Make tracks from village to village

Meigle and Ardler Loop, Perth and Kinross

Established in 1835 by landowner George Kinloch to capitalise on early railway developments in Strathmore, Washington quickly lost its march as new lines were laid. Skirting the eastern edge of the village (renamed Ardler in the 1880s), a woodland path rises towards 18th century Arthurstone House, its redeveloped steadings and walled garden, sandstone tower and dovecot, and, above, the A84.

Roads led me back towards Meigle, but I concluded my hike amongst the giant firs and pink rhododendrons of Belmont Woods, entering the estate at a white-washed gate lodge adjacent to Macbeth’s Stone, a sturdy megalith linked to the 11th Century king of Scotland through lore and legend.

Once the home of jute baron Sir James Caird, the 43-acre estate was gifted to Dundee Corporation in 1918 and, still in the council’s ownership, hosts Belmont Camp, an outdoor education centre, Belmont Castle and parkland which holds happy memories for generations of Dundonians who enjoyed school or club trips here.

1. Walk 300m south on B954 to Auld Kirk. Go left along lane, crossing former railway.

2. Turn right and descend track to road. Turn right and walk 800m southwest along road to B954.

3. Cross and follow track south-west to East Camno. Turn left and descend road to Camno Crossing.

4. Turn right (signed Ardler Path) and follow path 1.7km west.

5. At sign pointing back to Newtyle, branch right on to woodland path and follow it 1km north-west, crossing minor road.

6. Turn right and walk 300m along track. Cross bridge on left and ascend path then surfaced track to A94.

7. Turn right and follow A94 footpath for 1.2km.

8. Turn right (signed Camno) and walk 1km south on road to crossroads. Go left for 300m.

9. Go right along driveway into Belmont Woods. Approaching Belmont Centre, branch left along path to triangular junction. Go left to meet surfaced track then continue along edge of playing fields (signed Meigle).

Ancient and industrial history meet in the captivating environment with, above, silver birches flanking the former rail route; Macbeth’s Stone, right, linked to the 11th Century king; and an old railway hut at Ardler Junction, below.