Ride - Scotland, Glenshee, Perth and Kinross

Where

OS Explorer start at Spittal of Glenshee (109703)

From the Spittal of Glenshee I followed the track starting at the old military bridge up the eastern side of the Shee Water. The track then follows the eastern side of Allt Ghlinn Thaitneach. Gleann Taitneach is pretty wide and flat with a few small burns that are easily forded (at least at this time of year). The track fords the Allt Elrig as the glen narrows and the ascent becomes steep, and steeper and steeper…!

I followed the steep singletrack up the east side of the Allt Easgaidh pushing and carrying SurPug all the way. I made it as far as the first ridge between Glas Choire Bheag and Carn a’ Chlarsaich. In retrospect I think I over-estimated the distance to Loch nan Eun and should have pushed on to the top. My legs were pretty shot and I was conscious of the time. I should have started my ride earlier than 12:00.

The route I took doesn’t seem to be a part of any of the named Mounth passes but it is described in Scottish Hill Tracks (#182) as part of “…a fine direct path with good links north and south for the long distance walker” between Spittal of Glenshee and Inverey.

The word Spittal is interesting and shows up in a few Scottish place names. With very little searching I found the following:

1) lands the revenues of which supported a hospital or the site of a hospital.

2) It is a house or place of refuge for the sick, especially one for patients with contagious diseases.

3) A shelter built along roads in 16th and 17th century Scotland to escape from wolf attacks.