Glamis Castle to Glen Clova, alternative route

Gentler countryside, farms and forests - lots of historical interest.

Some people might do all of this in one day but for most of us it would be a two day cycle ride. One day in the highland glens; the other in rural Angus countryside, perhaps with a visit to Glamis Castle.

Route Description

It doesn't matter greatly in which direction you do this circuit but the description is clockwise. Having a copy of O.S. Landranger Map Sheet 54 is recommended. Follow the Glen Clova instructions as far as the crossing of Prosen Water then take the first right for Memus, signed Edzell/Brechin.

This is a pleasant ride with not too many hills as far as Tannadice where you join the B957. Just after Memus you pass the Drover's Inn which does food. Beyond this there's a hotel and a restaurant just after Tannadice by the dual cariageway A90. Either might be convenient for a cup of tea. Some calories might be a good idea here as you are about to climb the Hill of Finavon.

There's an underpass by the river with a cycle path to avoid having to cross the main road. This is 300 metres west of the diner but may not be useable if there has been recent rain. Take care if you have to cross the road itself.

Join the cycle path on the other side turning right. When you get to the public road at Milton of Finavon join that to go through the village then turn left at a T junction to go up the hill.

There is a right turn on to the B9134 then a left off it after 200 metres signed Pitkennedy. The B9113 crossing is straight over. The A932 crossing is a left then second right after a kilometer signed Trumperton. A mile after this, in Letham, follow a sign for Arbroath, go up a little hill to a cross roads and turn right signed Dundee.

After this follow signs for Bowriefauld. In Bowriefauld bear left signed Craichie to the B9128 turning left on to it, then take the first right signed Lour. After a mile turn left in front of gates; after another mile turn right on to the B9127 by a phone box.

Go west for two miles, then at Inverarity, by a church, fork left to pass under the A90 at Gateside. Continue west on minor roads ignoring all right turns. Turn left to circle wooded Hunter's Hill to meet the A928. Turn right and descend to Glamis, take care crossing the A94.

Glamis Castle, which is everything a castle should be, was the setting for Shakespeare's play Macbeth. King Malcolm II is said to have died there in 1034. The Queen Mother lived there as a child. There is a restaurant and guided tours are available in five languages, also a playpark and a nature trail. It closes at 17.30.

In the village of Glamis is the Angus Folk Museum. This is a row of early 19th century farm cottages containing furniture and domestic equipment from long ago. There's also an exhibition: Life on the Land, showing farm life over the last 200 years. There's a hotel with an excellent restaurant. Return to Kirriemuir is on the A928 which is fairly quiet.