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This area stretches north of Dundee from the Sidlaw Hills and fertile farmlands of Strathmore towards the foothills of the Grampian mountains. It includes five imposing glens surrounded by rugged mountains - ideal for walking and bird-watching - and a number of castles and places of interest to explore.
Forfar, the capital of the Picts and now the county town of Angus, lies about 15 miles north of Dundee on the A90. The ruins of Restenneth Priory are sited on a 9th century Pictish place of worship near Forfar Loch where there is a country park and nature trail. Aberlemno, 5 miles east of Forfar, has a number of elaborately carved Pictish stones, some of which stand by the roadside and others being stored indoors in winter.
The main attraction in this area is Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late Queen Mother, accessed via the A94 west of Forfar. Originally a hunting lodge built in the 11th century for Scottish kings, much of the building dates back to the 15th century and the guided tour includes the crypt, the chapel (haunted by Lady Glamis who was burnt as a witch) and Royal apartments.
Kirriemuir is an attractive town standing on a hill with cobbled narrow streets and old shops. It is famous as being the birthplace of J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan and his house is open to the public. Other places to visit include the Kirriemuir Museum, Gateway to the Glens Museum, the Aviation Museum with World War II exhibits and camera obscura. Restaurants include the Airlie Arms Hotel and Hook's Hotel. The tourist office is in Cumberland Close and postbuses travel into the glens.
Glen Isla, 3 miles north of Alyth, has a stunning 24 metre waterfall called Reekie Linn (smoking fall - due to the mist caused by waterfall) and there are many forest walks in the area. There is a restaurant in the old Lochside Lodge and the Glenisla Hotel. Glen Shee, a popular ski resort, can be accessed from Glen Isla via the A926.
Glen Prosen, 6 miles north of Kirriemuir, has a number of good walks including the forest walk to the Airlie Monument on the 380-metre Tulloch Hill, the 9-mile Kilbo Path and the 4-mile Minister's Path to Clova. The 20-mile long Glen Cova is a beautiful glen which starts relatively flat but narrows and steepens in the north (that part is called Glen Doll). It is a popular place for serious walkers and for observing the wide range of species of birds, deer and fauna. Most walks are about 15 miles long and include Jock's Road to Braemar, formerly used by drovers, smugglers and retreating Jacobite soldiers, which ascends to 900 metres. Accommodation and meals are available at the Clova Hotel. There are good views from the two Iron Age hill forts in Glen Lethnot which can be easily accessed from the car park.
The 15-mile long Glen Esk runs from Edzell to Loch Lee and has many walks passing stunning waterfalls, including one to Mount Keen, one of Scotland's Munro's. The Glenesk Folk Museum has an array of interesting local exhibits from the 17th-19th centuries. South of Glen Esk is the village of Edzell which was built by Lord Panmure in the 19th century to replace the original villgae which spoilt the view from his castle. The 16th century Edzell Castle is open to the public but it is its peaceful Renaissance walled garden, the Pleasance, which attracts most visitors.
The town of Brechin lies 12 miles north-east of Kirriemuir and its main attraction is the former cathedral and the round tower built in 1000. Restored steam trains run along the 4-mile Caledonian Railway from Brechin to the Bridge of Dun during the summer. Pictavia, at the Brechin Castle Centre, provides information and audiovisual displays about the Picts and houses some Pictish stones - the tourist office is sited here.
Sleeps: 2, Bedrooms: 1
Is a spacious high-standard house in central Scotland - ideal for exploring the lovely Angus Glens, Royal Deeside, the sandy coast at Lunan Bay and Montrose, Glamis Castle (childhood home of the late Queen Mother), Dundee and Scott's 'Disovery', and the lochs of Perthshire. Just 10 minutes drive from Kirriemuir (shops/pubs), and five minutes from Loch Lintrathen.
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 3
6 miles from both Alyth and Kirriemuir in Angus and 12 miles from Blairgowrie in Perthshire, Braefoot is an extremely comfortable holiday home, standing in its own grass garden backed by woodland, at the side of a quiet country road in Glen Isla just 100 yards from Loch Lintrathen (fishing and bird-watching).
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2
In lovely, peaceful and unspoiled Glen Clova, standing alone with wonderful views from the front across the glen to the hills beyond, is Adielin Cottage. This former estate worker's cottage has been refurbished to make ideal accommodation for a family holiday, where children can play in safety and where you can walk out straight from the door into the surrounding hills.
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2
At the foot of Glen Clova, one of the loveliest and certainly the longest of the beautiful Angus glens, is Middlehill Cottage. This traditional detached stone cottage stands in its own grass garden, with lovely views across the glen. With oil heating and a wood burning stove it offers comfortable and cosy accommodation in a delightful and accessible area of Scotland.
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2
This charming, completely self-contained apartment on two floors is part of Reswallie House, a gracious 18th century country mansion just three miles from Forfar in Angus. With a lovely suntrap walled garden, and panelled living room with enormous log fire, it offers a taste of gracious living in a most attractive and accessible area.
Sleeps: 4 (6) , Bedrooms: 3
This high spec. lodge has an idyllic and peaceful situation in lovely Glen Isla near Alyth on the Perthshire/Angus border. Bright and airy, it has been beautifully furnished and appointed, with patio doors and decking area from which to enjoy the lovely views across the river valley to the hills beyond.
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