Glen Clova & Glen Doll

Of all the Angus glens, Glen Clova which in the north becomes Glen Doll with its stunning cliffs, heather slopes and valley meadows, is the firm favourite of many visitors.

Although it can get busy in peak season, the area is still remote enough so that you can leave the crowds with little effort.

Wildlife is abundant, with deer on the mountains, wild hares and even grouse and the occasional buzzard. The meadow flowers on the valley floor and arctic plants (including great splashes of white and purple saxifrage) on the rocks also make it something of a botanist's paradise.

The road from Dykehead and Kirriemuir divides at the Gella bridge over the swift-coursing River South Esk (unofficially, road traffic is encouraged to use the western branch of the road for travel up the glen, and the eastern side going down). Six miles north of Gella, the two branches of the road join up once more at the tiny hamlet of Clova. An excellent, if fairly strenuous, four-hour walk from behind the old school at the back of the hotel leads up into the mountains and around the lip of Loch Brandy, which legend predicts will one day flood and drown the valley below.

Glen Doll lies at the head of Glen Clova and is famous for its numerous superb walks. On your return southwards, take a few minutes to divert to Cortachy, just past Dykehead. Although just off the well-trodden path, Cortachy has some real gems, including a fine castle.