The Angus Glens

 

The Angus Glens – Isla, Prosen, Clova, Lethnot and Esk reach out from the lowlands to the hills and mountains that form part of the southern edge of the Cairngorms National Park. The walking festival programme offers both lowland and high mountain walks over the four days. Some of the peaks over 3000ft (Munros) are featured as well as low level walks which are suitable for everyone. There are walks which stay completely within Angus and others which venture further into the Cairngorms National Park. A bus service is available to transport you to and from the location of most of the walks.

 

Angus has been described as 'Scotland in miniature', as the landscape changes dramatically throughout the area, from the stunning beaches of the coast, through lowlands rich in history and wildlife, to the quiet wilderness of our highest peaks.

 

There are many special places in the Angus Glens which you should visit if you possibly can. For example Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve is home to some of the rarest alpine plant communities in the country, and in Glen Doll you may be lucky enough to spot golden eagles soaring above you. There is a huge variety of wildlife in the area – from peregrine falcon, ptarmigan, grouse, pine marten and red deer in the glens, to dolphins, basking shark and a rich diversity of sea birds off the sea coast.

 

Herds of majestic red deer roam across the heather moors and flighty roe deer forage in coniferous plantations further down in the valley. On the Coast the red sand stone cliffs are home to families of sea birds, basking shark and dolphins may even put in an appearance.

 

The geological features of the Glens were sculpted during the Ice Age thousands of years ago. Many of these features are reflected in place names such as Corrie Fee (Corrie of the Deer) and Hill of Strone (Hill of the Sharp Point) and can be seen on several of the walks.

 

Time and nature have left each Glen with its own unique character. Special places will be visited, for example, Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve with its rare alpine plant communities, visited by the amateur botanist and author of the Lord of the Rings, JR Tolkien, or Glen Doll where golden eagles soar in search of food and nesting material.

 

Each Glen is accessed via lowland plain where cattle and sheep are grazed. Each is characterised by meandering rivers and streams where Anglers fish for trout and salmon; by steep sided slopes dotted with plantations of pines harvested for their timber; by a patchwork of heather-clad moors managed by the estates for sporting purposes; and by rugged mountain tops where climbers and hill walkers can marvel at the panoramic scenery below.

 

Walking is the only real way to see the Angus countryside at it's best, so get your boots on, come along and join our expert leaders, make new friends, and don't forget to bring your camera!

 

More about the Angus Glens