The Ardblair Trail

Walking Route

The Ardblair Trail is a short route, passing castles, and going through mixed countryside and ancient woodland.

The route leaves the town along the Gallabank, aptly named as this is where executions used to take place (‘Galla’ is Scots for gallows). Nearby is Newton Castle, an ancient, fortified farmhouse, once the stronghold of the Drummond Clan but now the home of Sir William Macpherson, Chief of the Clan Macpherson. At Myreside Farm you will find an interesting collection of 19th century farm buildings. The path leads to a track known as the ‘Weasel Roadie’. Not far from this point is Ardblair Castle, belonging to the Blair-Oliphant family, which dates back to 1115. Legend has it that in the 16th Century two Drummond men, father, and son from Newton Castle, were ambushed and murdered by the Blairs. This did not bode well for Lady Jean Drummond who was in love with Blair. Heartbroken, Lady Jean wandered out into the marshes and never returned. Her ghost, dressed in green silk, now divides her time between the two castles. 3 miles / 5km / Allow 1 ½ hours Start and finish: Wellmeadow in Blairgowrie Difficulty: Easy - part of the Gallabank path is suitable for wheelchairs. The route from Myreside Farm to Ardblair Wood is suitable for horse riders and mountain bikers. Route courtesy of Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust