Angus
Glen Clova — Walking Guide
Glen Clova is the most accessible of the Angus Glens — a deep, steep-sided valley running north into the eastern Cairngorms.
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About Glen Clova
Glen Clova is the most accessible of the Angus Glens — a deep, steep-sided valley running north into the eastern Cairngorms. The Munros here (Mayar, Driesh, Broad Cairn, Lochnagar) see far fewer walkers than equivalent hills further west, and the glen itself has good low-level walking along the South Esk.
Getting there
From Dundee: A928 north to Kirriemuir, then B955 into Glen Clova. The Glen Clova Hotel at NN 327 731 is the main trailhead. Stagecoach bus 20 from Dundee to Kirriemuir connects to infrequent local service — car strongly recommended.
When to go
Glen Clova is a genuine four-season destination. Winter is often excellent — the eastern Cairngorms receive heavy snowfall and Mayar and Driesh hold good snow. The Jock's Road path (the right-of-way over to Deeside) is used by winter mountaineers and was the subject of a famous access rights legal case. Spring and early summer (May–June) see the alpine corries above Loch Brandy at their most atmospheric. Midges are much less of an issue here than in the west Highlands — the drier, more continental climate of the eastern Cairngorms keeps midge pressure lower. Autumn stalking season (August–October) affects some upper areas — check with the hotel for current access.
Highlights
- Mayar and Driesh (circular from the hotel)
- Loch Brandy
- the corrie walk above the hotel
- through-route to Lochnagar via Jock's Road
Hills in and around Glen Clova
| Hill | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Driesh | munro | 947m |
| Ben Tirran (The Goet) | corbett | 897m |
| Mayar | munro | 928m |
| Hunt Hill | graham | 705m |
| Broad Cairn | munro | 997m |
| Tom Buidhe | munro | 957m |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best walk in Glen Clova for a first visit?
- The circuit of Mayar and Driesh from the Glen Clova Hotel is the classic introduction — around 16km, 900m ascent, 5–7 hours. It takes in two Munros, the beautiful Corrie Fee (a National Nature Reserve) and fine views east over Angus farmland. Alternatively, the corrie walk to Loch Brandy is a shorter, lower option suitable for confident hillwalkers.
- What is Jock's Road?
- Jock's Road is one of Scotland's most historic rights-of-way — a 20km through-route from Glen Clova over the high plateau to Braemar on Deeside. It passes above 900m over open moorland and was the subject of a landmark access rights case in 1887. It is still walked as a challenging through-route (typically 2 days) and requires full navigation skills and mountain experience.
- Is there accommodation in Glen Clova?
- The Glen Clova Hotel is the main accommodation option — a traditional Highland hotel with bunkhouse accommodation, bar and restaurant. It also functions as the main car park and information point for the glen. There are a few holiday cottages in the lower glen. Glamis Castle (20 min south) attracts visitors who base themselves in the area for a mixture of walking and heritage.
- How does Glen Clova compare to the more famous west Highland glens?
- Glen Clova is notably quieter than Glencoe or Glen Nevis even on peak summer weekends — the Angus Glens are genuinely off the tourist circuit. The landscape is different: more rounded, more eastern in character, with grouse moor on the plateau rather than dramatic rocky ridges. Walkers who want quality Munros without crowds often rate it very highly.