Glamis Castle to Glen Clova

A two day route in mountain scenery and rolling Angus countryside - lots of historic interest

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

Route Description

(With Glen Prosen included - 44 miles)

In Kirriemuir follow signs for The Glens to the B955 then follow signs for Glen Clova. If you are taking in Glen Prosen as well note that the Glen Prosen road is a left turn off the B955 in a wood just before you cross over the river Prosen Water (Prosen Bridge).

Glen Prosen is lovely but very hilly, there is a shop and a tea room in Glen Prosen Village. It will take several hours to get round Glen Prosen even if you don't linger in the tea room, eventually you come out at Dykehead where there is a hotel.

Between Dykehead and the Clova Hotel there are no particularly big hills, rather a series of ups and downs. Going north on the west side of the glen is recommended as you get a better view of the mountains.

The Clova Hotel has a climber's bar at the back as well as a normal lounge bar at the front. I prefer the climber's bar as it has an open fire and interesting climbing photos on the wall. Food is available all day and the hotel also has a bunkhouse if you are lloking for economical accommodation. Unfortunately the youth hostel further up at Glen Doll closed in January 2002.

Riding up the glen a little further to the end of the public road at Glen Doll is highly recommended, the scenery is quite special. The ride back to Kirriemuir has some hills too but you'll get back to Kirriemuir reasonably quickly.

Kirriemuir is the birth place of James Barrie, creator of Peter Pan. Even if you've only seen the Disney version you should make an effort to see where he lived and the outside wash house that was his first theatre. On Barrie's death in 1937 there was a move to dismantle his house and re-erect it in the USA. Fortunately this came to nothing and it is now owned by the National Trust.