HILLY IN PLACES

You can start this run on either B951 from Kirriemuir or on B952 from Alyth, although the latter is not actually in Angus.  From Kirriemuir, cyclists can have a long and very hilly round trip by taking the Kaims or Airlie road, jus past Kinnordy, turning off to Lintrathen, along to Reekie Linn via Peel over the Isla Bridge, turning right and heading over Kilry Hill to Brewlands Bridge then turning right and coming back down Glen Isla.  If you choose to start from Alyth you should head out on the B952 then turn onto the B954.  After climbing the first hill and dropping down into the valley below it, the road to Kilry goes off to the left and joins up with the route from Kirriemuir.  Biked in this direction from either start point means the worst hills are in the first half, from Brewlands back to Kirrie is relatively easy.  A stop at the Glenisla Hotel just after Brewlands bridge makes a welcome break around the halfway mark.  If you are feeling energetic on the return  route then a small detour at Dykend will bring the reward of the view over Backwater Reservoir.  There are picnic areas and toilets beside the dam and you may be tempted to come back to do a circuit around the loch.