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The Angus Tour: Active Experiences in Angus

No. of Days

3

Transport

 

Theme

  • Coast and Waters
  • Nature and Wildlife
  • Outdoor Pursuits
  • Family Friendly

Season

  • Autumn
  • Winter

Highlights and Delights

This exciting and diverse three-day itinerary will help you discover some of the best active experiences Angus has to offer. From hiking in the stunning Angus Glens to sporting pursuits including fishing and golf, many invigorating and unforgettable experiences are waiting for you.

Please note – whilst opening times and prices were correct at the time of publishing, these may be subject to change and we strongly advise you check before travelling. It is also recommended that you book in advance for attractions and restaurants where possible, to avoid disappointment. 

DAY 1 – BRECHIN & EDZELL

Welcome to Brechin and Edzell

Day 1 begins in Brechin, where you will enjoy a visit to the beautiful country park at Brechin Castle Centre.

You will also be getting your walking shoes on and exploring the great outdoors – take your pick from the stunning Brown & White Caterthuns near Edzell or the majestic Queen’s Well at Glen Esk.

Travel information

Brechin is just a few minutes from the main A90 dual carriageway that runs through Angus, linking it to Dundee and Aberdeen.

Edzell is a short, 10-minute drive (or 30-minute cycle) from Brechin along the A966. Download the Visit Angus app for convenient access to an interactive map of local electric charging points on your iOS or Android phone.

  • Brechin Castle Centre
  • Lunch
  • Walking
  • Dinner

Location 1: Brechin Castle Centre

The 70-acre Country Park at Brechin Castle Centre not only offers a picturesque setting, but also a magical fairy trail through the surrounding woodland, along with a wide range of activities for all the family.

The play area offers everything from go-karts and a sledge run to a giant maze, crazy golf and foot golf.

The giant sandpit and farm themed courtyard is certain to keep the children busy along with the popular jumping pillows, zip slide, and much more.

  • Location: Haughmuir, Brechin, DD9 6RL
  • Opening times (Country Park):
    • Monday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
  • Entry:
    • Adult – £6.00
    • Concession – £4.50
    • Children (2+) – £8.00
    • Children (under 2) – Free
    • Wheelchair user – Free
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible toilet within the centre
Brechin Castle Centre

Location 2: Lunch at Brechin Castle Centre

The Coffee Shop at Brechin Castle Centre is a firm favourite with customers of all ages with food to suit everyone.

Relax as you overlook the Country Park and lake in this light and airy atmosphere.

Food is home made on the premises by the in-house chefs and bakers, including the legendary scones and meringues!

  • Location: Haughmuir, Brechin, DD9 6RL
  • Opening times:
    • Monday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets
Lunch at Brechin Castle Centre

Location 3: Brown & White Caterthuns or Queen’s Well, Glenesk

Take your pick for an afternoon enjoying the great outdoors, with a walk to either the Brown & White Caterthuns, or to Queen’s Well at Glenesk.

Take in spectacular views from two of the most impressive Iron Age hilltop enclosures in Scotland – the Brown and White Caterthuns. These are a pair of large hill forts on adjacent hills. Both are enclosed by a series of earthworks, and it is likely they served both as military and ceremonial centres.

The Brown Caterthun is defended by four earth ramparts and ditches, and the White has a massive stone rampart, a ditch and outer ramparts.

  • Location: About 5 miles east of the village of Inchbare off the B966 Brechin to Edzell Road. Grid Ref – NO 555 668 and NO 547 660. View on Google Maps.
  • Accessibility: Strong footwear recommended

The unusual crown shaped Queen’s Well monument was built over a natural spring in 1861 in honour of Queen Victoria.

Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert purchased Balmoral Castle and delighted in travelling the mountain routes around. In 1861 they rode the 15 miles (24 km) from Balmoral to Glen Mark and met with Lord Dalhousie beside an artesian well.

Here they were refreshed by the spring water before continuing to Invermark Lodge where they stayed overnight.

Visitors can reach Queen’s Well by following a walking route from Invermark to Mount Keen.

  • Location: Invermark Car Park – DD9 7YZ (approximate)
  • Accessibility: Strong footwear recommended

Location 4: Dinner at Glenesk Hotel

The Glenesk Hotel offers a pleasant location for dinner, based in the beautiful village of Edzell at the foot of the Angus Glens.

The hotel’s Fairway Restaurant offers delicious, freshly prepared food that showcases some of the best local and Scottish producers.

And you can choose from over 900 malts, 200 gins, 80 rums, 70 vodkas, and a selection of ales and beers in the hotel’s 360* Bar.

The hotel achieved Visit Scotland’s Taste Our Best accreditation as recognition of its sourcing policy, and the quality of food and drinks served in the restaurant.

  • Location: High Street, Edzell, DD9 7TF
  • Opening times: Dinner served daily from 6pm to 9pm
  • Accessibility: Partial disabled access with accessible parking and toilets
Glenesk Hotel, Edzell

DAY 2 – FORFAR

Welcome to Forfar

Day 2 begins in Forfar, a traditional market town full of history and memorable experiences. Discover beautiful locations including Balgavies Loch and Murton Nature Reserve, and enjoy a visit to Forfar Indoor Sports centre.

