Issued: 16 March 2010
Angus Glens Walking Festival Gets Tough!
This year's Angus Glens Walking Festival features several high-level walks for experienced hillwalkers.
The Angus Glens Walking Festival 2010, which runs from June 3 until June 6, consists of 24 walks in the stunning Angus countryside. Although many of the walks are aimed at those who only occasionally take to the hills or who prefer a more leisurely walk, the Festival includes several walks which are aimed at those who have considerable experience of walking in the Scottish mountains and are very fit.
The 14-mile Capel Mounth to Spittal of Loch Muick walk on Thursday, June 3 is graded ‘Extremely Strenuous' and is recommended for those with a high level of fitness and considerable hillwalking experience. “This often-overlooked route goes through fantastic scenery,” said Edzell-based mountain guide Ian Pert, who is one of the Angus Glens Walking Festival's walk leaders. “Looking down on Loch Muick is a never-to-be forgotten experience.”
The Goet via Loch Wharral and Loch Brandy walk on Friday, June 4 carries a ‘Very Strenuous' grading. “This eight-mile walk provides a fabulous chance to explore the corries in the foothills of the Cairngorms that can be clearly seen when driving northwards across Angus,” Ian explained.
With a grading of ‘Very Strenuous', the Driesh and Cairn Inks walk on Saturday, June 5 is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Starting in Glen Prosen and finishing 11 miles later at the Glen Clova Hotel, Ian describes this walk as hard work – but very rewarding. “A fantastic array of wildlife can be spotted at these high altitudes,” added Ian, who is one of the leaders on this walk.
The Falls of Damff walk, which is also on June 5, is also ‘Very Strenuous' and follows a 10-mile route along the banks of Loch Lee to the spectacular Falls of Damff and then up and onto Cairn Links, with stops at the historic Invermark Castle and the ruins of Loch Lee Church. “This walk is one of my personal favourites,” revealed Ian. “The 17th century graves in the churchyard are fascinating and, as there are several eyries in this area, there's always a chance that an eagle will fly overhead.”
For more information about the Angus Glens Walking Festival, including online booking, visit www.angusahead.com/walkingfestival
The Angus Glens Walking Festival is supported by: Angus Council, VisitScotland, NHS Tayside, Scottish Natural Heritage, Cairngorms National Park Authority and Forestry Commission Scotland. The festival has been organised and supported by a committee including representatives of the above organisations. The support of the community, landowners, farmers and estates whose land is crossed, and without whom the festival could not take place, is gratefully acknowledged.