Starting out from the Glen Doll car park, we headed on our way towards Corrie Fee, a rocky landscape sculpted by glaciers. Situated in a National Nature Reserve, the excellent path meanders alongside the river, and there’s the chance for kids to read more information on the local flora and fauna on small information posts, dotted along the way.

Continue past the right hand turn for Jocks Road, the ancient road to Braemar. Soon after crossing the river, the path splits. Keep to the left to take the path up to Corrie Fee. Soon the path narrows as it heads in to the woods, and soon the last little uphill stretch takes you to the open view of Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve. It’s a spectacular view, and there are paths continuing onwards and upwards if you fancy stretching your legs a bit more.

It was raining, but had soon stopped after we got here. The wind was still pretty strong, and our son wasn’t a fan so we didn’t linger for long and started to head back down, finding a sheltered grassy section in the woods to fill our faces with a bite of lunch. Once fed, we headed back towards the Visitor Centre and spent a while inside finding more out about the area. There was plenty to entertain our son; giant puzzles, colouring, guessing what was in the box and trying to figure out what animal the bones belonged to – his favourite part of the day!

This is a great area to come to – you can get amazing views of the mountains straight from the car park but it is definitely worth getting out and exploring. On a different trail, you can even find freshwater mussels, which would be something we think worth seeing on our next visit.

Trip details:

• Location: Glen Doll car park
• Nearest town: Kirriemuir
• Length: About 10km
• Ascent: 203m
• Level of difficulty: Low level. Steady climb
• Terrain: Excellent forest track, narrower rougher sections throughout woodland.
• Exposure: Sheltered once in woodland. Some open sections.
• What to wear: Best to bring everything for sun and cold weather. Weather can turn quickly.
• Kid friendly: Forest track, information boards aimed at kids along the walk. Plenty to keep them entertained. Good for kids and those carrying back carriers. When we did this walk, our son had only just had his spica cast removed, so wasn’t walking at that point and was in the back carrier. As the track narrows to a rougher section on the final push up, could be troublesome for those with pushchairs. Excellent otherwise.
• Best time to visit: Anytime. After rain for waterfall to be spectacular. Sunny to enjoy scenery and picnic opportunities.
• Any tips: Take care on the stretch of road coming to the Glen Doll car park, as it’s a single stretch of road with passing places. Parking charges apply (£2 at time of writing). There’s also an excellent visitor centre with friendly staff. Puzzles and colouring for the kids and loads of information on local flora and fauna. Facilities can be found here too as well as picnic tables and benches near the car park.

For more info:

http://www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/corrie-fee/

http://archive.angus.gov.uk/leisure/rangerservice/angusglens.htm

Disclaimer: Always check weather forecasts and follow a reliable map. The views expressed here are those of Adventurous Little Legs. Please use your own discretion while on trails.

***Please note: This is a blog that was previously published on another of our blogs Adventurous Little Legs, and linked to an online store we also had. We have closed these both down. All content and pictures remain those of Stacey and Keith at Adventurous Little Legs and An Outdoors Family.