Description
The Angus region offers extensive mountain bike riding across the Angus Glens, on the southern edge of the Cairngorms National Park. The area sits between Dundee to the south and Aberdeen to the north, with Glen Clova, Glen Isla, Glen Prosen, Glen Doll, and Glen Esk all providing remote, natural riding on estate tracks, singletrack, and open moorland. Riding here is largely unmanaged, and route-finding is part of the experience.
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The Trails
- Glen Clova and Glen Doll are the most popular riding destinations in the area. The classic Clova to Bachnagairn loop is a well-regarded route, and the glen provides access to long estate tracks and moorland rides into the Cairngorms. The Glen Doll Forest car park is a common starting point for more remote routes, including the ancient Capel Mounth trade route.
- Glen Isla offers good riding from the Freuchies car park near Kirkton of Glenisla, with tracks passing Loch Shandra and Glenmarkie Lodge. The Glenisla Forest route was designed by the Cateran Ecomuseum and connects several heritage sites.
- Glen Prosen and Glen Esk provide further remote riding on estate tracks and hill paths. Linking glens is possible for experienced riders willing to cover significant distances and elevation.
- Trailforks lists the Angus Region with trails and routes, including Clova to Pony Hut via Bachnagairn Falls. Check the Angus Region on Trailforks for current trail status and community reports.
Getting Here
- Glen Doll (primary access): Glen Doll Car Park, Glen Clova, Kirriemuir, Angus, DD8 4RD. Managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, with a ranger base, toilets, and picnic benches on site. Parking costs Β£2 per day, payable by coin, card or RingGo. Blue Badge holders park free. Overnight parking is permitted for mountain access. From Kirriemuir, follow the B955 north for around 15km to the Clova Hotel, then turn left over the bridge and continue 5km to the car park at the head of the glen.
- Glen Isla (alternative access): Freuchies Car Park, Kirkton of Glenisla, PH11 8PH. The starting point for the Glenisla Forest trail and routes into the upper glen. From Alyth, follow the B954 north through Kirriemuir Landward to Kirkton of Glenisla.
Local Resources
- Angus Cycle Hub is a community interest company based in Arbroath offering bike hire, servicing, MTB tours and guided rides into the Angus Glens. Tours start from Β£150 per day. Contact them for current guided route options and hire availability.
- Angus Bike Chain Cycling Club is an active club covering road, gravel, MTB and cyclocross with members across Angus and Dundee. Rides are organised through their Facebook group.
- Visit Angus has route information for the Glenisla Forest trail and Glen Clova circuit at visitangus.com.
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