Craigowl Hill Summit

The highest point in Angus’ Sidlaws, you’ll find the hikes up Craigowl Hill to be fairly gentle and easy to expand. With little but Dundee and the Firth of Tay to the south, and the Cairngorms rising on the northern horizon, this 1,493-foot (455 m) hill is a marvellous place for a low-key adventure. 

It’s perfectly possible to hike Craigowl Hill alone if you’re short on time but it’s worthwhile adding in Balkello and Auchterhouse Hills into the mix. While you can ramble in the Sidlaws for hour after hour, the trails can get very muddy after wet weather, so suitable boots are a must. Many trails lead to the summit and you can start from several directions but a common parking spot is Balkello Community Woodland. 

Hikers aren’t the only people to realise Craigowl’s wonderful prominence. It’s also home to a number of radio masts. Regardless, it’s the summit views you’ll fall in love with, rather than the summit itself.