www.visitcairngorms.com

Designed and produced by Arc Visual Communications. Visual Arc by produced and Designed

Front Cover: Glen Doll, courtesy of VisitScotland/Angus and Dundee and VisitScotland/Angus of courtesy Doll, Glen Cover: Front

in the development of the walks and the preparation of this leaflet. this of preparation the and walks the of development the in www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk

The partnership also wishes to thank the Landowners who have assisted assisted have who Landowners the thank to wishes also partnership The

For further details contact. details further For

and Angus Environmental Trust. Trust. Environmental Angus and

Prepared by Mountaineering Council of Scotland. Scotland. of Council Mountaineering by Prepared

Scottish Enterprise Grampian, Forestry Commission, Scotland Scotland Commission, Forestry Grampian, Enterprise Scottish

Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, Tayside, Enterprise Scottish Heritage, Natural Scottish

inform the Ambulance Service). Ambulance the inform

funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, Fund, Development Regional European the Fund, Lottery Heritage by funded

Aberdeenshire Council, Angus Council, Upper Deeside Access Trust and Trust Access Deeside Upper Council, Angus Council, Aberdeenshire • Any injuries (if there are injuries ask the Police to to Police the ask injuries are there (if injuries Any •

The Project has been made possible through a partnership between between partnership a through possible made been has Project The

• Number of people in the party. the in people of Number •

Produced by the Eastern Cairngorms Access Project. Project. Access Cairngorms Eastern the by Produced

• Location of the incident. the of Location •

When connected provide: connected When

If calling for help by phone dial 999 and ask for the POLICE. the for ask and 999 dial phone by help for calling If

(or use a mobile telephone) telephone) mobile a use (or

whilst others descend with a map to get help help get to map a with descend others whilst Glen Doll Glen

(c) if possible, leave somebody to care for the casualty casualty the for care to somebody leave possible, if (c)

(b) calculate your position position your calculate (b)

(a) treat any injuries injuries any treat (a)

stalking is taking place. taking is stalking

If one of your party has an accident and cannot be moved: be cannot and accident an has party your of one If

at the carparks or access points to see if and where and if see to points access or carparks the at

In an Emergency an In

the higher areas you should check the notice boards boards notice the check should you areas higher the

are available on the Council Website. Council the on available are

summer and autumn and if you are venturing onto venturing are you if and autumn and summer recommended. Take food and drink and reserve supplies. supplies. reserve and drink and food Take recommended. 444177 for a copy of the full Code or a leaflet. a or Code full the of copy a for 444177

Cairngorms, Cycling in the Angus Glens. Copies of the leaflets the of Copies Glens. Angus the in Cycling Cairngorms,

Deer Stalking takes place in this area between late between area this in place takes Stalking Deer a firm sole with a secure grip. Hillwalking boots are strongly are boots Hillwalking grip. secure a with sole firm a or phoning Scottish Natural Heritage on 01738 on Heritage Natural Scottish phoning or

Network, Kirriemuir Path Network, Access Guide to Eastern to Guide Access Network, Path Kirriemuir Network,

Your footwear should provide good ankle support and have and support ankle good provide should footwear Your

www.outdooraccess-scotland.com www.outdooraccess-scotland.com Forfar Path Network, Brechin Path Network, Arbroath Path Arbroath Network, Path Brechin Network, Path Forfar

rights by letting people pass before casting a line a casting before pass people letting by rights

as a torch, whistle, First Aid Kit and emergency shelter. shelter. emergency and Kit Aid First whistle, torch, a as

Find out more by visiting visiting by more out Find

should also respect the needs of those exercising access exercising those of needs the respect also should Other Leaflets available from public information points are:- points information public from available Leaflets Other

and compass and equipment for use in an emergency such emergency an in use for equipment and compass and

a safe distance if an angler is casting a line. Fishermen line. a casting is angler an if distance safe a

• care for the environment the for care •

Take warm, wind and waterproof clothing. Carry a map map a Carry clothing. waterproof and wind warm, Take

Please show consideration to people fishing and keep and fishing people to consideration show Please

• respect the interests of other people;. other of interests the respect •

footfalls can cause disturbance even at a distance. a at even disturbance cause can footfalls getting cold. cold. getting

wildlife refuges. Please be aware that noise especially noise that aware be Please refuges. wildlife Consider turning back if someone in your group is tiring or tiring is group your in someone if back turning Consider • take responsibility for your own actions; own your for responsibility take •