Travel information

Forfar is just a few minutes from the main A90 trunk road. Travelling from Edzell takes around 25 minutes by car on the A90. There are eight locations with electric vehicle charging points spread across the town.

  • Newton Farm
  • Murton
  • Lunch
  • Balgavies Loch
  • Forfar Indoor Sports
  • Dinner

Location 1: Newton Farm Tours

Spend the morning experiencing daily life on a Scottish farm and soaking up the tranquil, rural Angus landscape.

Newton Farm is a real working farm offering an award-winning, interactive and authentic farm experience to inspire young and old. You’ll be welcomed by farmers Graeme and Louise, who will introduce you to their animals and take you on a fun and educational tour of the farms. Their family has been farming here for four generations.

During your visit, you can hand-feed cows, sheep, goats, and Lucy, the micro pig. Collect eggs from the henhouse and enjoy the ‘Feeding Frenzy’ experience at feeding time.

And for the full, authentic Angus farm experience, take the friendly alpacas for a memorable walk or take part in the highland cow and alpaca experience. This includes hands-on grooming and feeding the farm’s highland cows and alpacas.

This is a truly memorable and unique opportunity to discover what daily life is like on a Scottish farm and where your food comes from throughout the seasons.

  • Location: Inverarity, Forfar, Angus, Scotland, DD8 2JU
  • Opening times: Farm tours and experiences available most days (booking required)
  • Entry: Prices vary per experience – check the website for details
  • Accessibility: The farm is relatively level and accessible to all and has an accessible toilet
Highland Cows at Newton Farm

Location 2: Murton Farm and Nature Reserve

Murton Farm and Nature Reserve offers a host of relaxing and enjoyable nature-oriented experiences.

Get a taste of life on the farm and meet some friendly farm animals, including Dennis, the adorable Kune Kune pig. You will also meet goats, donkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and chickens during your visit.

Or why not enjoy a walk around the beautiful Murton Nature Reserve? See the stunning lochs and wetlands, home to a wide variety of birds and wildfowl, including many protected species such as the Little Ringed Plover. There are three hides you can use to take a seat, relax and watch the resident and visiting birds.

  • Location: Arbroath Road, Forfar DD8 2RZ
  • Opening times: Daily, 10am to 4pm
  • Entry to the nature reserve: Free
  • Entry to the visitor farm: Child £2.50, adults go free
  • Accessibility: Most of the farm and reserve is wheelchair accessible (motorised wheelchairs are recommended). Accessible parking and toilets available.
Murton Farm and Nature Reserve

Location 3: Lunch at Murton Tearoom

Murton Tearoom is situated at the edge of Murton Farm and Nature Reserve and is the ideal place to sit back and enjoy lunch while taking in the view across the pond.

The tearoom offers a range of fantastic home cooking that includes lunch favourites like baked potatoes and sandwiches, as well as delicious daily specials. There is also a delicious range of baking and tasty snacks on offer, including their popular sweet and savoury scones made fresh every morning. People also recommend their homemade cheesecake.

Murton Tearoom uses as much locally sourced and seasonal produce in their dishes as possible, and their menu changes regularly to reflect this. Vegetarian options are available.

  • Location: Arbroath Road, Forfar DD8 2RZ
  • Opening times: Daily, 10am to 4pm
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible parking and toilets
Murton Farm, Nature Reserve and Tea Room, Forfar

Location 4: Balgavies Loch

Situated on the Lunan Water between Forfar and Friockheim, Balgavies Loch is surrounded by reedbeds and willow carr, attracting water rail, great crested grebe and a number of wintering wildfowl, including goldeneye, teal and wigeon. The reserve is also a haven for red squirrel.

Access can be gained from the signposted viewpoint on the northern side of the A932. Access to the car park is a few hundred metres to the west of the viewpoint.

This is a great spot for a walk whilst admiring the nature and wildlife.

  • Location: Arbroath Road, Forfar, DD8 0ZZ
Balgavies Loch, Forfar

Location 5: Forfar Indoor Sports

Forfar Indoor Sports provides the opportunity for you to enjoy ice skating and curling.

Curling is one of the world’s oldest team sports, originating in the 16th century in Scotland when games were played during winter on frozen ponds and lochs. The centre was originally opened as a curling rink in 1989 and offers the chance for you to try your hand at this unique and enjoyable sport.

And if you want to enjoy some indoor skating, the centre welcomes skaters old and young. Experienced skaters steward the sessions so anyone who visits the rink can enjoy a skate in a relaxed yet safe environment.

  • Location: Suttieside Road, Forfar, DD8 3NJ
  • Opening times: Times vary depending on your chosen activity – see the website for session days and times
  • Accessibility: Accessible access with accessible parking and toilets
Forfar Indoor Sports

Location 6: Dinner at Sinclair’s Kitchen

Set in the picturesque Angus countryside just outside Forfar, Sinclair’s Kitchen is a gastropub that offers modern Scottish dining at its best. Enjoy a la carte dining in the elegant restaurant or hearty meals in the cosy bar.

