Rocks of Solitude river circuit, Edzell

Follow the river North Esk upstream as it squeezes through an impressive gorge and enjoy woodland paths and a minor road through pleasant countryside to complete the circuit from picturesque Edzell.

Terrain

Clear woodland paths - steep drops to river. Minor road. Short section of rough path which can be avoided.

Public Transport

Bus to Edzell.

Start

Edzell. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.5km / 6.5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 75m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO599691

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a car park at the north end of Edzell main street. From here walk back down the main street and turn left to head down a narrow lane alongside a garage/petrol station - signed as access to the river. The lane soon reaches the river. Turn left along a path, passing but not crossing, a suspension bridge. The path follows high above the wide river, weaving through mature beech trees.

Stage 2

The river slows to form some impressive pools, popular with fishermen, and there are also good views over the surrounding countryside to the left. As the river deepens into a gorge, railings safeguard the steepest sections. The river is now squeezing through the Highland Boundary Fault, where the Lowland and Highlands meet.

Stage 3

Eventually the path reaches the road, turn right to cross the Gannochy Bridge and then immediately turn left to go through a blue door leading to the grounds of 18th century Burn House. The mix of trees changes to include more pines, and the pools and falls below become more turbulent. Across the field on the right, Burn House can be seen, now an educational charity, it hosts study groups from all over the world. Pass the remains of a bridge where there are huge rocks forcing the river into a narrow channel.

Stage 4

Watch out for the large toadstool on the right and continue following the path, keeping right at a fork and then left at the next, where the right hand path leads to Burn House. After a bridge over a side stream keep left at the next two forks to follow a narrow path high above the gorge with some impressive views down.

Stage 5

Pass a semi-circular seat, the path seems almost hacked out of the cliff here, and then follow the main path which heads uphill away from the river. You can continue on the riverside path for a short section to view more rapids but you need to return to this point. The path soon emerges onto a road. Turn right to follow this all the way back to the road at Gannochy Bridge. Turn right down the road, but before crossing the bridge turn left onto a riverside path. This path is very rough towards the end, with a section over slippery tree roots near the river. If you prefer the outward path, cross the bridge and turn left onto it.

Stage 6

If following the eastern bank, the path is good to start with, passing a ruined building. After following a narrow section on the riverside of a fence, the path descends steeply and continues amongst the tree roots of the riverbank. After a short section the path improves again and reaches the suspension bridge. Cross this and turn left to return up the lane to Edzell.

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