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. Route currently closed for repair work until 22 July 2019.

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. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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Walk Statistics

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

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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. This section of path is officially closed due to a small landslip (Mar 2019), although passable, you may need to divert and use the rougher bank opposite as described in the final section. Any updates welcome if the path is re-opened (link at bottom of page).

Stage 2

Ignore a path off left, and keep above the river. 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. There are several fishermens' paths giving access down to the river bank. 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.

Stage 4

The path crosses a footbridge over a tributary and continues above the dramatic wooded gorge. 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 5

Continue following the path. Eventually the sides of the gorge relent and the walk becomes more gentle for a time. After the path swings right and crosses a stone arch bridge, fork left to return to the river. After a bridge over a side stream turn left to keep by the river; the gorge starts to reassert itself. Pass a curved seat and then keep left at the next fork.

Stage 6

Follow a narrow path high above the gorge with some impressive views down - the path almost seems to be hacked out of the rock in places. Pass a semi-circular seat; this section of the river is known as the Rocks of Solitude. The path passes between two walls of rock and then bears right uphill away from the river. A minor path on the left can be used as a detour to visit some more rapids, but you'd need to return to this point.

Stage 7

Stay on the main path which eventually emerges onto a road. Turn right to follow this all the way back to the main road just above Gannochy Bridge. Turn right at this t-junction, 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 to avoid the rough section you can use the outward path - simply cross the bridge and turn left onto it and head back that way.

Stage 8

If following the eastern bank, the path is through the trees to start with, eventually joining a faint track and passing to the left of a ruined building. There's a lovely woodland section and then the path narrows and becomes a little overgrown - keep on the riverside of a fence. At one point the path descends steeply and awkardly to the river bank, and then continues amongst the tree roots - hard going. After a short section of this 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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