A Day Between Angus & Perthshire

Kirriemuir

An attraction

As soon as you arrive in Kirriemuir, you can see why it’s called the Wee Red Toon! There’s a lot packed into these small streets, from the oldest sweet shop in Scotland to statues of Peter Pan and AC/DC frontman Bon Scott. You can also visit the birthplace of Peter Pan creator J.M Barrie. The traditional weaver’s cottage is set up as Barrie would have known it, complete with box beds and the wash house where he performed his first play. Keep your eyes and ears open for the telling ticktock of the crocodile in the garden though… The story of Peter Pan wasn’t the only gift J.M Barrie left Kirriemuir. Climb up to Kirriemuir Hill and you can wonder at the Camera Obscura the author donated to his hometown. Mirrors and lenses project moving images of the landscape outside which must have been a wonder in Barrie’s day!

The Singing Kettle, Alyth

An attraction

Heading deeper into the countryside, stop off at The Singing Kettle in the historic market-town of Alyth for a well-deserved lunch. This is a much-loved local café with delicious soups, sandwiches and home-baking. My recommendation is usually the quiche!

Den o' Alyth

A walk

This part of Angus is the perfect place to escape into nature and it’s worth taking a short stroll through the woods in Alyth Den. While the full loop of this wooded gorge carved by the Alyth Burn can take over an hour, there’s nothing wrong with taking a shorter, relaxing stroll beneath the trees in this hidden pocket of natural beauty.

Reekie Linn

An attraction

The Alyth Burn might be gentle, but the River Isla can be fierce and nowhere is that more apparent than at the Reekie Linn! It’s a short walk from the car park along a steep bank to reach one of Scotland’s most dramatic waterfalls. Water crashes down with the fine misting spray appearing like smoke, giving the waterfall its name – Reekie Linn means smoky pool in Scots! A small cave can just be seen near the base of the waterfall, said to have been used as a hideout for an outlaw on the run for murder. In the darkness, he heard the padding of paws before seeing a huge, black dog emerge from the gloom. Convinced it was the devil, he immediately ran to hand himself over to the authorities! The cave can’t be reached and it’s a long way down from the viewpoint so be very careful when walking along the path here and always keep dogs on a tight lead!

Meigle Pictish Stones

An attraction

The village of Meigle is easily overlooked, but 1200 years ago this was an important Pictish religious centre! Dozens of intricately carved stones found around Meigle are now on display inside a small museum. While they’re all fascinating, my favourite is Meigle 2. Legend says that the image in the centre shows Vanora, better known to most as Guinevere, being torn apart by wild dogs in punishment for betraying her husband King Arthur. It more likely represents Daniel in the Lion’s Den, but a mound outside said to be her grave adds to the local legend!

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The Eassie Stone

An attraction

Not every Pictish Stone is cooped up in a museum. Many remain roughly where they were found and that includes the Eassie Stone. In a glass box inside the ruins of the old church, this remarkable carved stone from around 600AD shows mysterious Pictish symbols alongside a Christian cross and elaborate hunting scene. It’s an incredible link to the rich history found in this part of Scotland!

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