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Walks
in Angus.

It’s 20:55 in Angus.
Angus

Sea arches and the Rocks of Solitude.

Walking in Angus means red rock, whether on the coast or up a gorge. North of Arbroath, a clifftop path runs along sandstone carved by the sea into arches, caves and stacks, as far as Auchmithie, the fishing village where the smokie was first made. Inland at Edzell, a little blue door in an estate wall by Gannochy Bridge opens onto a riverside path up the gorge of the North Esk to the Rocks of Solitude. Wear good shoes, and keep well back from the cliff edges, especially in the wind.

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From the magazine18 hours agoThe printed copy of Issue 13Issue 13Autumn / Winter 2026-27

The Edzell Blue Door Walk, in Angus, takes its name from the blue door you go in by, and leads above a gorge to a stretch called the Rocks of Solitude.

It is a popular, low-level circular route through woodland and countryside near the village of Edzell. Gentle paths run high above the gorge, with views of crashing water below, and the Rocks of Solitude make the perfect place for a quiet moment. The family at Newtonmill House, near Brechin, name them among the places to see to understand the natural beauty that has inspired generations in Angus. Back in the village, Edzell Castle is best known for its extraordinary walled garden, still cared for today.

See Edzell Blue Door Walk · Angus
Walk of the day16 hours ago

Auchmithie and the Ethie Cliffs.

A clifftop walk from the fishing village of Auchmithie, perched on red cliffs north of Arbroath, where the smokie was first made.

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From the magazine13 hours agoThe printed copy of Issue 13Issue 13Autumn / Winter 2026-27

On Declaration Day at Arbroath Abbey, in Angus, the parade steps off at 13:20, a nod to the year 1320.

William the Lion founded the abbey in 1178, and it is forever linked to the Declaration of Arbroath, the letter to the Pope that was signed at the abbey in 1320. The visitor centre explains the letter in full, and a walk through the enormous ruins never fails to impress. On Declaration Day, 6 April 2027, the parade heads down the High Street to the harbour behind the pipe bands. Entry to the abbey is free all day, with stalls and music at Beacon Green. And no visit is complete without an Arbroath Smokie, haddock that has been wood-smoked in the town for generations.

See Arbroath Abbey · Angus
From the magazine11 hours agoThe printed copy of Issue 13Issue 13Autumn / Winter 2026-27

After heavy rain, the Reekie Linn waterfall in Glen Isla, Angus, crashes down so hard that its spray fills the air like smoke, or reek in Scots.

A narrow path alongside the River Isla, near Alyth and Kirriemuir, leads to the falls, which the magazine counts among the most dramatic natural sights in Angus. Glen Isla is one of five glens that stretch from the fertile Angus countryside into the heart of the Cairngorm mountains, along with Glens Clova, Esk, Prosen and Lethnot. Each has its own character, with walks from riverside strolls to mountain hikes. Afterwards, the Glen Isla Hotel at Kirkton of Glenisla is a historic coaching inn where you'll rub shoulders with local farmers and estate workers in the bar.

See Reekie Linn · Perthshire
Did you know8 hours agoGraeme JohncockWritten byGraeme JohncockRead Graeme’s piece

Graeme Johncock, who travels Scotland for our series, counts the ruined kirk of St Drostan's, at the end of Glen Esk in Angus, among his favourite quiet places.

‘I began in the mountains, heading up Glen Esk with a stop at the incredible wee folk museum there. It’s packed with stories of real people from the glen and there’s always something new that jumps out at me. The goal of the journey was at the very end of the road, where a short walk leads past the towering Invermark Castle to the ruins of St Drostan’s on Loch Lee. There’s something very special about that spot, it’s one of my favourite quiet places where history seems to envelop you.’

Graeme JohncockWritten byGraeme JohncockRead Graeme’s pieceSee Glen Esk · Angus
Somewhere to go6 hours ago

Arbroath Cliffs, Angus.

Red sandstone cliffs north of Arbroath, carved by the sea into arches, caves and stacks, with a clifftop path to Auchmithie.

Read about it
From the magazine3 hours agoThe printed copy of Issue 13Issue 13Autumn / Winter 2026-27

The Queen Mother, who grew up at Glamis Castle in Angus, was a frequent visitor to Newtonmill House near Brechin, and gave roses to its walled garden.

Today two cosy cottages on the 25-acre Newtonmill estate are let to guests, with traditional charm, modern comforts and a wood-burning stove for cold nights. Woodland, gardens and wildlife surround them, and it is about as peaceful a getaway as you'll find. Ask about a walk round the walled garden, and keep an eye out for red squirrels. Luke, Elaine and Adrian of Newtonmill suggest beginning a tour of Angus in Montrose, then visiting Brechin Cathedral, Arbroath Abbey and Glamis Castle, three places that tell the story of Scotland itself.

Read the full story in Issue 13
From the magazineJust nowThe printed copy of Issue 13Issue 13Autumn / Winter 2026-27

Montrose Air Station Museum, in Angus, stands on the site of Britain's first operational military airfield.

Angus has history from every age, from Pictish standing stones to wartime airfields. The museum doesn't just display artefacts or explain aviation history. It brings to life the stories of the brave people who once risked their lives while working at the airfield. In the same town, a pleasant coastal walk at Ferryden leads to Scurdie Ness Lighthouse, designed by the Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers, where sightings of dolphins aren't unusual.

See Montrose Air Station Museum · Angus

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