After a great night’s sleep, head downstream to Glen Clova, a stunning U-shaped valley in the Angus Glens. Here you’ll find Gella Bridge – a picturesque spot great for picnicking.

This is where the River South Esk widens as it leaves the narrower glens, flowing through farmland floodplains, rolling hills and heather moorland.

A haven for wading birds that breed over the summer months, keep an eye out for dipper along the riverbanks and even some Atlantic salmon leaping upstream.

Your second stop is Glen Prosen, one of the quieter Angus Glens. A peaceful spot with scenic walking trails and stunning views, you can follow in the footsteps of holy men by taking the Minister’s Path between Glen Prosen and Glen Clova. Here, you can spot red deer and black grouse, especially during early morning or evening hours.

After your day’s adventure, relax at the Airlie Arms Hotel in Kirriemuir. A perfect place to recharge for the night, with comfortable rooms and delicious local food on offer.

Start day three with a visit to Tulloch Hill, marked by the historic Airlie Monument, erected in 1900.

The monument 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 farmland further downstream.

A beautiful place to explore any time of the year, look out for a wide range of Scottish wildlife, including red squirrels, great spotted woodpeckers, and jays.

On the penultimate day of your Angus adventure, head to Aberlemno, a small village steeped in rich Scottish history.

Known for its Pictish stones, dating back over 1,500 years, the village offers stunning views of surrounding farmland, Munros, and Iron Age hillforts from Angus Hill.

For nature lovers, keep an eye out for red kites and other farmland wildlife in the area.

Next, visit Inch Park in Brechin, a peaceful green space along the River South Esk in one of only ten Scottish Cathedral cities.

Stroll down the riverside toward Brechin Bridge, passing community-created mosaics of local wildlife. Watch out for the grey wagtails, willow and marsh marigold wildflowers, and on warmer evenings, bats, that inspired them in this scenic area.

End your day at the Park Hotel in Montrose. Situated next to the historic Montrose Golf Links and just minutes from the town centre, it’s the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. Dine at Parkers, their in-house restaurant popular with locals and visitors alike, and unwind after a day of exploring.

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 the public.

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.

If you’re short on time but still want to experience the best Angus has to offer, explore the region with our three-day Wild South Esk itinerary or create your own personalised route with stops that inspire you.