Walkers and cyclists will find Glen Clova and the neighbouring glens provide spectacular countryside to explore.
There are a wide variety of easy woodland and open hill walks, more challenging long distance mountain walks into the Cairngorms National Park, and climbing opportunities. There are 8 Munros in the immediate area, and a Corbett on the north-east side of the glen. The Glen Shee hills are also within easy reach.
Several new hill tracks criss-cross the hills offering alternative perspectives on the glen, and mountain biking opportunities. Lower paths offer through walks between the glens including The Minister’s Path, The Kilbo Path, and Jock’s Road. There are also short walks to Loch Brandy and Loch Wharral, spectacular examples of sculpted corries. A variety of maps, walk and cycling information and local walk details are provided in The Bothy.
Wildlife spotting opportunities abound with a wide variety of birds and mammals on our doorstep and in the glens including bats, mountain hare, red deer, roe deer, red squirrel, black grouse, dipper, ptarmigan, lapwing, buzzard, golden eagle, and osprey, to name but a few.
Guests regularly see a wide variety of small birds on the garden feeder; woodpeckers and jays also visit. The South Esk River is only a couple of hundred yards away from The Bothy. A few minutes’ walk and guests can be at Gella Bridge, watching salmon and sea trout in the river, and even an otter if you are really lucky.
The glen is rich in traditional activities; you can participate in fishing, deer stalking and game bird shooting with the local estates of Airlie, Rottal or Strathmore. Clova Hotel has a stocked fishery for rainbow and brown trout. For the more energetic, there are wild brown trout in Lochs Wharral and Brandy, a short, steep hike up the hill. The South Esk winds its way down the glen. Permits can be obtained from the Clova Hotel or the local fishing club. Horse riding is also available with some of the estates or at Pathhead Equestrian Centre in Kirriemuir.
Golfers have a wide choice of over 20 courses in Dundee and Angus, with layouts to suit all abilities over 18 and 9 holes.
Wet weather days can be pleasantly filled visiting local attractions such as Glamis Castle, the Camera Obscura, J.M. Barrie’s birthplace, or, travel further afield to HMS Discovery, The Verdant Works, Arbroath Abbey or The Signal Tower Museum.
There are a number of Angus ‘trails’ that can be followed; The Arbroath Smokie Trail, The Geodiversity Trail, The Maritime Trail, The WW1 Heritage Trail, and The Pictish Trail.
Angus is a county of diverse landscapes, ranging from high mountains, spectacular cliffs, rolling fields, to beautiful sandy beaches. There is a wealth of history to explore, fantastic local food products to sample, and attractions to visit. For more information go to Angus Ahead website.