Winter Hillwalking

The Angus Glens are readily accessible to winter hillwalking trips and, if anything, are further improved by the addition of snow and ice during the colder months when they take on a dramatic new appearance.

As the weather is very changeable, the Angus Glens manage to look different on almost every visit and - since this is Scotland - even over the course of a single day.

The addition of cold weather adds new challenges to the well-known long-distance and high-level hillwalking trails such as Jock's Road, Capel Mounth and White Mounth, to name but a few.

The conditions should not be underestimated, but with the right preparation, equipment and, if required, qualified guides they can be readily tackled.

The high-level walks all require an ascent at some stage but, once you're up there, the rolling plateaus can make for pleasant walking conditions.

Even the corries - which have iconic and accessible snow and ice climbing routes - contain serious walking ascents requiring an ice-axe and crampons.

Combine any of these routes or climbs with warming after-walk refreshments at any of the Glen hotels and you will really feel alive.

Low-level winter hillwalking

The high-level routes are only part of the appeal of the Angus Glens in winter. There are many easier paths and locations to choose from which are also suitable for cycling.

And, with a crisp frosty air, even relatively simple walks - such as Minister's Path - have an incredible ambience.

During winter, the local wildlife takes on a new appearance, with ptarmigan and hare resplendent in their white coats.

Herds of red deer forage lower down than normal and, if you are patient, peregrine falcons, hen harriers and golden eagles can be seen and heard in the Glens.

If you are really careful and quiet when winter hillwalking, foxes, pine marten and red squirrel can all be spotted, particularly in woodland on the hillsides and glen floors.