Perfectly located on the east coast of Scotland, Angus is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors. From beautiful sandy white beaches and red sandstone cliffs on the coast, to stunning hills and glens inland, Angus has it all.
Take a look at five of the best outdoor experiences Angus has to offer and start planning your visit.
Image: Arbroath Cliff Tours
1. Water sports
With some of the best coast and water locations in Scotland, Angus has fantastic water sports available to adventure seekers.
Try your hand at Stand-Up Paddle Boarding with Sup 2 Summit, available at a variety of locations including Montrose Basin and Lunan Bay. Everything you need will be provided for you so all you need to do is turn up and enjoy!
Head to Monikie Country Park where adventure awaits. The park plays host to several activities including windsurfing, sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing. You can be sure of a fun day out whatever your ability.
For something a bit different, don’t miss taking a kayak tour of the cliffs and caves at Arbroath with Arbroath Cliff Tours. Various tours are available, each offering an unforgettable experience.
Image: Mount Keen, Glen Esk
2. Walking
Explore Angus on foot and enjoy miles of unspoiled landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. There are a host of walking options to suit all abilities, from relaxing, coastal paths to more challenging treks through the countryside.
Take a look at some of our suggested walking locations, from picturesque lochs and nature reserves to bracing hills and glens.
We also have a set of route cards for walkers, with everything from gentle one-hour strolls to more difficult seven-hour hikes. These routes are part of our Insider’s Guide to Angus, a collective of 100 unmissable experiences in Angus as recommended by people living in Angus as well as those who love to visit.
Image: Montrose Basin Visitor Centre
3. Wildlife watching
Angus is full of exciting nature and wildlife spotting opportunities for you to discover. With lots of reserves and outdoor locations all over Angus, you’ll have no trouble spotting nature at its very best.
The 50 mile long ‘Wild South Esk’ trail will take you on a journey across sites from the Cairngorms National Park to Montrose Basin and the North Sea, travelling through mountains, glens, woodland, riverside walks, farmland and estuaries. The trail features more than 40 wildlife species found in Angus, including golden eagle, wildcat, red squirrel, grey seal, otter, bottlenose dolphin and pink-footed geese.
Get up close to wildlife at Montrose Basin – an enclosed estuary of the river South Esk covering 750 hectares of tidal mudflats. The basin is home to a plethora of bird species all year round, from sand martins and osprey in the spring and summer to pink-footed geese and kingfisher in the autumn and winter. Don’t miss a visit to the Montrose Basin Visitor Centre where you can use the equipment provided to view the wildlife on the basin.
Image: Aberlemno village
4. Cycling
Get on your bike and explore Angus on two, three or four wheels.
There is something for cyclists of all abilities in Angus, from family-friendly routes on safe, smooth pathways to longer and more challenging journeys along twisting country roads. Throw in the breathtaking views and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect Angus adventure.
Take a look at some of our popular trails, which include the top ten trails for cyclists as voted for in the Insider’s Guide. The routes cover all parts of Angus, from coastal trails to rural treks inland.
Bikes and electric bikes are available to hire here in Angus from Lintrathen Cycles near Kirriemuir, or Angus Cycle Hub in Arbroath.
For cyclists who may require a bit of extra support, ANGUSalive have a fleet of adaptive bikes for people with physical and learning disabilities and visual impairments. These include bikes for children and adults, from 2 wheeler balance bikes, wheelchair bikes, tandems, side by side bikes, trikes, hand bikes, recumbent and mountain bikes.
Family inclusive bike sessions are also available through ANGUSalive. These sessions give people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to cycle together, to become healthier, more confident, happier and connected with their communities and environment. Bookings can be made through the ANGUSalive website, or contact Laura.ap.smith@angusalive.scot.
Don’t forget to stay safe whilst on your adventures – check out the route in advance so you know where you’ll be going and that it is suitable for your abilities, make sure your bike is in good working order and you have everything you might need.
Image: Montrose 1562
5. Golf
Angus is home to some of the finest golf courses in Scotland, if not the world.
With a variety of stunning inland and links courses including the historic Montrose 1562, the 5th oldest course in the world, and the famous Carnoustie Championship, host of The Open on eight occasions, this is the perfect destination for avid golfers.
If you’d prefer, you can also try your hand (or foot!) at a game of foot golf at Brechin or Piperdam. This is a great alternative to traditional golf that the whole family can enjoy, using your feet and a traditional football.
There’s crazy golf here in Angus as well – visit Brechin Castle Centre, West Links Park in Arbroath or Piperdam to have a go.
Image: Montrose Beach
This is just a flavour of what Angus has to offer – there is so much to experience here we couldn’t possibly list it all. Check out more things to see and do, including exploring our beaches, enjoying a farm experience, visiting our beautiful parks and gardens and much more.
