The Angus Glens Circuit
Angus Glens Circuit: Ultimate Hiking Guide to Scotland’s Mountain Highlands
Venture into the heart of Scotland’s rugged wilderness on the Angus Glens Circuit, a spectacular hiking route that weaves through some of the nation’s most breathtaking mountain scenery. Surrounded by rolling heather moors, dramatic ridges, and sweeping valleys, this hike immerses adventurers in the wild spirit of the Scottish Highlands. Along the trail, vast open spaces reveal panoramic views, while ancient forests and babbling burns bring pockets of tranquility to the journey.
Whether navigating rocky ascents to commanding summits or traversing quiet glens rich with wildlife, every step offers a sense of discovery. The Angus Glens Circuit challenges and rewards hikers in equal measure, making it the perfect multi-day trek for those seeking both solitude and majestic landscapes in the heart of Great Britain.
Route Overview
The Angus Glens Circuit typically begins and ends at the village of Clova or Glen Doll, forming a complete loop through some of eastern Scotland’s most renowned glens, including Glen Clova, Glen Doll, and Glen Prosen. Over the approximately 32 km distance, the route follows a varied terrain of dirt paths, rocky tracks, and occasionally faint or eroded trails, with clear sections along established rights-of-way and historic drovers’ roads.
Hikers can expect to pass notable locations such as the Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve, Mount Keen’s approach, the tranquil expanse of Glen Prosen, and crossings of the Water of Lee and Water of Mark. The circuit is typically completed in 2 days, with wild camping or use of basic campsites common along the way.
The trail involves a total elevation gain of around 1,800 meters, with several significant ascents and descents, particularly when moving between glens or tackling ridge-line traverses. Weather conditions can impact trail sections, making certain areas muddy, boggy, or slippery after rain. Proper navigation skills are necessary, as waymarking is minimal and visibility can be reduced at higher elevations or in poor weather. This challenging loop is best suited to experienced hikers prepared for rugged, isolated, and spectacular Scottish countryside.
History and Heritage of the Angus Glens
The Angus Glens have long played a pivotal role in Scotland’s history, serving as natural routes through the Grampian Mountains and providing shelter for centuries. Evidence of ancient settlements, such as standing stones and enigmatic Pictish carvings, is scattered across the glens, hinting at their significance to early inhabitants. The landscape bears the traces of historic drovers’ roads, once used by cattle herders moving livestock from the Highlands to southern markets—a tradition central to local culture and economy until the 19th century.
During the Jacobite uprisings, the Angus Glens offered vital refuge and secretive passage to clans loyal to the cause. The remote, rugged terrain was a perfect haven for fugitives, hiding places, and clandestine gatherings. Today, hikers can explore remnants of old farmsteads and shielings (stone summer huts), imagining the lives of those who once sought sanctuary and sustenance amid these hills. The blend of natural beauty and storied past makes walking the Angus Glens Circuit a journey through both landscape and time.
Notable highlights
- Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve: Renowned for its dramatic glacial bowl set amid steep cliffs, this reserve is a botanical haven, hosting rare alpine plants and an abundance of wildlife such as golden eagles and mountain hares.
- Mount Keen: As the most easterly Munro, Mount Keen offers experienced hikers the chance to summit a Scottish high peak, with incredible panoramic views across the Angus and Aberdeenshire landscapes.
- Clova Village: A picturesque starting and resting point, Clova is steeped in traditional Highland character, with a welcoming inn and remnants of historical rural life.
- Old Drovers’ Roads: Sections of the route follow ancient cattle routes, giving hikers a direct link to Scotland’s agrarian and trade history, with visible remnants of old stone walls and tracks.
- Glen Prosen: A tranquil valley famed for its lush pastures and varied birdlife, Glen Prosen is dotted with ruined shielings and farmsteads that reflect past Highland life.
- Water of Lee and Water of Mark: These pristine streams cut through wild glens, providing scenic spots for rest, wild camping, and the chance to spot otters or red deer along their banks.
- Vast Heather Moorlands: Expansive stretches of purple heather in late summer create a vibrant, colorful landscape unique to the Scottish Highlands, with rewarding views from every vantage point.
- Hidden Pictish Stones: Throughout the circuit, keep an eye out for ancient carved stones that mark the area’s enigmatic pre-Christian heritage and the enduring presence of the Picts.
Challenges to expect
The Angus Glens Circuit features several challenging ascents and descents, with sections involving steep, rocky slopes that demand good fitness, sturdy footwear, and careful footwork. Some areas can be boggy or waterlogged, particularly after rainfall, making certain stretches slow-going and potentially treacherous.
Navigation can be tricky, especially in misty or low-visibility conditions common in the Scottish Highlands. Marked paths occasionally fade on higher ground or in remote areas, requiring the use of map and compass or GPS navigation. Be aware that mobile phone reception is often unreliable throughout the glens.
Weather in the Angus Glens is highly changeable, even in summer. Sudden rain, strong winds, and temperature drops are all possible, increasing the risk of hypothermia or exposure. Proper waterproof clothing, multiple layers, and a flexible itinerary are essential for adapting to unpredictable conditions.
Water sources are plentiful but not always easily accessible in rougher sections, so plan fill-ups during lower valley stretches. Additionally, midges can be a significant annoyance in the summer months, especially during dawn and dusk—midge repellent and a head net are highly recommended.
United Kingdom 
Scotland - Mountainous
- Forest
- Dirt
- Rocky
- Campsites
- Wild camping spots
- Pet Friendly
- Water Sources
- Campsites
The first day of the Angus Glens Circuit begins at the chosen trailhead, usually located within one of the valley villages such as Clova or Glen Doll. The route swiftly immerses you in the picturesque landscapes of the glens, following a mix of dirt and rocky paths that wind through open moorland, lush forests, and alongside babbling streams. Ascending gradually, you'll traverse the lower slopes of the surrounding hills before climbing onto higher ground, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Angus mountains. The day’s section is characterized by heather-clad ridges and occasional sightings of red deer or soaring raptors overhead. Your destination is the upper reach of Glen Prosen, where wild camping spots are available along the tranquil burn, offering a peaceful night immersed in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
On the second day, the circuit continues as you leave Glen Prosen, ascending once again into higher altitudes with commanding views of the undulating glens and peaks ahead. This section includes some of the highest points on the route, traversing exposed ridgelines and descending through remote, wild terrain rarely visited by crowds. Navigation can become more challenging as the landscape opens up, with faint paths across grassy plateaus and occasional rocky scrambles. The trail gradually slopes downward, passing through ancient pine forests and alongside sparkling burns before rejoining a defined path that leads back toward your original starting point. The final stretch offers a rewarding sense of completion, with glimpses back over the valleys you have crossed during this classic Highland adventure.