Discover our ultimate guide to the very best of Angus’s nature and wildlife experiences, as voted for by the people who live here and love to visit.
Whether you’re spotting iconic Scottish species like golden eagles and bottlenose dolphins, discovering rare alpine wildflowers, or enjoying family-friendly trails, Angus is an unforgettable destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Just west of Kirriemuir, Loch of Kinnordy is a beautiful, shallow loch. Situated in a natural basin and surrounded by wood and farmland, it’s the perfect place to spot some of Scotland’s most elusive wildlife.
In summer, the loch is alive with activity – ospreys hunt overhead, otters appear along the water’s edge, and red squirrels move through the trees. Look out for Eurasian beavers working away at their dams and bright flashes of butterflies and dragonflies.
During the colder months, the loch hosts whooper swans, pink-footed geese, and greylag geese. Listen for great spotted woodpeckers and watch for the quick movements of a kingfisher over the water.
You can make use of three hides that overlook different areas of the loch, complete with stunning views, and the bird feeding station halfway between the Gullery and East hides.
Located just outside Montrose, the Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve is a must-see destination for nature lovers.
Covering 750 hectares, the basin is home to over 80,000 migratory birds, including common terns, and kingfishers. From September to October, it’s one of the best spots in Scotland to see pink-footed geese, with four remote hides across the reserve to choose from. You may even spot a seal or two.
There’s more to see inside of the Basin Visitor Centre, with panoramic views of the reserve, with free use of binoculars and telescopes. Fun for the whole family, children can also enjoy interactive toys and games with regular family events running throughout the year.
Wild South Esk is a 50-mile wildlife trail stretching from the Cairngorm Mountains to the North Sea along the River South Esk. Explore ten key sites, including Ferryden, Montrose Basin’s Lurgies, Glen Clova, and Corrie Fee – home to some of Scotland’s most stunning wildlife.
The trail features over 15 scenic walks and cycling routes, offering incredible views of local fauna and flora. Along the way, you’ll find beautifully illustrated interpretation panels with information on the species and habitats in the area – the perfect way to discover Scotland’s natural beauty on the move.
Check out our three- and five-day Wild South Esk itineraries for more information.
Discover the beauty of the Arbroath Cliff Trail, a four-mile walk along one of Angus’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. Packed with natural wonders, this family friendly trail includes sea caves, hidden coves, blowholes, and secluded beaches, all framed by striking red sandstone cliffs.
Starting from a car park on Arbroath’s northern seafront, the trail takes you through the Seaton Cliffs Nature Reserve with 1,850 acres of rugged natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll find wildlife galore – from butterflies and wildflowers to spotted burnet moths, (most active from June to August). The cliffs are also home to seabird colonies, and if you’re lucky, you can catch a sight of bottlenose dolphins in the waters below.
Don’t miss ‘Deil’s Heid’, a dramatic rock stack that looks eerily like a face – it’s a must-see for geology fans and photographers alike.
Barry Buddon combines history, wildlife, and coastal beauty in one unique destination. This military training area is also a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), hosting rare plants, insects, and animals. Its limited access has turned it into a wildlife refuge, making it a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts.
When the ranges aren’t in use for live firing, you can explore the area via its metalled roads. Check the Live Firing Schedules on the Carnoustie Community Development Trust website to plan your visit.
With its mix of coastal landscapes, peaceful walks, and thriving biodiversity, Barry Buddon is a must-visit for anyone seeking a nature escape in Angus.
At nearly 15 miles long, Glen Esk is the longest of the Angus Glens, offering stunning hiking trails like the route to Queen’s Well or the climb up Mount Keen, Scotland’s most easterly Munro.
The glen’s diverse landscape is perfect for spotting ospreys, golden eagles, and Scotland’s only native snake, the adder. Take the trail to Loch Lee, where adders bask in sunny spots, and keep an eye out for palmate newts and tadpoles in spring. Late spring also sees dog violets and primroses blooming throughout the glen.
Glen Esk offers everything from wildlife encounters to serene natural beauty, making it one of the top spots in Angus for outdoor adventures.
Stretching for seven miles of golden sands and rocky headlands, Montrose Bay is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The beach spans three miles from Montrose, offering panoramic views of the impressive Scurdie Ness Lighthouse.
Explore the area with a walk along the beach, before heading inland along the coast and passing the North Water viaduct – part of the scenic North Sea Cycle Route.
Thanks to its proximity to St Cyrus National Nature Reserve and Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve, the bay is a hotspot for wildlife. Expect to see a variety of migratory birds, as well as seals and dolphins.
Ideal for families, the beach features the Montrose Seafront Splash play area and is easily accessible from the town by foot or bike.
Located northwest of Brechin, Glen Lethnot is the smallest of the Angus Glens with a larger-than-life wildlife experience.
This glen is a prime spot for ground-nesting birds. Keep an eye out for meadow pipits, curlews, lapwings, oystercatchers, wheatears, buzzards, and even cuckoos. Wander through the valley and spot red grouse, ravens, and mountain hares in the heather.
On warmer days, take a relaxing picnic by the river – just be mindful of adders.
Carved by glaciers, Glen Doll is a spectacular destination in the Cairngorms National Park, ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Trails wind along rushing burns, climb through forests, and reward you with breathtaking viewpoints.
Keep an eye out for iconic Scottish wildlife, including golden eagles, Scottish crossbills, red deer, and red squirrels. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse the elusive wildcat.
The most famous trail leads to Corrie Fee, a dramatic glacial amphitheatre and National Nature Reserve. Known for its rare alpine flowers, Corrie Fee is home to plants you won’t find anywhere else in the UK.
Visit the Glen Doll Ranger Centre, the perfect place to learn more about the area’s ecology. Join in on ranger-led walks that offer fascinating insights into the local wildlife and landscape.
Situated between Forfar and Friockheim, Balgavies Loch is a favourite for birdwatchers and fans of the red squirrel.
Long recognised by nature lovers as an important site for wildlife, the reserve is also popular with walkers. Stroll around the inland loch and through woodlands, surrounded by reedbeds and willow carr. It’s a hotspot for water rail, great crested grebe and a number of wintering wildfowl, including goldeneye, teal and wigeon.
On the site’s circular route you can spot osprey, waterfowl and breeding songbirds alongside tufted loosestrife and coralroot orchid wildflowers.
Visit between April and July to see beautiful flowers in bloom and active breeding birds. From October to March, the loch is a perfect place for wildfowl watching.
