The best walks and hikes in Angus

Coast, castles and cattle

The North Sea coastline is delightful, with the wild headlands of Scurdie Ness and Buddon Ness both beguiling places to explore. The striated red sandstone of Seaton Cliffs is yet another marvellous sight.

The land then rises gently to the rolling Sidlaw Hills, the highest of which, Craigowl Hill at 1,493 feet (455 m), is a great vantage for looking over Dundee and the surrounding agricultural land. A little further north, it is difficult not to be impressed by the majesty of Glamis Castle’s towers and turrets, whilst its gardens offer parkland, mixed woodland and a plethora of flora and fauna.

Separating the mountainous north and the modest Sidlaw Hills is the vast, verdant swathe of Strathmore, a fertile land famous for the cattle with which Angus is synonymous. Walks in Angus don’t get any greener or stress-free than those found here.

Getting high in the Cairngorms National Park

Many of the best hiking trails in Angus explore the unique landscapes found in the southern reaches of the Cairngorms National Park. Epitomised by rounded green hills, spacious wide glens and a vast plateau of sedge, moss and grass, it is a sensational place to roam.

Each charming in its own right, the five Angus Glens cut deep into the high plateau of the Mounth and contain the kind of breathtaking scenes that make Scotland the envy of most nations. The handsome market towns of Blairgowrie, Brechin and Kirriemuir are great bases, with bus services that take you into the heart of the glens. From there, serene valley trails lead upwards, allowing you access to no less than ten Munro summits.

Mountainous hikes in Angus can be made easier and much more accessible by making use of the Cairnwell Pass, Britain’s highest pass at 2,199 feet (670 m). From here, nearby Munros can be knocked off with relative ease.

Glaciated magnificence around Glen Clova

Arguably Angus’ most dramatic glen is Glen Clova, a remarkable glaciated landscape that culminates in the awe-inspiring natural amphitheatre of Corrie Fee. A tumbling burn crashes from the rocky ramparts and wonderful trails lead to Driesh at 3,107 feet (947 m) and Mayar at 3,045 feet (928 m), two firm favourites boasting incredible views across the vast plateau.