Angus Glens

Overlooked by the southern peaks of the Grampian Mountains, the long fingers of the Angus glens, a series of tranquil valleys penetrated by single-track roads, offer some of the most rugged and majestic landscapes of northeast Scotland.

Each glen has its own feel and devotees, Glen Clova being, deservedly, one of the most popular, along with Glen Shee, which attracts large numbers of people to its ski slopes. At the head of Glen Clova is Glen Doll, where ancient narrow roads and footpaths take you into the heart of the Cairngorms. Hidden away behind a maze of country roads, northwest of Brechin, lies Glen Lethnot, where the local stream was once used by illicit distillers who secreted their stills in the corries - the track here is still known as the Whisky Trail. Another hidden gem is Glen Prosen, where the narrow, twisty road on the western side is a real drivers' road, sweeping from bend to bend.

Handsome market towns like Brechin, Kirriemuir and Blairgowrie are good bases for exploring the area.

The glens' rolling hills and dales attract hikers, birdwatchers and botanists in the summer, grouse shooters and deerhunters in autumn and a growing number of skiers in winter. There are ten Munros - mountains over 3,000 feet - and miles of narrow twisting and bendy roads, which offer great delights and challenges for drivers, hill walkers, and nature lovers alike.

The most useful road through the glens is the A93, which cuts through Glen Shee to Braemar on Deeside. Its pretty dramatic stuff, threading its way over Britains highest main-road pass, the Cairnwell Pass (2199 feet). Public transport in the region is limited: to get up the glens youll have to rely on the postbuses from Blairgowrie (for Glen Shee) and Kirriemuir (for Glens Clova and Prosen).