The lochs and rivers are popular fishing areas and areas fishing popular are rivers and lochs The take children only on routes which allow for an easy retreat. easy an for allow which routes on only children take

the outdoors, the key things are to : : to are things key the outdoors, the

fitness, navigation skills and the weather. As a general rule, general a As weather. the and skills navigation fitness,

injury if pregnant ewes panic and run. run. and panic ewes pregnant if injury

Whether you’re in the outdoors or managing managing or outdoors the in you’re Whether

Choose a walk which is appropriate for your experience, your for appropriate is which walk a Choose

even at a distance can unwittingly cause death and death cause unwittingly can distance a at even

Access Code. Code. Access

Please keep dogs under strict control. A playful dog, playful A control. strict under dogs keep Please consider revising your plans. your revising consider

explained fully in the Scottish Outdoor Outdoor Scottish the in fully explained

clouds thicken, visibility decreases or the temperature falls, temperature the or decreases visibility thicken, clouds

not be compromised by inconsiderate users. inconsiderate by compromised be not

Your access rights and responsibilities are are responsibilities and rights access Your

weather might be on the way. If the wind strengthens, wind the If way. the on be might weather

which as the Outdoor Access Code explains, should explains, Code Access Outdoor the as which

inland water providing they act responsibly. responsibly. act they providing water inland

Weather can change quickly. Even on sunny days, poor days, sunny on Even quickly. change can Weather

borne in mind that they have many other interests, other many have they that mind in borne Everyone has the right to be on most land and land most on be to right the has Everyone

for the public to enjoy access to their land it must be must it land their to access enjoy to public the for remember to advise of your safe return. return. safe your of advise to remember

Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors - responsibly! responsibly! - outdoors Scotland’s Enjoy

assistance of the Landowners. While they are happy happy are they While Landowners. the of assistance of where you are going can be a good idea. If you do, you If idea. good a be can going are you where of

Know the Code before you go … … go you before Code the Know

Many of the walks here have been developed with the with developed been have here walks the of Many Obtain a weather forecast before setting out. Leaving word Leaving out. setting before forecast weather a Obtain

Responsible Land Access Access Land Responsible Walking Safety Walking

Walking in Glen Esk Esk Glen in Walking Walking in Glen Esk Esk Glen in Walking

Eastern Cairngorms Eastern Eastern Cairngorms Eastern

Welcome to Glen Esk landscape and History Wildlife Glen Esk is the easternmost of the Angus Glens and Glen Esk (Glen of the Rowans) is a much more Because of its secluded nature, Glen Esk has developed is quite different in character from the others. In terms “gentle” Glen compared with some of the other it’s own rich natural history. There is a wide variety of distance is it also the longest with a wide variety Angus glens. It still has significant woodland sections bird species to be seen, from the humble Meadow of landscapes from Mount Keen, Scotland’s most although many of them are now birch rather than Pipit to the rare Ring Ousel. There are Red Grouse, easterly Munro at the head of Glen Mark, to gentle rowan. It does not have the stark glacial formations Ptarmigan, and Golden Plover to be seen as well as woodlands and cultivated fields on the lower slopes. that are typical in Glen Clova, as much of its formation birds of prey such as Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, The main village is Tarfside, which is near the top of is due to river action. The underlying geology has Merlin, Kestrel, Hen Harrier and increasing rapidly the the glen. Most of the community are employed in the been softened by water action leaving the rolling Common Buzzard. You may even be lucky enough to sporting pursuits in the glen, which should be born hills and moors. see a visiting Osprey. in mind when taking access to the land. There are Water still forms an important part of the life of the Red deer are to be seen in herds numbering many carparks at Invermark at the end of the public road glen as Loch Lee is a public water supply for much hundreds, mountain hares, wildcat, fox, otter, red and in Tarfside itself. The ‘Retreat’ Tearoom and Folk of North Angus and South Aberdeenshire (formerly squirrel and large numbers of rabbits. Roe deer can Museum can be found just before Tarfside. Kincardineshire). The river North Esk is well known also be found in the birch woods at lower levels. Many The paths are generally intended for walking, but there to fishermen for its trout and salmon. Arctic Char are of these creatures are present in the glen because they is a separate leaflet for cycling routes in the Angus Area. also to be found in the Loch Lee, which is the remains are relatively undisturbed. While the community are of a glacial lake. delighted that visitors come to see the glen and its The upper part of Glen Esk lies within the Cairngorm wildlife this will only continue to be possible if visitors National Park. This is the UK’s newest and largest The upper glen splits into Glen Lee and Glen Mark respect the countryside. national park and you should notice the boundary which are very similar in appearance and landscape, stones at the roadside as you drive up the Glen. but each has its own attractions and appeal. Glen The upper part of Glen Clova lies within the The Eastern Cairngorms make up some 50% of the Mark is perhaps better known as it gives access to Cairngorms National Park. This is the UK’s largest 1467 square miles of the park. Mount Keen, Scotland’s most easterly Munro. national park and you should be aware of the There are number of routes from Glen Esk that lead There is evidence that the glen has been inhabited boundary stones at the roadside as you drive into over the hills into Glen Clova to the south or to for thousands of years. Much of the information about the Glen. Deeside in the North. Details of these routes are well this has been gathered in museum at The Retreat, but documented elsewhere. This leaflet seeks to encourage some of the physical evidence can be seen around the those who may not have visited the area to spend glen like the Bronze age settlement on Hill of Rowan some time getting to know the glen a little better and or more recently Invermark Castle. have selected only a few of the walks available. Religion has also been prominent in the glen down the centuries from the Druids circle at Colmellie to the parish church at Loch Lee. The 3 churches in the glen, which were all well used at the turn of the last century, testify to the population decline in more recent time.

