-Spey to Fort George. The route therefore connects the local history with a broader historic line through the region.

When planning your trip, you should take the varying character of the path into account: in the middle section of the Old Military Road from Blairgowrie, there is no path. The walk leads over grass and then through a planted shelterbelt. Bear this character of the route in mind when planning your day if you intend to include a section of the historic route. Cally House in Bridge Of Cally also represents the architectural and historic side of the village as a listed building.

Fishing, gravel routes and winter outings

At the Black Water and the River Ardle, two salmon-fishing rods are available near Bridge Of Cally. In addition, Pitcarmick Estate has around four miles of fishing water with 20 named pools. These are divided across three beats, each with two rods. Pitcarmick Estate also offers trout fishing at Pitcarmick loch. Those travelling with varied interests can therefore alternate hiking days with time spent by the water.

For cycling travellers, the “Alyth Gravel Network: Balnabroich Stone & Blackcraig Forest” route begins at the Bridge of Cally Hotel. In winter, the proximity of the Glenshee Ski Centre is one of the relevant factors when choosing a location. Depending on the season and personal interests, the region can therefore be explored in very different ways, without prematurely categorising Bridge Of Cally as suitable for just one type of trip.

Transport connections and choosing holiday accommodation

The A93 “Snow Roads Scenic Route” crosses the River Ardle at Bridge Of Cally. There, it also forms a junction with the A924 towards Kirkmichael and Pitlochry. These road connections are useful when searching for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Bridge Of Cally if you want to combine excursions with different regional focuses. The key consideration is whether your trip is primarily for the Cateran Trail, historic paths, fishing, gravel cycling or a winter stay.

Other places to include in your travel plans are Aberfeldy, Morenish, Acharn, Kinross, Kinfauns, Glendevon, Coupar Angus and Dunning.

For the broader travel overview: Perth And Kinross.