During the Middle
Ages, bands of ferocious brigands or caterans roamed across the
Highlands pillaging and cattle rustling, striking fear and loathing
into all who crossed their path. Glen Isla, Glen
Shee and Glen Ardle, on the southern edge of the Grampian Mountains,
being rich in cattle, were frequently attacked by the caterans
who would drive the stolen cattle along drovers' paths through
the hills to their mountain lairs. This delightful
trail explores these beautiful glens and surrounding hills, following
in the footsteps of the Caterans. The scenery in
this unspoilt corner of Scotland is superb. It is
an enchanting mixture of rounded green hills, rugged heather-clad
mountains, deep wooded valleys, fast flowing rivers, waterfalls
and deciduous woodland.
Highlights of the trail include Cargill's Leap, the scene of a daring escape of a 17 th century Covenater; the last resting place of a Pictish prince; tranquil Glen Ardle, where the stolen cattle were rested by the Caterans before being driven over the hills to Glen Shee; the spectacular views on the descent to the Spttal of Glenshee, a lawless place in medieval times where most of the stolen cattle were sold; the tomb of King Fingal's champion Diarmid, who was mortally wounded by a demon boar; and the historic little town of Alyth. |
Glen
Isla © HOST |