www.visitcairngorms.com

Designed and produced by Arc Visual Communications. Visual Arc by produced and Designed

Front Cover: Glen Doll, courtesy of VisitScotland/Angus and Dundee and VisitScotland/Angus of courtesy Doll, Glen Cover: Front

in the development of the walks and the preparation of this leaflet. this of preparation the and walks the of development the in www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk

The partnership also wishes to thank the Landowners who have assisted assisted have who Landowners the thank to wishes also partnership The

For further details contact. details further For

and Angus Environmental Trust. Trust. Environmental Angus and

Prepared by Mountaineering Council of Scotland. Scotland. of Council Mountaineering by Prepared

Scottish Enterprise Grampian, Forestry Commission, Scotland Scotland Commission, Forestry Grampian, Enterprise Scottish

Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, Tayside, Enterprise Scottish Heritage, Natural Scottish

inform the Ambulance Service). Ambulance the inform

funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, Fund, Development Regional European the Fund, Lottery Heritage by funded

Aberdeenshire Council, Angus Council, Upper Deeside Access Trust and Trust Access Deeside Upper Council, Angus Council, Aberdeenshire • Any injuries (if there are injuries ask the Police to to Police the ask injuries are there (if injuries Any •

The Project has been made possible through a partnership between between partnership a through possible made been has Project The

• Number of people in the party. the in people of Number •

Produced by the Eastern Cairngorms Access Project. Project. Access Cairngorms Eastern the by Produced

• Location of the incident. the of Location •

When connected provide: connected When

If calling for help by phone dial 999 and ask for the POLICE. the for ask and 999 dial phone by help for calling If

(or use a mobile telephone) telephone) mobile a use (or

whilst others descend with a map to get help help get to map a with descend others whilst Glen Doll Glen

(c) if possible, leave somebody to care for the casualty casualty the for care to somebody leave possible, if (c)

(b) calculate your position position your calculate (b)

(a) treat any injuries injuries any treat (a)

stalking is taking place. taking is stalking

If one of your party has an accident and cannot be moved: be cannot and accident an has party your of one If

at the carparks or access points to see if and where and if see to points access or carparks the at

In an Emergency an In

the higher areas you should check the notice boards boards notice the check should you areas higher the

are available on the Council Website. Council the on available are

recommended. Take food and drink and reserve supplies. supplies. reserve and drink and food Take recommended. onto venturing are you if and autumn and summer 444177 for a copy of the full Code or a leaflet. a or Code full the of copy a for 444177

Cairngorms, Cycling in the Angus Glens. Copies of the leaflets the of Copies Glens. Angus the in Cycling Cairngorms,

a firm sole with a secure grip. Hillwalking boots are strongly are boots Hillwalking grip. secure a with sole firm a late between area this in place takes Stalking Deer or phoning Scottish Natural Heritage on 01738 on Heritage Natural Scottish phoning or

Network, Kirriemuir Path Network, Access Guide to Eastern to Guide Access Network, Path Kirriemuir Network,

Your footwear should provide good ankle support and have and support ankle good provide should footwear Your

www.outdooraccess-scotland.com www.outdooraccess-scotland.com Forfar Path Network, Brechin Path Network, Arbroath Path Arbroath Network, Path Brechin Network, Path Forfar

rights by letting people pass before casting a line a casting before pass people letting by rights

as a torch, whistle, First Aid Kit and emergency shelter. shelter. emergency and Kit Aid First whistle, torch, a as

