A celebration of all the glens have to offer

With the 15th Angus Glens Walking Festival approaching, Nora McElhone caught up with chief countryside ranger Norman Greig to find out what the 2017 event has in store

The Angus Glens Walking Festival has become a highlight of the calendar for many outoors enthusiasts – and none more so than Norman Greig.

A countryside ranger with ANGUSalive’s Countryside Adventure Team, he has been involved with the event for many years and believes it has helped to unlock the secrets of the beautiful Angus Glens for walkers from near and far.

For Norman, being out on the hills is an opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside and to observe the wildlife and scenery and he feels privileged to be able to share that joy with other people.

“I am very enthusiastic about the walking festival and being a part of the team getting people out into the hills and glens of Angus,” he says.

“In my opinion, the glens and their surroundings are no longer one of Scotland’s hidden gems, on account of the hundreds of walks promoted by the festival over the years. They are now better known and enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.”

For Norman, Kirriemuir makes an ideal starting point and base camp for people taking part in the activities.

“The festival provides the opportunity for locals and visitors to the town to participate in a walk that they may not have considered before or perhaps thought too difficult a challenge to take on alone,” he says.

“Folk come from all over the country and indeed the world to participate in the festival so they stay in local accommodation and enjoy the benefits of nearby restaurants, pubs and shops.”

The walks are designed to offer participants a bespoke package, which combines the navigation skills of the mountain leaders along with the local area and wildlife knowledge of the countryside adventure rangers.

This year’s programme features a number of old favourites, such as the linear Jock’s Road route over the iconic former drovers’ road, which is made much more accessible by the provision of transport.

This year, the team have also developed a walk suitable for people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities, following good paths through Glen Doll forest into Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve.

Unfortunately, the walk isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Contact Laura Smith prior to booking on 01307 473880.

On a personal level, Norman is looking forward to the stalker outing with local walk leader Andy Malcolm.

“He will guide walkers from Tarfside to Glen Esk in a rare opportunity to join an experienced keeper who lives and works on the local estate,” says Norman.

“If there is wildlife to be seen, Andy’s eagle eye will find it.

“In particular, he will hope to bring you up close to red deer, spot eagles and other birds of prey and introduce you to adders which are frequently seen basking in the sun.

“There is no doubt that he will bring to life his fascinating life story based in Glen Esk.”

Each of the Angus glens has its own unique beauty but for Norman, Glen Esk is the true hidden gem.

“It is my favourite, as it is more remote and I find it a very peaceful place to walk and take in the scenery,” he says.

The festival is sponsored by the Forestry Commission Scotland in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage and the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

Organisers are also grateful for the support of landowners, farmers and estates.

This year’s event takes place from June 1-4. Advance booking is recommended to secure tickets.

For all walks book online at www.angusalive.scot/tickets

The glens and their surroundings are no longer one of Scotland’s hidden gems, on account of the hundreds of walks promoted by the festival over the years