Embark on a journey along the Wild South Esk Trail, a stunning 50-mile route through the Angus countryside, showcasing Scotland’s diverse wildlife and breath-taking landscapes.
Embark on a journey along the Wild South Esk Trail, a stunning 50-mile route through the Angus countryside, showcasing Scotland’s diverse wildlife and breath-taking landscapes.
Start your adventure in Glen Doll, one of the spectacular Angus Glens. This area is a hiker’s paradise, featuring a variety of trails, including a route to the awe-inspiring Corrie Fee – a glacier-carved amphitheater from over 12,000 years ago.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot golden eagles soaring above and discover rare alpine plants like dwarf willow and blue sow thistle.
Next, hike to Loch Brandy, set in the hills above Glen Clova. The loch is an ideal spot for wildlife lovers, with the chance to see mountain hares, golden eagles, and catch a glimpse of the elusive Scottish wildcat. The remote location is also a hotspot for fascinating microscopic life, home to the extremely rare orange diatom and a host of tiny tentacled hydra.
After a day exploring, refuel at the Glen Clova Hotel. Relax and unwind in their luxury rooms or lodges, enjoy locally sourced dishes in the Glen Logie Restuarant or grab a drink at their Climber’s Bar or Brandy Bothy.
Start Day Two with a visit to Tulloch Hill, marked by the historic Airlie Monument.
The trail leads through larch woodlands to open moorland, offering sweeping vistas of the valley and beyond.
Keep an eye out for pine martens and merlins along the way.
Next up head to Cortachy, where the River South Esk transitions from the uplands of Glen Clova and Prosen to fertile farmland downstream.
A beautiful place to explore any time of the year, full of rich wildlife, including red squirrels, great spotted woodpeckers, and jays.
Begin your final day at The Lurgies within the Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve.
At high tide, the basin is a broad salty loch, and at low tide it’s a vast stretch of mud flats, salt marsh and tidal pools – making it the perfect location for a whole host of birdlife.
Sat on its southern edge lies the Montrose Basin Wildlife Visitor Centre, where you can spot pink-footed geese, kingfishers and osprey using the viewing equipment available to visitors.
End your journey in Ferryden, a former fishing settlement, where the River South Esk finally meets the North Sea.
Walk along the coastal path above the river and rocky shores to the century old Scurdie Ness Lighthouse, where you can spot grey seals, eider ducks, playful bottlenose dolphins and on a rare occasion humpback whales.
Explore more of Angus with our five-day Wild South Esk itinerary or create your own personalised route with stops that inspire you.
