The best walks and hikes around Hillside, Dun And Logie Pert

Yes, many trails in the area are great for walking with dogs. However, it's important to be mindful of the environment. In nature reserves like St. Cyrus and Montrose Basin, dogs should be kept on a lead to avoid disturbing wildlife, especially ground-nesting birds. On coastal cliff paths, extra caution is advised. Always be prepared for potential encounters with livestock in rural areas.

Absolutely. The region is well-suited for family outings, with many flat and accessible paths. The Montrose Basin Bird Hides loop is an excellent choice, offering an easy, level walk with the added excitement of spotting birds from the hides. The terrain is generally gentle, making it manageable for walkers of all ages.

Parking is available at the key starting points for most popular hikes. The St. Cyrus National Nature Reserve has a dedicated car park near its visitor centre. Similarly, you can find parking near the House of Dun for trails in the Den of Dun, and at the Scottish Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre for walks around the Montrose Basin.

Yes, you can see waterfalls on the popular walk through the Den of Dun. This woodland trail follows a narrow gorge where you'll pass several small, cascading waterfalls, which are particularly impressive after rainfall. For a more dramatic waterfall experience in the wider Angus region, the Reekie Linn Waterfall is a highly-regarded local spot.

You can hike here year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring is wonderful for seeing rhododendrons and azaleas in bloom in the Den of Dun. Summer provides long daylight hours for coastal walks. However, autumn and winter are exceptional at the Montrose Basin, when over 100,000 migratory birds, including pink-footed geese, arrive.

The area is rich in wildlife. The Montrose Basin is a haven for birdwatchers, with waders, ducks, and geese. At St. Cyrus, you might spot seabirds and, if you're lucky, dolphins or whales offshore. In the woodlands of Den of Dun, keep an eye out for red squirrels, roe deer, and otters along the watercourses.

Yes, many trails are steeped in history. The Den of Dun walk takes you past the ruins of the 14th-century Dun Castle and a historic family mausoleum. The nearby House of Dun, a Georgian mansion, also serves as a stunning backdrop for several walks. In the wider area, you can find ancient sites like the Fordhouse Barrow, a burial mound dating back to around 4000 BC.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find sandy beaches and cliff-top paths at St. Cyrus, sheltered woodland tracks in the Den of Dun, and flat, well-maintained paths around the Montrose Basin. Most routes are on the easier side with minimal elevation gain, but coastal paths can be exposed to the elements.

While most trails in the immediate area are easy to moderate, you can create a longer walk by combining routes. For instance, the River Esk and Montrose Beach loop offers a slightly more moderate challenge. For more strenuous hiking, the Angus Glens, a short drive away, provide numerous challenging mountain routes like those in the Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the incredible variety of scenery within such a compact area, from the dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches of the coast to the serene woodlands and the bird-filled estuary. The well-maintained paths and the mix of nature and history are also popular highlights.

There is a wide selection of trails to explore. Komoot features over 80 different hiking routes in the region, ranging from short, easy strolls to more moderate all-day walks, ensuring there's a suitable option for every ability level.