Airlie Monument and Dykehead circuit

Summary

The Airlie Monument is a familar landmark in the lower reaches of Glen Clova and Glen Prosen, prominently sited on Tulloch Hill between the two. It is well worth a visit for the fine views as well as to see the monument itself - a memorial to the ninth Earl of Airlie who died in the Boer war. The route starts from the beautiful Scott-Wilson memorial, and extends the usual short ascent to make a very pleasant circular walk.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Woodland paths and tracks, minor road and farm track; muddy in places

Getting there

Start

Car park above the Scott-Wilson memorial.

Public Transport

Very limited request bus to Dykehead (on the route) from Kirriemuir.

Start Grid Ref

NO371606

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.2km / 3.75 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 210m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 381 and OL53

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (8)

Stage 1

If arriving by car, turn up the Glen Prosen road from Dykehead; after rounding the bend at the Scott-Wilson memorial there is a car park up to the right in the woods. The memorial is well worth a closer look. Erected in 2012 to replace an earlier fountain, it commemorates Captain Robert Falcon Scott (Scott of the Antarctic) and his chief scientist, surgeon and artist Edward Wilson; both died on the ill-fated south polar expedition. Wilson was based for some years at Glen Prosen and regularly visited here by Scott; training and planning for the expedition were carried out here.

Stage 2

Begin the walk from the car park by taking the main signed path uphill through the woodland. After 400m or so it leaves the trees and heads through a gate in a deer fence - the area beyond has been replanted following devastating damage during Storm Arwen in 2021. Soon the path reaches a junction with a waymarker sign - turn left here to continue uphill towards the Airlie Monument.

Stage 3

This impressive tower commemorates the ninth Earl, who was killed in 1900 on Diamond Hill in Pretoria during the Second Boer War. The monument was built in 1901 at a cost of Â£1,300 - it is currently in a state of disrepair. It isn't possible to go inside, but the views from the base are superb, especially across the foot of Glen Clova and parts of Glen Prosen.

Stage 4

Retrace your steps back down to the signed junction mentioned earlier; this time take the left branch - signed for Cortachy Cemetery. The path winds through the woods, gradually descending across the slope. Eventually it reaches a forestry track, veering right alongside it before crossing and taking the path on the far side.

Stage 5

The path swings right and then left - watch for markers - to emerge at a large cemetery in the woods. Keep left of this on the approach track. After a little over 100m look out for a woodland path off to the right through the trees - the marker is missinge. This curves to the right around the slope, eventually heading southwards parallel to and just above the Glen Clova road.

Stage 6

At the corner of the wood it descends to reach the road and continues as a path along the grassy verge. At a house the road is briefly joined before the path again heads to the right onto the verge, running a little above the road for a time, until it reaches the Glen Prosen road turning.

Stage 7

Keep straight ahead into the hamlet of Dykehead, but then take the next right just beyond, alongside Dykehead Smithy cottage. Keep ahead when the tarmac lane becomes a farm track. Further on, ignore a track heading off left, instead curving right. Eventually Coiliamy farm is reached; go straight ahead at the junction here, signed for the Airlie Monument.

Stage 8

When the track forks beyond take the right hand branch. It now curves round the west side of Mile Hill, soon giving stunning views looking up Glen Prosen. Continue along the track until it emerges on the road at the Scott-Wilson memorial; from here head back into the car park at the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?