Gravel Cycling
Glen Isla Gravel Circuit
The quietest Angus glen — estate roads to a hidden waterfall and heather moorland
Quick facts
- Distance
- 35 km (22 mi)
- Ascent
- 620 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Loop
- Archetype
- Estate Circuit
- Region
- Angus Glens
- Start point
- Alyth
- Grid ref
- NO 245 483
- Parking
- PH11 8AF
- Midges
- Low
- Dogs
- On lead only
Surface breakdown
- Tarmac single-track55%
- Estate road30%
- Double-track15%
About this route
Glen Isla is the southernmost and least-visited of the Angus Glens — overlooked by visitors heading further north to Clova or Esk. This relative obscurity is a gift for gravel riders: the single-track road through the glen carries minimal traffic, the estate tracks into the upper glen are in excellent condition, and the two highlights — the medieval ruins of Forter Castle and the Reekie Linn waterfall — are genuinely spectacular without any crowds.
The Reekie Linn (Gaelic: 'smoky pool') is one of Scotland's most impressive inland waterfalls — the River Isla drops 24m into a deep gorge pool in a thunderous curtain of white water, and the spray rises so consistently that the gorge woodland is perpetually damp. It is 15 minutes off the main circuit on a short path from the road and non-negotiable. Forter Castle — a roofless 1560 tower house burned by the Earl of Argyll in 1640 during the Covenanting wars — stands in a field 200m from the estate road and requires only a gate and a short walk.
Highlights
- Reekie Linn waterfall — 24m drop into a gorge pool; the spray plume is visible before you hear the water
- Forter Castle ruins — roofless 1560 tower house in a field; completely unenclosed and atmospheric
- Craighall Ravine — wooded gorge with ancient oak and hazel in the lower glen
- Caenlochan NNR — arctic-alpine flora on the upper glen slopes, one of Scotland's finest botanical sites
- The empty glen road — tarmac single-track with no cars and views east to the farmland below
Key waypoints
- 1. Alyth
- 2. Craighall Ravine
- 3. Forter Castle ruins
- 4. Kirkton of Glenisla
- 5. Caenlochan
- 6. Reekie Linn waterfall
Cafés & pubs on route
- · The Alyth Hotel
- · Kirkton tearoom (seasonal)
Named climbs
- Glen Isla upper road (320m)
- Caenlochan estate track (280m)
Notable descents
- Forter Castle descent
- Alyth return descent
Deer stalking season
Grouse shooting on upper moor August–December. Red deer stalking on Highland estates runs 1 August – 20 October (stags) and 21 October – 15 February (hinds). During active stalking, estate tracks may be closed for safety. Hillphones lists scheduled shooting by estate and date.
Route notes
The Caenlochan estate track is a permissive route for cyclists — keep to the main track and do not enter the NNR (National Nature Reserve) on the hill above. The Reekie Linn is accessed from a small car park and path on the B954 — lock the bike and walk 400m. Alyth has a good bakery for pre-ride supplies.
Seasonal conditions
This is the best Angus Glen for autumn — the lower glen oaks and hazels turn in October and the upper moor heather is deep purple in August. Midges are low compared to the northern glens — the exposed valley and regular wind keep them manageable.
Key hazards
- Reekie Linn gorge has unfenced drop sections — keep children and dogs under control
- Caenlochan NNR has fragile arctic-alpine vegetation — stay on the track
- Grouse shooting on upper moor August–December
Water sources on route
- River Isla throughout
- Multiple burns
Always filter or treat water from natural sources. Carry at least 1L reserve on remote sections.
OS map sheets
Nearest hill
Mount Keen
939m · cairngorms
View hill
Nearest bothy
Shielin of Mark
Walk-in: 10 km · cairngorms
View bothy
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:09
- Sunset
- 21:09
- Civil dawn
- 04:20
- Civil dusk
- 21:58
NOAA Solar Calculator · 9 May 2026
Common questions
- Is Glen Isla really less visited than other Angus Glens?
- Significantly — it lacks the Munros that draw hillwalkers to Clova and Esk, so tourist traffic is much lower. On a weekday in May you may ride the entire glen road without seeing another vehicle.
- How far is Reekie Linn from the main route?
- The path to Reekie Linn is a 400m walk (800m return) from the B954. Allow 20 minutes for the round trip including photographs. It is signposted 'Reekie Linn' from the small car park at Alyth Den.
- Can I combine this with the Cateran Trail?
- The Cateran Trail long-distance walk passes through Alyth — you can combine the gravel circuit with a section of the walking trail to extend the day. The trail is shared path (walking priority) so no MTB sections.
- Is there a bike shop near Alyth?
- The nearest bike shops are in Blairgowrie (8km south) and Dundee (30km east). Blairgowrie Cycles is the closest for emergency mechanicals.