What to do in Angus
There is so much to do in this area, especially if you love the outdoors. But if you like the city life, Dundee with all its attractions and restaurants is only 30 minutes away by car, Aberdeen is less than an hour.
WALKS
You are more than welcome to walk through our fields and up the hill (though NOT when there is livestock or crops), but there are plenty of good walks in the area.
Balgavies Loch (3.7 miles from house) is a lovely circuit walk round the nature reserve. Ospreys visit late March early April, and there is a hide where you can sit and watch the wildlife on the loch. Walk approx. (2.6km)
Forfar Loch is another lovely circuit walk, (4km) with well maintained paths, look out for red squirrels, otters and many different species of birds. Easy and gentle walk on the flat.
Rocks of Solitude at the Blue Door situated just outside Edzell beside the Gannochy bridge, there is a blue door in the wall. Go through the door into a fantastic woodland riverside walk. Can be uneven and a bit muddy, but it is worth it. Regularly see canoeists tackling the white water rapids, and chance to see red squirrels (Sinclair’s larder in the village is a lovely place to stop for coffee/cakes/lunch after your walk)
GOLF
Angus has many excellent golf courses, including the Championship course at Carnoustie. Slightly further afield is St Andrews, the home of golf
BEACHES
We are spoilt for beautiful beaches in this area, all within half an hours drive or so.
St Cyrus Beach has a lovely walk through the nature reserve to get to a totally unspoilt and often deserted beach. (Head north of Montrose towards Stonehaven on the coastal road.) Have a rummage through Steptoe’s junkyard on the way there.
Lunan Bay Beach, another unspoilt often deserted beach, long golden sand. Coffee shop in the vicinity. Head up to Arbikie distillery for amazing views, and a light lunch or pick up something different for dinner at Upper dysart larder (tray bakes to die for). Has an outdoor coffee area with farm animals to pet and kids play area.
Montrose Beach in the town much busier, so dogs are not allowed in the summer months. Great kids splash park.
Arbroath Cliff Trail Park at the far end of Victoria Park, then walk up to the cliffs. Lovely views, where you will often see passing dolphins and porpoises. The 4mile walk takes you to the village of Auchmithie (the birth place of the Arbroath Smokie) Sea kayaking and cliff jumping is available at certain times of the year.
Monikie Country Park
Developed around two former reservoirs, Monikie Country Park boasts many attractions including guided walks, self led trails and an adventure play park. Includes a 50 acre watersports site including windsurfing, kayaking, and rowboats. Between April and October you can take on the High ropes course. The Byzantium cafe restaurant operates throughout the summer.
Murton Farm, Tea Room and Nature Reserve.
At Murton Farm there is network of paths around the nature reserve, some are wheelchair friendly. There are a variety of waterfowl and birds on the lochs and wetlands. Lots for kids to do but no dogs allowed.
Glamis Castle
Here there are lovely walks around Glamis Castle grounds (you have to pay to enter the grounds). Home of the late Queen Mother, the fairy tale castle is well worth a visit. The view from the gated entrance is magnificent, and the castle is steeped in history. Great guided tours. Coffee shop.
Gin Bothy
Also when in the village of Glamis don’t forget to visit the Gin Bothy, home of our now famous gin thanks to it being awarded in the Oscars goodie bags. You can book The gin bothy experience, where you can sample their famous gins with their suggested botanicals, mixers and nibbles.
After a visit here be sure to also pop into the Glamis Art Gallery, with some cracking artwork from local artists.
Dunnottar Castle
A bit further afield, but well worth a visit Dunnottar Castle is a semi ruined and spectacular castle on the outskirts of Stonehaven. Car park leads to steep walk down to the castle. It has well maintained grounds, bags of history and spectacular views. Well worth a visit. (then pop into Stonehaven, home of the deep fried mars bar and visit Auntie Betty’s ice-cream shop – delicious!)
House of Dun
The House of Dun is a historic house with wonderful walks and views over the Montrose Basin. Famous for its elaborate plasterwork in the salon.
The Angus Glens
There are 5 Angus Glens, each one atmospheric and unspoilt with the glens offering superb walking with a great chance of wildlife spotting. Great food at can be found at the Glen Clova Hotel and the Glen Isla Hotel.
Brechin Castle Country Park
Part of Brechin Castle Garden Centre. Great for kids to let off steam, loads to do. Has coffee shop, dogs not allowed.
Outwith Angus
Not too far away, is Dundee, home of the V&A Museum, then over the Tay Bridge into Fife. St Andrews is well worth a visit, and a drive round the East Neuk of Fife, to Crail (great pottery), Anstruther (brilliant fish and chips) and the delightful Pittenweem and Elie, all very much worth a visit.
To the north up over the Cairn O’ Mount, and still within a couple of hours or so by car is the likes of Banchory, Aboyne, and Ballater, favourites of the Royal Family, with Balmoral Castle not being far from Ballater. Braemar is a little bit further but if you want somewhere special to eat, try the Fife Arms, voted Condé Nast Top Hotel in the UK.
