From stunning glens to a breathtaking coastline, there is so much to see and do in Angus. The east coast region of Scotland is a great place to explore outdoors. There are many opportunities for a wide range of outdoor activities including walking, running, cycling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and wild swimming.
Here are eight great outdoors activities to try. There are plenty more ideas via the Angus Tour.
1) Amazing cliffs and caves
There is so much to see along the coast, especially between Arbroath and Auchmithie. Walkers can follow a trail along the top of Seaton Cliffs where there are many amazing red sandstone formations. The path is quite close to the edge of the cliffs at times, so walkers should be careful.
Another way to view the cliffs and head into the many caves is by kayak. Arbroath Cliff Tours offers guided sit-on kayak trips. Look out for a wide variety of rock formations, including faults and joints that have eroded to form everything from minor gashes to large caves. You can see phases of cave collapse from roof blowholes (caused by compressed air during storms), collapsed cave roofs (Gaylet Pot) and natural arches. I greatly enjoyed the paddling section of my recent Angus end-to-end adventure.
2) Beautiful beaches
It is difficult to choose just one beach on the Angus coastline. There are so many beautiful sandy beaches and many are back by lovely dunes. Lunan Bay is vast and makes a rewarding trip for people of all ages. Others to mention are Arbroath, East Haven, Carnoustie and Monifieth beaches. Take you pick and enjoy a beach stroll or a paddle, then have a wonder around the streets of lovely villages and towns nearby .
3) The Wild Esk Trail
The 50-mile Wild South Esk Trail takes walkers on a journey of discovery along the River East to visit 10 sites from the Cairngorms National Park to Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve and the North Sea. The route travels through mountains, glens, woodland, along rivers, through farmland and beside estuaries.
There are also more than 40 species of wildlife to spot including golden eagle, wildcat, red squirrel, grey seal, otter, bottlenose dolphin and pink-footed geese.
4) More wonderful walks
There are walks to suit all ages, fitness levels and aspirations and in locations from coast to mountain summits. Some of the “easiest” Munros in Scotland are located in Angus, including Mayar, Dreish and Mount Keen.
There is also a superb waling route to Loch Brandy, which is located almost 610m above sea level on the western slopes of the Green Hill above Glen Clova.
5) Gorgeous Glens Road Tour
There are plenty of cycling options on trails and roads in Angus. You could bring your own bike or hire one from Angus Cycle Hub CIC.
The Angus Cycle Hub also offers a number of guided cycling tours, such as the Gorgeous Glens Road Tour, which starts at the historic town of Kirriemuir – also the birthplace J M Barrie, the author of Peter Pan– and heads into the heart of the Angus Glens on quiet country roads. The route distance can be from 20km to 42km.
There is also a recommended mountain bike route, the Epic Glens Mountain Bike Tour, and the Hidden Coast Tour.
6) Amazing alpacas
Alpacas are an increasingly popular animal attraction and Angus has a couple of opportunities to enjoy a close up experience. Head to David’s Hill Alpacas or the Alpaca Walking Experience.
7) Wild swimming
There are plenty of great locations for a wild swim, including beaches, lochs and waterfalls. I visited a picturesque waterfall and pool at Arbirlot Falls, near Arbroath.
Take a look at wild swim hotspot ideas in Angus for a location to suit your aspirations.
8) Corrie Fee
One of the most amazing natural attractions in Angus is Corrie Fee Nature Reserve. Looking rather like a giant stone armchair, Corrie Fee is n amphitheatre of rocky landscape sculpted by the power of ice and water.
The area is now a haven for plants, birds and animals. If you’re lucky, you might spot a golden eagle or peregrine falcon in this stunning mountain location.
See Visit Angus, too.