Find out more by visiting visiting by more out Find

should also respect the needs of those exercising access exercising those of needs the respect also should Other Leaflets available from public information points are:- points information public from available Leaflets Other

and compass and equipment for use in an emergency such emergency an in use for equipment and compass and

a safe distance if an angler is casting a line. Fishermen line. a casting is angler an if distance safe a

• care for the environment the for care •

Take warm, wind and waterproof clothing. Carry a map map a Carry clothing. waterproof and wind warm, Take

Please show consideration to people fishing and keep and fishing people to consideration show Please

• respect the interests of other people;. other of interests the respect •

getting cold. cold. getting distance. a at even disturbance cause can footfalls

Consider turning back if someone in your group is tiring or tiring is group your in someone if back turning Consider especially noise that aware be Please refuges. wildlife • take responsibility for your own actions; own your for responsibility take •

take children only on routes which allow for an easy retreat. easy an for allow which routes on only children take and areas fishing popular are rivers and lochs The

the outdoors, the key things are to : : to are things key the outdoors, the

fitness, navigation skills and the weather. As a general rule, general a As weather. the and skills navigation fitness,

injury if pregnant ewes panic and run. run. and panic ewes pregnant if injury

Whether you’re in the outdoors or managing managing or outdoors the in you’re Whether

Choose a walk which is appropriate for your experience, your for appropriate is which walk a Choose

even at a distance can unwittingly cause death and death cause unwittingly can distance a at even

Access Code. Code. Access

consider revising your plans. your revising consider dog, playful A control. strict under dogs keep Please

explained fully in the Scottish Outdoor Outdoor Scottish the in fully explained

clouds thicken, visibility decreases or the temperature falls, temperature the or decreases visibility thicken, clouds

not be compromised by inconsiderate users. inconsiderate by compromised be not

Your access rights and responsibilities are are responsibilities and rights access Your

weather might be on the way. If the wind strengthens, wind the If way. the on be might weather

which as the Outdoor Access Code explains, should explains, Code Access Outdoor the as which

inland water providing they act responsibly. responsibly. act they providing water inland

Weather can change quickly. Even on sunny days, poor days, sunny on Even quickly. change can Weather

borne in mind that they have many other interests, other many have they that mind in borne Everyone has the right to be on most land and land most on be to right the has Everyone

remember to advise of your safe return. return. safe your of advise to remember be must it land their to access enjoy to public the for

Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors - responsibly! responsibly! - outdoors Scotland’s Enjoy

of where you are going can be a good idea. If you do, you If idea. good a be can going are you where of happy are they While Landowners. the of assistance

Know the Code before you go … … go you before Code the Know

Obtain a weather forecast before setting out. Leaving word Leaving out. setting before forecast weather a Obtain the with developed been have here walks the of Many

