Bridge of Cally brings together a distinctive river landscape and several walking routes. The village lies where the Glens of Glenshee and Strathardle meet and join to form the Glenericht. At the same time, it forms the gateway to Strathardle and is arranged around the bridge over the River Ardle. For a stay focused on nature and history, you will find a range of points of interest here, from a waymarked long-distance trail to a historic route.
Rivers, Glens and Landscape
At Bridge of Cally, the Black Water joins the River Ardle. Both rivers rise in open hill country and are stony and lined with alder trees for much of their length. The surrounding area also has a varied character: farmland and woodland alternate. The setting by the bridge and the confluence makes the waterways a defining feature of the village, not merely a backdrop to the local trails.
The A93 “Snow Roads Scenic Route” also crosses the River Ardle at Bridge of Cally. Those interested in the landscape will therefore encounter the river, village and road in one clearly defined setting.
Walking the Cateran Trail and Old Military Road
The Cateran Trail passes through Bridge of Cally. The fully waymarked route is 64 miles, or 103 kilometres, long and runs through Perthshire and the Angus Glens. When planning, it is helpful to distinguish the full route from an individual section: the Cateran Trail section starting from Bridge of Cally passes through Blackcraig Forest. This identifies the trail’s connection to the village without confusing the length of the whole route with that of a single section.
Another walking option is the historic route “Old Military Road from Blairgowrie”, which begins in Bridge of Cally. There is no path along its middle section; the walk follows grass and then passes through a planted shelterbelt. This terrain applies to that specific section and is a practical difference from the fully waymarked Cateran Trail. If you plan to take this route, bear the grassy, pathless section in mind when making your decision.
Historical Traces in the Village
The section of Old Military Road near Bridge of Cally is part of a 100-mile road built between 1748 and 1757. It ran from Coupar Angus via Braemar, Corgarff and Grantown-on-Spey to Fort George. These historical details place the route in a wider geographical context: it connects several named places, while Bridge of Cally marks a specific section.
Cally House is also part of the village’s built heritage and is a listed building. Together with the historic road, it offers another way to look at Bridge of Cally beyond its walking landscape: the area’s history is reflected both in a building and in a road that crosses the wider region.
Cycling, Fishing and Winter Trips
For a gravel bike ride, the route “Alyth Gravel Network: Balnabroich Stone & Blackcraig Forest” starts at the Bridge of Cally Hotel. This provides a clearly named starting point for a cycling trip as well as the walking trails. Salmon fishing is another way to enjoy the water: two rods are available on the Black Water and River Ardle at Bridge of Cally. As availability and booking arrangements may change, it is best to check them before planning.
Bridge of Cally is also close to Glenshee Ski Centre. For a winter stay, the proximity of the Ski Centre may be a factor in your planning. Check the latest operating information before travelling. This keeps the different reasons for visiting clear: walking and cultural routes lead directly into the village’s history and landscape, while cycling, fishing and the nearby Ski Centre provide further options to consider when planning.
Discover more destinations: Aberfeldy, Braco, Blair Atholl, Comrie, Glencarse, Luncarty, Glendevon, Dull.
Return to the regional travel overview: Perth And Kinross.