The restaurant showcases some fantastic local produce, including wild game from the glens, Angus beef, locally-sourced fruit and vegetables, and some homegrown produce. The chefs create flavourful dishes showcasing the best ingredients Angus has to offer.

  • Location: Arbroath Road, Forfar, DD8 2RY
  • Opening times:

Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm to 11pm (lunch served from 12-3, dinner served from 5-9)
Sunday: 12pm to 9pm (food served all day)

  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets
Sinclairs Kitchen, Forfar

DAY 3 – MONIFIETH

Welcome to Monifieth

Day 3 starts in the Monifieth area. This charming coastal area offers much to see and do, including some unique outdoor experiences. The area has beautiful country parks to explore and an exceptional country resort.

Travel information

Your first stop, Monikie Country Park, is around a 25 minute drive from Forfar along scenic country roads. There are charging points for electric vehicles at Monikie Country Park and also in nearby Monifieth.

  • Monikie Park
  • Forbes of Kingennie
  • Lunch
  • Piperdam
  • Dinner

Location 1: Monikie Country Park

Monikie Country Park, with its reservoirs, woodland and parkland, is an ideal location for a countryside adventure. The park offers afternoon’s entertainment for the whole family, with plenty for the kids, including a fantastic adventure playground.

There are pleasant trails around the former reservoirs that are ideal for both walking and cycling.

Wildlife enthusiasts of all ages will love watching the wildlife using the bird hides that are dotted throughout the park.

  • Location: Monikie Country Park, Panmure Road, Monikie, Angus, DD5 3QN
  • Opening times: Open daily
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible parking
Monikie Country Park

Location 2: Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort

Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort has everything you need for a memorable trip with the family, including golf, fishing, walking, high quality dining, a play park and even a maze. The resort also offers luxury self-catering experiences in a peaceful setting.

Book a fishing lesson for the kids, then grab some quiet time and a coffee whilst you watch from the veranda. Children can also try their hand at some golf on the putting green. The fantastic maze located within the grounds provides great outdoor entertainment for all ages, and there is a fun play park for younger ones too.

The two mile, family-friendly walk around the resort’s impressive grounds takes you alongside the nine hole golf course and fishing ponds. The walk has a slight incline but offers striking views over Dundee and the Angus countryside, so it’s worth the climb.

  • Location: Forbes of Kingennie Drive, Dundee, DD5 3RD
  • Opening times: Open daily
  • Accessibility: Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility but has accessible parking and toilets.
Forbes of Kingennie

Location 3: Lunch at Forbes of Kingennie

Based within Forbes of Kingennie, the Scullery Restaurant is a popular restaurant offering locally-sourced food and drink, including produce from the family farm next door.

Lunch at The Scullery Restaurant means tasty, hearty food and stunning waterside views overlooking the fishing ponds.

There are options to suit all tastes here, with something for everyone. The children’s menu has a great selection of tasty main courses and exciting desserts. There are vegan and vegetarian options available too.

  • Location: Forbes of Kingennie Drive, Dundee, DD5 3RD
  • Opening times: Food served from 9am to 8:30pm
  • Accessibility: Level access. Accessible parking and toilets.
Table laid for a meal at Forbes of Kingennie

Location 4: Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort

Boasting two excellent golf courses, soft play and a whole host of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages and abilities, there’s something for everyone at Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort.

Visitors can enjoy a round of golf, walk along the beautiful nature trail, enjoy a bike ride (bike hire available), or choose from a huge range of activities including archery, segways, axe throwing, tennis, crazy golf and foot golf.

  • Location: Piperdam Leisure Resort, Fowlis, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, DD2 5LP
  • Opening Times: See the website for activity sessions and times
  • Accessibility: Disabled access with accessible parking and toilets
Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort

Location 5: Dinner at Room with a View, Piperdam

Piperdam’s restaurant, Room with a View, offers award-winning food with stunning lochside views.

Choose from a variety of high quality dinner options, including traditional Scottish food like the homemade steak pie and international options such as the Mexican-style fajitas or beef chilli bowl.

There are a number of quality vegetarian and vegan options, as well options for children. Whether you’re staying at the resort or just looking for somewhere interesting to eat, Piperdam’s Room with a View restaurant offers excellent food with views to match.

  • Location: Piperdam Leisure Resort, Fowlis, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, DD2 5LP
  • Food service:
    • Monday: 9.30am to 7pm
    • Tuesday to Thursday: 12 noon to 7.30pm
    • Friday: 9.30am to 8pm
    • Saturday: 12 noon to 8pm
    • Sunday: 12 noon to 7.30pm
  • Accessibility: Disabled access with accessible parking and toilets
Dinner at Room with a View restaurant, Piperdam

Accommodation

Angus offers a broad choice of places to stay during your visit, from traditional cottages and coach houses to comfortable hotels in convenient locations.

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