Glen Clova Circular Walk
Angus
Glen Clova is the jewel of the Angus glens and this dog friendly circular takes in its most recognisable hanging loch. From the Glen Clova Hotel the path climbs steadily up grassy flanks, giving ever better views down the glen, before reaching the dark, brooding expanse of Loch Brandy cradled beneath a horseshoe of crags. The full circular traverses the Snub above the loch and drops back to the hotel.
The route is roughly 7 kilometres with about 450 metres of ascent and takes around three hours. Expect steep grassy slopes, a boggy stretch above the loch, a short rocky scramble on the Snub and a final heathery descent. Sheep graze the lower hillside so lead dogs up at the bottom and at the top past any cliff edges; in spring and early summer ground nesting birds need space too. The Glen Clova Hotel has toilets, pub food and a bunkhouse, plus a large car park used by walkers (small charge).
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.0 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Lake, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Pub, restaurant, toilets and accommodation at the Glen Clova Hotel at the start and finish; nothing on the hill.
- Parking
- Large car park at Glen Clova Hotel (modest charge, credit to the bar); limited roadside spaces nearby.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glen Clova Circular Walk dog friendly?
Glen Clova Circular Walk is a well-loved dog friendly route in the Angus glens, rated 7.5 out of 10 for dogs on Wildpack Collective. The circuit takes in some stunning mountain scenery, including the cliff-ringed Loch Brandy, and finishes back at the Glen Clova Hotel where you and your dog can recover in style.
Can dogs be off lead at Glen Clova Circular Walk?
Dogs will need to be kept on the lead on the lower hillside where sheep graze, and again near the cliff edges at the top of the route. In spring and early summer it's also worth giving ground nesting birds plenty of space across the hill. On the stretches in between, with no livestock around, dogs can enjoy more freedom on the open ground.
What should I know before visiting Glen Clova Circular Walk with my dog?
The route is around 7 kilometres with 450 metres of ascent, taking roughly three hours, so it's a proper mountain day out rather than a gentle stroll — expect steep grassy slopes, a boggy section above the loch, a short rocky scramble on the Snub, and a heathery descent. There are no facilities on the hill itself, but the Glen Clova Hotel at the start and finish has toilets, pub food and a large car park (small charge). Pack water for your dog and be prepared for the terrain to be demanding in wet conditions.
What’s Nearby?
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