Responsible Land Access Access Land Responsible Walking Safety Walking

Walking in Glen Esk Esk Glen in Walking Walking in Glen Esk Esk Glen in Walking

Eastern Cairngorms Eastern Eastern Cairngorms Eastern

Welcome to Glen Esk landscape and History Wildlife Glen Esk is the easternmost of the Angus Glens and Glen Esk (Glen of the Rowans) is a much more Because of its secluded nature, Glen Esk has developed is quite different in character from the others. In terms “gentle” Glen compared with some of the other it’s own rich natural history. There is a wide variety of distance is it also the longest with a wide variety Angus glens. It still has significant woodland sections bird species to be seen, from the humble Meadow of landscapes from Mount Keen, Scotland’s most although many of them are now birch rather than Pipit to the rare Ring Ousel. There are Red Grouse, easterly Munro at the head of Glen Mark, to gentle rowan. It does not have the stark glacial formations Ptarmigan, and Golden Plover to be seen as well as woodlands and cultivated fields on the lower slopes. that are typical in Glen Clova, as much of its formation birds of prey such as Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, The main village is Tarfside, which is near the top of is due to river action. The underlying geology has Merlin, Kestrel, Hen Harrier and increasing rapidly the the glen. Most of the community are employed in the been softened by water action leaving the rolling Common Buzzard. You may even be lucky enough to sporting pursuits in the glen, which should be born hills and moors. see a visiting Osprey. in mind when taking access to the land. There are Water still forms an important part of the life of the Red deer are to be seen in herds numbering many carparks at Invermark at the end of the public road glen as Loch Lee is a public water supply for much hundreds, mountain hares, wildcat, fox, otter, red and in Tarfside itself. The ‘Retreat’ Tearoom and Folk of North Angus and South Aberdeenshire (formerly squirrel and large numbers of rabbits. Roe deer can Museum can be found just before Tarfside. Kincardineshire). The river North Esk is well known also be found in the birch woods at lower levels. Many The paths are generally intended for walking, but there to fishermen for its trout and salmon. Arctic Char are of these creatures are present in the glen because they is a separate leaflet for cycling routes in the Angus Area. also to be found in the Loch Lee, which is the remains are relatively undisturbed. While the community are of a glacial lake. delighted that visitors come to see the glen and its The upper part of Glen Esk lies within the Cairngorm wildlife this will only continue to be possible if visitors National Park. This is the UK’s newest and largest The upper glen splits into Glen Lee and Glen Mark respect the countryside. national park and you should notice the boundary which are very similar in appearance and landscape, stones at the roadside as you drive up the Glen. but each has its own attractions and appeal. Glen The upper part of Glen Clova lies within the The Eastern Cairngorms make up some 50% of the Mark is perhaps better known as it gives access to Cairngorms National Park. This is the UK’s largest 1467 square miles of the park. Mount Keen, Scotland’s most easterly Munro. national park and you should be aware of the There are number of routes from Glen Esk that lead There is evidence that the glen has been inhabited boundary stones at the roadside as you drive into over the hills into Glen Clova to the south or to for thousands of years. Much of the information about the Glen. Deeside in the North. Details of these routes are well this has been gathered in museum at The Retreat, but documented elsewhere. This leaflet seeks to encourage some of the physical evidence can be seen around the those who may not have visited the area to spend glen like the Bronze age settlement on Hill of Rowan some time getting to know the glen a little better and or more recently Invermark Castle. have selected only a few of the walks available. Religion has also been prominent in the glen down the centuries from the Druids circle at Colmellie to the parish church at Loch Lee. The 3 churches in the glen, which were all well used at the turn of the last century, testify to the population decline in more recent time. Walks Useful information ACCOMMODATION IN GLEN ESK AREA Walk 1 Edzell to Rocks of Solitude Moderate Walk 2 Queens Well and Balnamoon’s Moderate Walk 3 Invermark to Loch Lee and Moderate House of Mark 01356 670315 Cave Invermark estate Falls of Unich and Falls of to Distance: 6 miles/ 10 km return www.thehouseofmark.com Damph Invermark estate strenuous Time: 3 hours Distance: 8 miles/13 km return Dalhousie Estates 01356 670201 Start point: Edzell Post Office Time: 4 hours Distance: 10 miles/ 16 km return www.dalhousieestates.co.uk Grid Reference: NO 600689 OS Landranger Sheet 44 Start point: Public Carpark at Invermark Time: 5 hours The Burn House (for study groups) Good path but care needed due to steep drops. Grid Reference: NO 446804 OS Landranger Sheet 44 Start point: Public Carpark at Invermark www.goodenough.ac.uk/burn Hillwalking equipment recommended. Grid Reference: NO 446804 OS Landranger Sheet 44 This straightforward walk starts from the village of St Drostan’s Lodge self catering 01569 730967 Hillwalking equipment recommended. Edzell and leads through mature woodland alongside The first part of this route follows the Mounth Road, Jackdaw’s Nest self catering 01356 648286 the impressive gorge of the river North Esk. an ancient drove road linking Glen Esk with Glen Tanar From the Invermark car park, follow the road west past Glen Esk Caravan Park 01356 648565/648532 At Gannochy bridge a blue door on the east side and Deeside. After about two miles the track reaches the fortified tower of Invermark Castle and Loch Lee. of the river leads to the continuation of the walk, Queen’s Well, which was built to commemorate a visit The Castle was built by the Lindsay family as a refuge CONTACT POINTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. where the gorge becomes even more spectacular. by Queen Victoria, and the Mounth Road begins to from the Caterans or cattle thieves who roamed the hills Angus Council ACCESSLine 08452 777 778 This section passes through the grounds of the 18th climb past the Cottage of Mark towards Mount Keen. in the 16th & 17th Century. Continue past the weir to Brechin Information Office century Burn House which can be seen to the right. Please be careful passing cottage as it can be occupied. next junction. Go left at foot of Hunt Hill to the Falls Brechin Castle Centre 01356 574097 The Burn is an educational charitable trust affiliated to This route however continues alongside the Water of Unich (take detour to enjoy the view). On the return Traveline Goodenough College, London and is a study and of Mark into more rugged mountain scenery until it leg you can make a detour up the track at the head of (Public Transport information) 0870 608 2 608 vacation centre for staff and students from all over reaches a waterfall near Craig of Doune. Balnamoon’s the loch to see the Falls of Damph above Inchgrundle. the world. When the path meets the road near Cave, which was a Jacobite sanctuary after Culloden, Glen Esk Museum & Tearoom Rocks of Solitude you can retrace your steps or is hidden among the crags south of the fall. Access to The Retreat, Tarfside, Glen Esk 01356 648084 www.gleneskretreat.co.uk return to Gannochy Bridge along the road but it the cave itself is difficult in the boulder-strewn slope is worth spending some time admiring the rapids so please take great care if you are looking for it. Angus Glens Website in the gorge before you go. Balnamoon was never found by the Hanovarians www.angusglens.co.uk/web/site/glenesk seeking him so do not be disappointed if you do Visit Scotland, Angus & Dundee Area not find the cave. Do not be tempted to put www.angusanddundee.co.uk yourself and others at risk in an effort to locate it. Eastern Cairngorms Access Project To return, retrace steps back to the track and car park. www.visitcairngorms.com P For more walks try: www.walkingwild.com Discover Scotland Website www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/tarfside Other Leaflets available from public information points are :- Forfar Path Network, Brechin Path Network, Arbroath Path Network, Kirriemuir Path Network, Walking in Glen Clova and Glen Doll and Cycling in the Angus Glens.

