Hidden Scotland
Sign in
The River South Esk running clear over rocks between wooded banks.
Angus

River South Esk

A salmon river running 49 miles from the Cairngorms through Glen Clova, Brechin and Montrose Basin to the sea, protected for its salmon and pearl mussels.

Welcome

The River South Esk begins high in the eastern Cairngorms, on the slopes above Loch Esk, and runs down through the long, steep-sided valley of Glen Clova before turning east across the farmland of Angus.

For forty-nine miles it passes Cortachy, Finavon, Brechin and Kinnaird, until it spreads into Montrose Basin and meets the sea.

It is one of the great salmon rivers of the east coast. The whole river is protected as a Special Area of Conservation for its Atlantic salmon and for its freshwater pearl mussels, among the rarest creatures in its gravels. Below Brechin it runs clear and fast over rocks between wooded banks, and near Montrose it winds slowly through water meadows under the arches of the Bridge of Dun.

Paths follow the banks in many places, from the glens to the town, and fishing is by permit.

Close byCaledonian RailwayA heritage railway running steam and diesel trains four miles from Brechin's old station to the Bridge of Dun, at weekends in summer.2 min by roadSee itThe green and cream station building of the Caledonian Railway at Brechin.
Before you go

The river can be walked along at many points, from Glen Clova to Brechin and Montrose; fishing is by permit.

Length
About 49 miles, from the Cairngorms to the sea at Montrose.
Passes
Glen Clova, Cortachy, Brechin and Montrose Basin.
Where it is

From the Cairngorms through Glen Clova and Brechin to the sea at Montrose.

Close byAngus.
  1. Church nave with wooden pews facing a stained glass window and organ pipesBrechin CathedralA cathedral with a round tower, above the river at Brechin.1 mile3 min by road
  2. The stone buildings and pagoda-roofed kiln of Glencadam Distillery, Brechin.Glencadam DistilleryA distillery in Brechin since 1825, which opened a visitor centre with tours, tastings, a cafe and a whisky bar for its two hundredth year.1 mile4 min by road
  3. Green sign reading "Garden Centre Coffee Shop" above a shop entrance with £1 pounder displaysBrechin Castle CentreA garden centre, coffee shop and seventy-acre country park at Haughmuir on the edge of Brechin, open every day.2 miles5 min by road
  4. Bridge of DunBridge of DunA three-arched bridge of 1787 over the river.4 miles9 min by road
  5. Rusted boat rests beneath the brick arches of a river viaductMontrose BasinThe tidal basin where the river meets the sea.6 miles10 min by road
Directions
The green and cream station building of the Caledonian Railway at Brechin.AttractionsCaledonian Railway0.8 miles
Sandstone mansion with columned entrance, chimneys and flag against a cloudy skyAttractionsHouse of Dun4.8 miles
The Aberlemno serpent stone, a leaning slab carved with a serpent and symbols.AttractionsAberlemno Pictish Stones6.5 miles
Sinclair's Larder's purple shopfront and planted terrace on Edzell High Street.RestaurantsSinclair’s Larder6.6 miles
Edzell Castle's red ruin and its walled garden seen from the air.AttractionsEdzell Castle7.7 miles
RAF Tornado ZD744 stored in a hangar with squadron crests on the wallAttractionsMontrose Air Station Museum7.8 miles
Tables and shelves of books in Ink & Quill, Montrose.ShoppingInk & Quill Bookshop7.9 miles
The North Esk tumbling through its wooded gorge among autumn leaves.WalksEdzell Blue Door Walk7.9 miles
The painted front of the Funky Wee Teapot ceramic painting studio in Montrose.CafeThe Funky Wee Teapot8.0 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the river, and when each is next free.

Timber cabin with metal roof and decking surrounded by woodland treesNorth Lodge and River Cabin
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Banchory
  • 17 miles from the South Esk
Free 11–13 NovA stone farmhouse covered in climbing ivy stands behind a gravel drive, seen through overhanging pine branches.Cuttieshillock
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from the South Esk
Free 16–18 OctA stone cottage with dormer windows sits behind a low blue gate, a rose-covered archway framing the front door.Gamekeeper’s Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from the South Esk
Free 2–4 NovA stone steading with a slated pyramid roof and a chimney stands behind a green nameplate sign, a chair visible through the window.No 2 Steading Cottage at Glendye
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from the South Esk
Free 18–20 OctPlaces to stayEvery stay in AngusAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
Hidden Scotland, the magazine

Scotland, in print.

Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.

Get Issue 13Read it here
Find out more

For further reading, before you go.