A lovely wooded glen with specimen trees leads to the path alongside the River Esk. Woodland and open countryside lead to the small settlement of Dykehead from where the road is followed back.
Summary
Woodland and riverside path, sometimes muddy, minor road, short section without pavement.
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1. To reach the car park in Cortachy, take the B955 north from Kirriemuir and then turn right for Cortachy shortly after Prosen Bridge. The car park is on the left just before the primary school. From here walk left down the road, passing the impressive red brick church on the right and then the entrance to Cortachy Castle. The Castle which dates from the 16th century is a magnificent pile of turrets and castellated ramparts. It is not open to the public although the gardens and a walk within the grounds are open on specified days during the year.
2. Cross the bridge and then go through the gate on the left side of the road to follow a path past a number of specimen trees. This walk was laid out in the 1870's in anticipation of a visit by Queen Victoria which never took place. The big pine trees that can be seen today were planted at that time and include wellingtonia, douglas fir, silver fur and sitka spruce.
3. Continue along the path to follow the River South Esk upstream. Soon an island is reached with bridges linking it to both river banks. This is known as the American bridge after the current Countess of Airlie, the estate of which Cortachy Castle is part, who is American and was opened by the American ambassador to an 8 gun salute from family members who had been grouse shooting on the moors.
4. Do not cross the bridge but continue upstream through mixed woodland including some large mature beech trees. Soon Sawmills Bridge is reached. Cross this and follow the, sometimes muddy, path on the far side. The path soon moves away from the river and reaches a track at a bend. Continue straight ahead here to follow the track uphill.
5. Just before a gate, turn left to go through a small gate onto a path at the edge of a field and follow this past a bench and then through trees to emerge on the road just north of Dykehead. Turn left to take the road through the village, passing the pub on the left, and then heading out of the village downhill. Follow the road to the left at a bend and then take the minor road to the left when the main road bends right. This soon leads down into Cortachy with the car park on the left hand side.
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