Walking from Edzell to Montrose

[LDPWalker]

As part of a coast to coast walk across Scotland starting in Knoydart, I will be walking from Edzell (nr Brechin) to a finish in Montrose. Would anybody on this site with local knowledge know of any footpaths/routes I could use so I can avoid a 10 mile plod on tarmac? For instance, I was wondering if there was a path all along the river North Esk into Montrose? Any suggestions to reduce the tarmac time would be very welcome indeed! (Incidentally, I'm not doing the TGO Challenge).

[jmarkb]

This might help for the latter part of the route: http://www.britishwalks.org/walks/2005/675.php

[bydand_loon]

Ive fished and walked the north esk from loch lee down to edzell ish, and you can walk the bank/path/track the whole way pretty much, ive also fished from the sea upstream for about 2 or 3 miles and again it was easy walking (with just a fly rod though ) a few styles and gates on both stretches, but its a popular wee salmon river so id guess there's a path of sorts in the middle bit as well.

Im also walking from knoydart but to Stonehaven in a few months too, I went for stoney as its the best place on the east coast for the least amount of road.