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The Most Beautiful Scenic Walks to Take in the Dundee Area

The area surrounding Dundee has plenty in the way of scenic walks
The area surrounding Dundee has plenty in the way of scenic walks | © M.Brodie / Alamy Stock Photo
Photo of Tori Chalmers
Tori Chalmers
5 October 2020

Known for its outdoor pursuits, Scotland – and Dundee in particular – is a great destination for those looking for scenic walking opportunities. From Iron Age forts to sweeping beaches, serene woodland and charming cityscapes, the area around Dundee has plenty in the way of special scenery. That’s why, with the help of our local guides, we’ve put together a list of some of the most beautiful walks to take on your next trip to the city of discovery.

Monikie Country Park

Park
Map View
Two empty wooden piers on the banks of the Reservoir at Monikie Country Park on a sunny afternoon in February.
© JJ Walters / Alamy Stock Photo
Paved with lush patches of wooded paths tracing the two former reservoirs, Monikie Country Park rests on the fringes of Dundee. Walkers are presented with an abundance of options from self-led trails to guided routes, each offering striking views. The perfect mix of action and nature, Monikie boasts 50 acres (20ha) for watersports and a bird sanctuary. Dog walkers should note that some forms of natural algae found in these waters may be toxic for canine companions.

Dundee Law

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
Map View
A soothing skyline staple with volcanic origins and a railway tunnel piercing its middle, Dundee Law boasts spellbinding views across the Tay and its urban jungle. Those in it for a brief city stroll can simply scale the 572-foot (174m) former Iron Age hillfort and embrace the panorama that unfolds. Alternatively, begin at Discovery Point or the train station and take the mix of pavements and paths for a longer walk, which is punctuated with a few steep parts and some steps.

Angus Glens

Ruins
Map View
The Angus Glens
© John-Paul Bell / Alamy Stock Photo
Awash with sylvan charm and untamed wilderness, the Angus Glens feature Glen Clova, Isla, Prosen, Lethnot and Esk. Situated just under an hour’s drive from Dundee, this awe-inspiring area is home to wildlife often found in the Arctic. Suited to nature lovers and those with a lust for adventure, the trails range from dense forests to peaceful lochs, historic ruins and the biggest portion of high ground hills in the country. A dreamscape for both hiking gurus and gentle wanderers.

Arbroath Town Trail

Gym
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Consider Arbroath, home of the Arbroath Smokie and Declaration of Arbroath, your go-to walking destination on days when only charming harbour-side towns will suffice. Sitting just 15 miles (24km) from Dundee, it’s easily reached by car and train. Wanderlusters can get lost in thought exploring every nook and cranny of the atmospheric town trail, including the age-old Arbroath Abbey. For some fresh sea air, take a gander along the swathes of sparkling sand lined with piercing cliffs.

Camperdown Country Park

Park
Map View
Landscape view of a Monkey Puzzle tree in Autumn inside the Camperdown Country Park in Dundee,UK
© Dundee Photographics / Alamy Stock Photo
Housed on the periphery of Dundee, Camperdown Country Park offers a slice of bucolic paradise amidst the busy ebb and flow of city life. Thanks to its sheer size, there’s always a new path beckoning exploration across some shaded scenic parkland. Bus routes connect to the city, making those beneficial daily leg stretches that bit more attainable. Unlike squeaky clean gym surrounds, the park is subject to rain, so it helps to swap out the shiny new kicks before your walk! Occasional muddy areas aside, Camperdown is pure bliss.

Baldragon Wood

Natural Feature
Map View

Found just outside Dundee city centre, Baldragon Wood is an excellent woodland area for taking a relaxed walk. With extra trees planted and ponds throughout, the woods are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered native red squirrel. The route through the woods is an easy one, so suitable for all ages, and the nearby Clatto Moor has some recreational areas, perfect for a picnic or a quick spot of lunch.

Sidlaw Hills

Natural Feature
Map View
Sidlaw Hills near Gallow Hill Strathmore Scotland
© geogphotos / Alamy Stock Photo

Lining the back of Dundee, the Sidlaw Hills are a natural wall separating the urban sprawl from the countryside. On one side, the views from some of the peaks offer a great view of the city below, with some impressive cityscapes. On the other, a serene look down at the woodland surrounding the quiet Loch Ledcrieff offers a more relaxing stroll. For those looking for a slightly more difficult route, the rocky outcrops of the nearby Lundie Craigs provide a more challenging hike.

Montrose Basin

Natural Feature
Map View

Lying along the River Esk and spanning just over 1,730 acres (700ha), the Montrose Basin is positively teeming with wildlife. Home to hundreds of birds, with everything from oystercatchers to elder ducks being spotted enjoying the pristine waters, the basin is a must-visit for any bird-spotting enthusiasts. Twice a day, the basin fills with the tide coming in, giving guests a beautiful look over the untouched waters. The walk down the estuary is a relatively easy one and suitable for all skill levels.

Backmuir Woods

Natural Feature
Map View

Popular with local walkers, the Blackmuir Woods are just a short trip out of Dundee and offer a relaxing stroll through calm woodland. Partly managed by the Woodland Trust, the woods are filled with a mixture of flora including silver birch, scots pine and syracuse and have a variety of animals in residence, including roe deer and jays. Following the trail will lead you onto The Logan, a historic right-of-way that runs through Angus.

Lunan Bay

Natural Feature
Map View

A short drive north of Dundee will bring you to Lunan Bay, probably one of the best beaches on the east coast of Scotland. A magnet for surfers, the bay is a calmer experience than the surrounding beaches due to its low cliffs and sandy dunes. Walking along the bay will bring you to the ruins of Red Castle, a 12th-century fortification overlooking the bay and originally built to ward off Viking invaders.

Additional reporting by Nicholas Grantham.

These recommendations were updated on October 5, 2020 to keep your travel plans fresh.
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