Angus Glens: Glen Esk Waterfall Walk
Angus
The Loch Lee and waterfalls circuit is the best full day's dog friendly walking in the Angus Glens. From the Invermark car park at the head of Glen Esk, a good track circles the long blue ribbon of Loch Lee beneath towering hillsides before climbing into Glen Lee, where the Falls of Unich tumble spectacularly over a rock step and the Falls of Damff sit in their own hidden corrie above. It is a proper wild feeling outing without needing to bag a peak.
The full circuit is around 14.5 kilometres with roughly 250 metres of ascent and takes four hours or so at walking pace. Surfaces are mostly wide estate tracks with rougher hill path around the waterfalls. Sheep graze heavily at the start and again lower down, so lead up as you pass livestock and farm buildings; the upper section is usually free of stock. There are toilets at the nearby Glenesk Retreat and Folk Museum (seasonal) but nothing on the route itself, so carry water.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 14.5 km (9.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 4 hr
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, Lake, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Seasonal cafe, toilets and museum at Glenesk Retreat a short drive from the trailhead; nothing on the route.
- Parking
- Free Angus Council car park at Invermark, at the very end of the public road in Glen Esk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Angus Glens: Glen Esk Waterfall Walk dog friendly?
Yes, this is a great choice for a full day out with your dog, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The 14.5-kilometre circuit around Loch Lee and up to the Falls of Unich and Damff offers big scenery and a genuine sense of wildness without requiring any serious peak-bagging. Wide estate tracks make up most of the route, with rougher hill paths around the waterfalls.
Can dogs be off lead at Angus Glens: Glen Esk Waterfall Walk?
There are sections where dogs can enjoy more freedom, but leads are essential in places. Sheep graze heavily near the start at Invermark and again lower down around farm buildings, so you'll need to keep your dog on the lead when passing livestock. The upper section of the route, around the waterfalls, is typically free of stock and offers more relaxed walking.
What should I know before visiting Angus Glens: Glen Esk Waterfall Walk with my dog?
This is a proper commitment of a walk — around 14.5 kilometres with four hours of walking — so make sure both you and your dog are well prepared. There are no facilities on the route itself, so carry enough water for you both. Toilets and a seasonal cafe are available at the nearby Glenesk Retreat and Folk Museum, a short drive from the trailhead at the free Invermark car park.
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