Description

Brechin Town Circuit

4 miles 2 hour walk

Brechin was formerly an important railway junction. The main line was closed to passengers in 1952 and the old Forfar line now makes a pleasant and straightforward walk around the northern edge of Brechin. This is locally known as the ‘nature trail’. Part of the old Montrose line is still operated by volunteers of the Brechin Caledonian Railway who run steam trains to Bridge of Dun on Sundays throughout the summer.

This circuit follows the ‘nature trail’, then continues westwards through Dubton. It is possible to extend the walk by detouring through pleasant woodland to visit the Brechin Castle Centre.

You can complete this circuit with a wander through Brechin’s historical town centre, and a visit to the Townhouse Museum, or the Brechin Cathedral with its unusual round tower, which may date back to te early 12th century.

Leuchland

2.5 miles 1.25 hour walk

An extensive network of tracks to the north and east of Brechin makes it easy to explore the surrounding countryside.

This route uses tracks around Drumachlie and Leuchland farms, and passes through the former site of Northton of Leuchland farm.

Near Leuchland you are rewarded with panoramic views over Brechin and surrounding farmland, to the Angus Glens beyond.

Trinity Circuit

7 miles 3.5 miles walk, 1 hour cycle ride

This longer circuit is ideal for off road cyclists or more ambitious walkers.

You will follow some of the old cattle raiks, or drove roads which radiate out from Trinity Muir Market Place, which is where Brechin’s markets were once held. Cattle trysts were held here in years gone by, and an annual fair is still held here. The Muir is now a golf course.

The inner part of the circuit follows part of the Brechin Town Circuit along the Forfar Forfar railway line.

Burghill Circuit

5.5 miles 2.75 hour walk

The south side of Brechin is rounded by the River South Esk, which once provided power for the towns mills.

Initially following the riverside from Brechin Bridge, this circuit links a number of paths and minor roads around the slopes of Burghill, on the southern side of the river.

Much of the route leads through pleasant woodland, with pockets of arable and pasture land. Parts of the route provide panoramic views over Brechin, or eastwards towards Montrose and Montrose Basin.

Maisondieu

3.5 miles 1.75 hours walk

This route uses another of the old cattle raiks that ran to Trinity Muir. The path follows north-facing tree-lined slopes through Maisondieu farm, with panoramic views across arable fields to the Angus Glens beyond.

The unmade path surface is ideal for walking and horseriding, but care should be taken during wet spells, when it may become muddy.