Dundee, Arbroath and Montrose

Dundee is Scotland's fourth largest city, once famed for the three Js of Jute, Jam and Journalism. The city went into decline along with the Jute trade in the early twentieth century, but more recent times have seen a recovery with new industries including engineering and microelectronics. Dundee has a fine location on the banks of the mighty River Tay, and the waterfront is the scene of major developments, from the excellent Discovery Point (home of Captain Scott's ship) to plans for a spectacular new V&A design museum. Dundee Law - a steep hill not far from the centre - remains constant, offering superb views over the ever changing city below.

A greater attraction to walkers is the Angus coastline, running from Dundee through Carnoustie and its golf courses, through historic Arbroath, famed for its smokies, to Montrose and on into Aberdeenshire. The coast offers a mix of wide sandy beaches and interesting sandstone cliff formations. Montrose Basin in particular is superb for birdlife. Inland is gentle farmland - dotted with several popular country parks - and backed by the Sidlaw Hills.