Glenesk Folk Museum

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Start your trip by heading towards the Cairngorms National Park into Glen Esk and its amazing wee folk museum. Set up in the 1950s by Greta Michie, a teacher from the glen, it tells the story of rural life in Angus. There are everyday items from the past alongside more unusual ones like Jacobite swords, historic bagpipes and even an ostrich egg! It’s the perfect place to learn about the local area and hear stories of some the characters that once lived here

Loch Lee

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At the very end of Glen Esk, a short walk takes you past the towering ruin of Invermark Castle. It once guarded against Cateran raiders who used these passes to steal cattle before disappearing back into the mountains. Eventually, you’ll come to Loch Lee with the picturesque St Drostan’s Church right on its banks. A church has stood on this very spot for almost 1500 years and it’s somewhere I never tire of, where the peace and history swallows you up.

Edzell Castle

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Currently open at weekends after being closed for the last few years, Edzell Castle is a stunning spot with vibrant red stone walls. This was once home to the Lindsay Earls of Crawford, one of the most powerful families in Scotland. As well as being packed with history, the Great Garden is a stunning recreation of the Lindsay’s Renaissance creation. Just keep your eyes and ears open for the White Lady ghost who’s been known to haunt the ruins.

Lunch at Sinclair’s Larder

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In the nearby village of Edzell, grab a delicious, seasonal lunch at Sinclair’s Larder followed by one of their famous cakes!

Aberlemno Pictish Stones

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While Angus has a lot to offer, there’s one thing it does better than anywhere else – Pictish Stones. There are plenty in local museums, but my favourites stand out in the open at Aberlemno. Carved around 1300 years ago, it’s an incredible visual piece of history. You’ll find three stones alongside the road by Aberlemno Village Hall of varying ages. They show Christian crosses, figures hunting, mysterious Pictish shapes and even a writhing serpent. My favourite of the stones stands just a few hundred metres away in Aberlemno churchyard. It’s a huge slab displaying a scene full of warriors fighting what we think is the Battle of Dun Nechtain from 685AD. It was a great victory for the Picts over the Northumbrians and definitely worthy of a commemoration like this.

Arbroath Abbey

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Finally reaching the coast at Arbroath, this is a place integral to Scottish history but still off the usual beaten track. The Abbey was founded by William the Lion in 1178 and that King of Scots is buried where the high altar once stood, marked by a modern slab. 

However, the most important event linked with the Abbey took place in 1320 with the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath. This letter from the Barons of Scotland to the Pope demanded that he recognise Scotland’s continued independence and explained why Robert the Bruce was the rightful King. 

The visitor centre at Arbroath Abbey explains the story perfectly with interactive displays and audio-visual demonstrations. It’s one of the must visit sites for lovers of Scottish history!

Arbroath Harbour

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Arbroath is a colourful town with the historic harbour at its heart. Walk past stacks of creels and bobbing fishing boats to the Signal Tower Museum, built to communicate with the Bell Rock Lighthouse 11 miles out at sea. Constructed 200 years ago, the only means of communication were flags and telescopes! It also tells the story of the Arbroath Smokie, a local delicacy that can only be made within a few miles of the town. Pairs of gutted haddocks are hung over a woodfire in specially made barrels to smoke until they take on an almost sweet, smoky taste. No trip to Arbroath is complete without trying a Smokie and there are a number of producers around the town. I usually head to the bright purple C Lyons shop near the harbour. If you’re not sure about picking the fish from the bones, then I’d recommend trying a Smokie Pie instead!