Here are just some of the very best cycling routes to experience Angus on two wheels, as voted for by the people who live here and those who love to visit.
There is something for every cyclist in Angus, from family-friendly routes on safe, smooth pathways to longer and more challenging journeys along twisting country roads.
Distance: 30km (19 miles) | Grade: Easy | Ride time: 2 hours
Starting at Arbroath Harbour, this pleasant and relaxed circuit will take you past many interesting sights, including Arbroath Harbour itself. Stop at Arbroath’s Signal Tower Museum to learn more about the history of the Bell Rock Lighthouse.
You will cycle alongside Easthaven beach and past the Carnoustie golf courses, where the Open has been played eight times. And finally, you’ll reach Barry Mill – a hidden gem and a rare example of Scotland’s industrial heritage. You can find refreshments in Carnoustie town centre and Arbroath’s Westway retail park.
Starting at Monifieth’s Ethiebeaton Park, this medium/hard circuit will take you on a pleasant but challenging route through the rolling Angus countryside. Sticking mainly to winding B-roads, you will venture past the popular Forbes of Kingennie resort until reaching Carrot Hill. It’s worth stopping for a while to admire the stunning view across Strathmore valley and the Cairngorms to the north.
Continuing, you’ll come across the Mill of Inverarity farm shop before reaching Monikie Country Park and then on to Newbigging as you complete your loop back to Monifieth.
Refreshments are available at various points at the start, including Longparke Farm Shop and café, as well as at Forbes of Kingennie, a café in Monikie village, and Cafe Byzantium at Monikie Park.
Distance: 20km (12 miles) | Grade: Easy | Ride time: 1 hour 30 minutes
This easy and enjoyable route takes you in and around Arbroath to visit beauty spots like Keptie Pond and Hercules Den before completing the loop back to Arbroath itself.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stop for a short break, Keptie Pond is the perfect place to relax and watch the pond life. Part of this route includes St Vigeans Nature Trail, which starts near one of the most picturesque churches in Scotland, St Vigeans church.
Heading back to Arbroath, you will see Arbroath Abbey and other sights including Arbroath Harbour and Signal Tower Museum, with refreshments available in the town centre.
Some of this route is partly traffic-free and on sections of unmade road. It’s ideal for families looking to get out and about to experience nature on two wheels.
Distance: 33.5km (21 miles) | Grade: Moderate | Ride time: 2 hours 10 minutes
This moderate route starts at The Square in Letham and offers a varied and entertaining ride. You will visit several historical sites, including Dunnichen Parish Church, built in 1802 and located within a graveyard just to the west of the village. Guthrie Parish Church was built in 1826 to a Thomas Telford design and stands on the site of a medieval collegiate church.
This route will take you through the heart of Montreathmont Forest, once a royal hunting ground and now a network of tracks that offer a pleasant cycling experience among long avenues of conifers, bordered by gorse bushes, thistle and wild grasses.
Other points of interest include scenic Balgavies Loch and Pitmuies Gardens. Refreshments are available in Letham.
Distance: 32km (20 miles) | Grade: Moderate | Ride time: 2 hours
This moderate route starts at Kirriemuir town centre and takes you alongside the picturesque Loch of Kinnordy nature reserve and on a circuit of the Loch of Lintrathen. This beautiful inland loch is a reservoir that supplies water to Angus and Dundee. During the summer, Lintrathen Loch is home to breeding songbirds. In winter, you can see large numbers of wintering birds, including greylag geese.
You’ll find refreshments en route at the Wee Bear café and Kirriemuir town centre.
Distance: 51.5km (32 miles) | Grade: Moderate/Hard | Ride time: 3 hours 30 minutes
This moderate/hard route takes you through some stunning Angus scenery, including Glenogil, providing a wonderful backdrop for your cycle. You will also pass Cortachy Castle, a Category B listed building that dates from the 15th century.
Refreshments are available en route at Finavon Hotel, in Forfar town centre and at Drovers Inn, Memus. Drovers Inn is a unique building, crammed full of three hundred years’ worth of history. In fact, Rob Roy himself has enjoyed the hospitality at this world-renowned hotel, bar and restaurant.
Distance: 56.3km (35 miles) | Grade: Difficult | Ride time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Starting at Kirriemuir, this challenging route will take you through some spectacular Angus glens scenery, including views of the inspiring Loch of Lintrathen and Loch of Kinnordy nature reserves.
You will also pass Balintore Castle before heading back to Kirriemuir. Balintore Castle has been hosting guests since 1860 and has recently been restored in keeping with the high Victorian character of the building.
Enjoy refreshments en route in Kirriemuir, Glenisla Hotel, Peel Farm or the Wee Bear Cafe.
Distance: 15km (9 miles) | Grade: Moderate | Ride time: 1 hour
This short but enjoyable circuit in the beautiful countryside near Kirriemuir offers a chance to see the small picturesque village of Kingoldrum as well as the Loch of Kinnordy.
Loch of Kinnordy is a shallow loch situated in a natural basin surrounded by farmland and attracts all types of wildlife. Look out for osprey in the summer and deer all year round.
Distance: 8.5km (5.3 miles) | Grade: Easy | Ride time: 30 minutes
For another short but memorable cycle, try this simple circuit taking you from Edzell to Inchbare, through Edzell Woods and back again. An ideal cycle for families with young children.
You will travel alongside the winding River North Esk for most of the journey before returning through the impressively high and wide Edzell Arch. This archway spans right across the main road, and it is one of Edzell’s many unique attractions.
Your ride will also take in Edzell Golf course and Edzell Muir Park at the north end of the village. Edzell has several options for well-earned refreshments at the end of your cycle.
Distance: 32.5km (20 miles) | Grade: Easy/Moderate | Ride time: 2-3 hours
This enjoyable route starts at Montrose Sports Centre and takes you through wonderful Angus countryside, around Montrose Basin, over River South Esk and past Montrose Harbour.
You start by heading out into the scenic countryside around Montrose, taking in views over Mearns and Glen Esk until you pass near the House of Dun, where you can stop for refreshments.
You then pass over the Bridge of Dun, with the Caledonian Railway line underneath. You’ll cycle around the outskirts of the spectacular Montrose Basin, past its excellent visitor centre, and then back into Montrose. You have the option of taking a slight detour to get a look at Scurdie Ness lighthouse.
Refreshments are available from a number of cafes and shops in Montrose.