Costumes from The Retreat Folk Museum

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023404. 2007

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023404. 2007

Walk 4 Hill of Rowan Easy Walk 5 Tarfside to Invermark Path Easy Distance: 4.5 miles/7 km Distance: 3 miles/5 kms Grading Guidance Time: 2.5 hours Time: 2 hours Start point: Tarfside Carpark Start point: Tarfside car park In addition to the numerous hills that can be climbed Grid Reference: NO 493797 OS Landranger Sheet 44 Grid Reference: NO 492796 OS Landranger Sheet 44 from various points in the Glen, we have suggested some Following good tracks and returning along the gentler walks that are suitable for those who are possibly public road. new to the hills as they are all clearly marked with generally From the Tarfside carpark turn left and follow the good surfaces. Clothing suitable for our changeable Scottish main road to the bridge over the Water of Tarf. The This circuit around Hill of Rowan follows good tracks climate is always essential. (see safety section) The walks main road turns left in a southerly direction, but you over heather moorland, past the ruins of old farms and have been graded using the guidance below and the should continue straight on up the minor road. This in a Bronze Age settlement. There are impressive views estimated times are based on the grading shown for each turn turns off to the right and the tarmac gives way to towards the head of Glen Esk and the crags beyond walk. If you want to tackle something more adventurous un-surfaced track, but it allows easy walking round the Loch Lee. For a slightly more energetic walk you can there are some sources of information elsewhere in the leaflet. follow rough tracks through the heather to climb to north side of Hill of Rowan (Walk No 4). At Lochside the conical monument on top of the hill. cottage, the track divides and you should take the For those not familiar with walking in the Scottish hills, right hand or northerly branch. the safety section gives some guidance, which should be considered before setting out. It may not be fully applicable A little further on the track divides again, but either for the All Abilities and Easy routes, but should not be branch will take you past Westbank farm although the ignored for the other routes especially the Strenuous ones. right hand one keeps you clear of any farm traffic. The track continues until it meets the public road to The Walks have been graded as follows:- P Invermark. If you have more than one means of transport available them it may be possible leave a All Abilities Short Walks suitable for less able walkers, vehicle in Invermark carpark to facilitate your return wheelchairs or pushchairs with no stiles to Tarfside otherwise you can return along the public or fences. road. While the road is only lightly trafficked, it is Easy Short walks with occasional short steeper narrow so care should be exercised especially on the sections but no fences or stiles to climb. twisty sections. Moderate Longer walks (2 hours +) or short walks The glen teams with wild life so it is worth keeping with steep or rough sections and possibly an eye open for birds such as kestrels or buzzards and gates or stiles to climb. even deer which can be seen even from the road. Strenuous Usually longer walks with significant steep © Crown copyright. sections and/or rough ground. All rights reserved. 100023404. 2007

P

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023404. 2007

Eastern Cairngorms