Easy hikes and walks around Alyth

Very nice on a bright sunny date.

Rising steeply from Alyth to 300 meters, the Hill of Alyth offers stunning views of Strathmore, the Sidlaw Hills, and the Cairngorm Mountains. At the summit, a Triangulation Point and commemorative pillar highlight the hill's connection to Alyth's commonty, a shared land used by parish inhabitants. Geologically, the hill is significant, formed from sedimentary and volcanic rocks shaped by glacial activity. The area also features healing wells, believed to have curative powers since pre-Christian times, and remains a symbol of community land rights, with a notable history of local disputes, including the 1948 reclamation of the hill by residents.

Glenisla Kirk, a small Gothic church built in 1821, is located at the west end of Kirkton of Glenisla on the B951. Originally part of a religious site dating back to the 13th century, it was first gifted to the Abbey of Cambuskenneth by King William the Lion and later transferred to the Abbey of Coupar Angus in 1311. After numerous repairs, the original church was replaced with the current structure. Now owned by the Glenisla Church Trust, it continues to serve the community with monthly informal evening services (April to December) and a Christmas Eve Watch Night Service. It also offers a venue for weddings and funerals, with local venues providing additional support.

Kirkton of Glenisla, an ancient farming community with Bronze Age and Pictish remains, has a deep ecclesiastical heritage reflected in its name, meaning "church town." From the 14th to 16th centuries, it was part of the lands of Coupar Angus Abbey, which influenced the area's farming development. After the Reformation, the lands were feued to the Ogilvy family, later Earls of Airlie, with Forter Castle remaining as a historical landmark. In the 19th century, the area became a romantic destination, attracting Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Glenisla also saw the construction of Brackny Bridge in 1824, designed by John Justice, marking a significant moment in the area's architectural history.

Built in 1824 by Dundee engineer John Justice, this 19-meter iron suspension bridge is the oldest of its kind in Scotland and served as a prototype for a larger version at the Haughs of Drimmie. Featuring a sheep gate at one end, it was likely built to help children from Auchenleish cross the River Isla to reach school. Damaged by extreme weather in 2021, it has since been repaired. Previously, a ford behind the manse allowed passage along the Coffin Road, used to transport coffins from Kilry to Glenisla Graveyard, but frequent spates have rendered it impassable.

The Den o’ Alyth is a scenic woodland where the Alyth Burn has carved dramatic cliffs of Old Red Sandstone - a rock formed 400 million years ago that was later shaped by glacial forces and erosion. The landscape, marked by steep slopes and boulder-strewn beds, reflects a powerful geological past. The dynamic stream supports a diverse ecosystem. Wildlife such as dippers, grey herons, tree creepers, woodpeckers, great tits, grey wagtails, and red squirrels thrive in this ever-changing environment, while roe deer sometimes appear along the water's edge. In winter, a rare phenomenon called hair ice can form on decaying wood when specific fungal activity triggers thin strands of ice to emerge. Historically, the Den was part of the ancient Forest of Alyth, a royal hunting reserve dating back to the 12th century, even frequented by King Robert I. Today, careful woodland management continues to balance native and non-native species, ensuring the preservation of this natural and cultural heritage.

The nearby Alyth Hill offers great views on a clear day. Likewise, Alyth Den is a scenic walk when the sun is shining; a bit gloomy otherwise.

The only potential refreshment stop around here that I know of.