Date/Time
Date(s) - 17/03/20139:00 am - 4:30 pm
Walk Details
Pub Stop?: No O/S Map Sheet No.: 44 Grid Ref. Start: 539644 Grid Ref. Finish 600689 Walk (Miles): 8 Walk Hours: 4 Bus Time to Walk:1.5 Bus Time from Walk: 1.5 Departure time from walk: 1500Walk Notes
Todays walk takes us southwards from Aberdeen to the north end of the Howe of Strathmore. The two prominent hills in this area are known as the White and Brown Caterthuns and their strategic position is evident from the existence of the remains of prehistoric hill forts on their summits. This walk is a through route, but it is possible for any member(s) to remain on the bus and travel to our destination at Edzell and do some walking in this area. Any member(s) who want to do this should liaise with the committee member in charge of the bus today so that early discussions can take place with the driver.
We will be dropped off between Tigerton and Kirkton of Menmuir, (NGR 535 644), on the secondary road from Edzell to Kirriemuir. From this starting point, a side road heads NW’wards towards Ledmore. Follow this road for a few hundred yards before negotiating the dyke on the right to access the hillside. Climb NE’wards to the summit of the White Caterthun (298m), passing a succession of ramparts, some with internal ditches that ring the top of the hill. From the NE end of the fort, a path emerges and descends E’wards through the remaining ramparts to a car park on the unclassified road which crosses between the two Caterthun hills. Cross this road and follow a fence which climbs towards the summit of the Brown Caterthun (297m). The top of this hill is also encircled by the remains of six defensive ramparts which are less obvious as they were only constructed by stones and turf. From this summit, descend NE’wards towards a small reservoir built to supply water to Lundie Castle on your right. Cross the outlet stream from the reservoir and ascend to the summit of Hill of Lundie (244m). A track to the west of the summit skirts a plantation of trees and descends NE’wards to cross a farm track before following the eastern edge of an older plantation of trees and drops into the glen of the West Water to a footbridge at NGR 577 688. Cross this bridge and follow the track E’wards through a picnic site and carpark to reach a metalled road which continues E’wards past an old cemetery and Edzell Castle to eventually reach the village of Edzell. Our bus will be parked near the toilet block at the village green.