A family trip to Angus, the ‘birthplace of Scotland,’ uncovers hidden gems
“With my husband, 10-year-old son, and dog, I set off from Edinburgh on a spring Friday afternoon looking forward to a weekend exploring beaches and glens. In just over an hour, we had reached Dundee, and shortly after we arrived at our first stop in Angus – Longparke Farm.
“The shop and cafe here are a treasure trove of fresh produce, local craft drinks and pretty gifts. We filled our basket with supplies for the weekend – including sausages and bacon from Fleming Butchers, oak-smoked cheddar and oatcakes – before driving the short distance to our self-catering base at the family-owned Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort.
“Despite only being a few miles from the City of Discovery, the resort, spanning 150 acres, feels peaceful and secluded. We checked into our accommodation, the Lodge House, surrounded by trees, but only a five-minute walk from the resort’s reception and facilities.
“As well as lodges, the resort has cosy shepherd huts that are big enough for families, and glamping pods.
“Our modern lodge was spread over two floors with a spiral staircase leading up from the bathroom and two large bedrooms to the bright living room and kitchen area. We managed to avoid the temptation to light the log-burner and snuggle up on the sofa to explore our surroundings instead.
“Created and owned by former Scottish National Fly Fishing Champion Mike Forbes, the resort is home to trout fishing pools where guests can fly fish or cast a rod on its bait pond. Our son was delighted to see ducks and swans as we strolled around the water.
“The resort also attracts golf fans from across the globe to try out the nine holes at Kingennie, designed by golf course architect Graeme Webster. For less experienced players there is the Cairngorms Putting Green, and putters and balls can be hired from its on-site sports centre and shop.
“After taking in the Angus Thistle Maze we were ready for dinner at the resort’s dog-friendly Cairn O’Mount Bar, next to its restaurant, The Scullery. The bar menu had plenty of seasonal classics to choose from. My husband opted for steak and ale pie, while I went for a chicken burger and chips. From the children’s menu, our son munched his way through hummus, cucumber and peppers, followed by a rump steak with fries – which he devoured, giving it 10-out-of-10 – and he still had space for churros in cinnamon sugar with Nutella. After a lovely night’s sleep, and a bath using toiletries from Scottish Fine Soaps’ Sea Kelp Collection, we drove just half an hour along the A92 to Arbroath’s Victoria Park for our first activity of the day.
“We met Cameron Smith, founder and owner of Arbroath Cliff Tours, for our coastal discovery walking trail. We were blessed with a beautiful morning and Cameron’s enthusiasm was infectious. He grew up in the area, describing the cliffs, pools and caves as his “childhood playground”.
“Cameron studied music and had been playing guitar at weddings when Covid-19 hit five years ago and decided to launch his tourism business. As well as organised walks, he also runs kayak and swimming tours, where there’s often a chance of spotting dolphins.
“As my husband, son and Alfie our dog strode along the path, down onto rocks and into caves, Cameron pointed out landmarks such as the Deil’s Heid – or Devil’s Head – rock formation, Smuggler’s Cave, and Mermaid’s Kirk.
“We enjoyed some locally-roasted coffee en route and learned about the area’s geology and how it attracts people from far and wide to dive off its cliffs. Next was a visit to the 12th-Century Arbroath Abbey, to find out more about the Declaration of Arbroath, signed there in 1320 and so giving Angus the distinction of being the “birthplace of Scotland”.
“Happily for Alfie, dogs are allowed in the grounds so he too could enjoy the medieval buildings built from local sandstone – although current masonry work meant we couldn’t get too close to the ruins. Leaving Alfie outside with my husband, my son and I went inside to the informative interactive exhibition space, which includes a replica of the Stone of Destiny, and he had a great time finding artefacts on the Abbey’s picture quiz exhibit.
“Reunited, we walked the short distance past the town’s working fishing harbour to the Arbroath Signal Tower Museum, which is free to visit and is also dog-friendly. Built in 1813, it was originally used as a shore station and accommodation for the iconic Bell Rock Lighthouse, which lies 11 miles offshore and was designed by famed engineer Robert Stevenson. As well as telling stories of the Bell Rock – which still stands today as the oldest sea-washed lighthouse in the world – the museum has exhibits housed in former lighthouse keepers’ cottages in the courtyard, covering Arbroath’s economic and social history. At certain times of the year, visitors can also arrange to climb the 70 steps of the spiral staircase to the top of the structure.
“After our busy morning, we headed back to our lodge to relax in the hot tub nestled nicely under the trees. Feeling suitably refreshed, we explored Monikie Country Park, just a ten-minute drive away, where we bought some food in the information centre for the park’s resident ducks and explored some trails. Having worked up our appetites, we headed towards Forfar for dinner at Sinclair’s Kitchen, set against a backdrop of Angus’ rolling fields. We chose from a menu of hearty produce in the venue’s charming and dog-friendly Snug. We shared chicken wings to start, my husband then tucked into a steak ciabatta, while I wolfed down macaroni cheese, and our wee one had a beef burger, followed by a brownie and ice cream from the kids’ menu.
“On our final day in Angus, we made the short journey from Forbes of Kingennie to the renowned Carnoustie Links for some golf. We tried out the hi-tech Carnoustie Performance Centre, developed in partnership with Foresight Sports.
“We practiced our swings in one of its simulator bays before heading out to brave the elements on the five-hole Nestie development course – which was perfect for a novice like me.
“After a bracing walk along the stunning sandy beach at Carnoustie Bay, our final destination was the family-owned Upper Dysart Larder, on their farm overlooking Lunan Bay on the way to Montrose. We chose from a menu offering the likes of home-made toasties, soup and loaded fries. In a fun finale to our trip, we bought bags of food for the resident goats, sheep, alpaca and pigs. My son loved the experience so much – especially feeding the feisty goats – that we had to drag him away.
“As well as eating in the cafe, I’d recommend checking out the Larder’s “farm-to-table” shop which is like a giant vending machine, but filled with a wide selection of fresh goods, including delicious mash dishes made from the farm’s potatoes.”
Angus boasts a spectacular coastline and majestic and mountainous glens. The birthplace of Scotland, it holds centuries of history. It’s also a natural haven for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Find out more
“While we packed a lot into our weekend, all of us agreed there is so much more to do, see, and eat in Angus that we must arrange a return visit, perhaps during the fast-approaching Easter school holidays,” said Rosemary.
Find out more at visitangus.com