The 7 Most Amazing Peaks around Kettins

The area around Kettins is characterized by rolling hills, primarily the Sidlaw Hills, rather than towering mountain peaks. These elevated areas offer scenic views and diverse recreational opportunities. You'll find a range of trails suitable for various fitness levels, from easy walks to more challenging routes, often leading to viewpoints and historical sites.

Yes, for those seeking a more challenging experience, Craigowl Hill Summit offers a climb to 455m just north of Dundee. While the ascent to the summit is on a steep, well-paved road, it provides breathtaking 360-degree views and is considered a challenging route, especially for mountain biking enthusiasts. The area also features several dirt single-track paths for off-road adventures.

Many elevated points in the region offer extensive views. Syd Scroggie Memorial, Balkello Hill provides a wide view of surrounding high mountains, with a disk indicating various viewpoints. Similarly, Kinpurney Tower on Kinpurnie Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside on a clear day. The ridge of the Lundie Craigs also provides unforgettable views over Long Loch and the surrounding Angus countryside.

Yes, several peaks combine natural beauty with historical significance. Syd Scroggie Memorial, Balkello Hill is a man-made monument dedicated to a poet and hillwalker. View from Auchterhouse Hill is known for its great views and is the site of an old Hill Fort. Additionally, Kinpurney Tower on Kinpurnie Hill is an unfinished iron-age fort, built in 1766 as an observatory.

For moderate walks, Keillor Hill offers a 5.5-mile loop route with diverse terrain and panoramic views, taking about two hours with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. For easier options, Westerkeith Hill, near Upper Ballunie, features a trig point with views of Long Loch and is described as an easy hike suitable for all skill levels with easily accessible paths. Northballo Hill is also easily accessible via paths along the north side of Long Loch.

The woodlands within the Sidlaw Hills are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and various bird species, making them attractive for nature enthusiasts. Near Laird's Loch, which is situated within the Sidlaw Hills, you might also spot blue dragonflies in the surrounding woodland.

Yes, the area offers mountain biking. Craigowl Hill Summit is a prime spot for mountain biking enthusiasts, with a steep paved road to the summit and several dirt single-track paths through Balkello Woods. You can find more detailed routes in the MTB Trails around Kettins guide, including loops like 'Laird's Loch loop from Little Ballo'.

There are various cycling routes in the region. For road cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Meikleour Beech Hedge loop from Coupar Angus' or the 'Wooden Boardwalk – Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum loop from Ardler' found in the Road Cycling Routes around Kettins guide. For touring, the 'Northballo Hill Forest Trails – Laird's Loch loop from Coupar Angus' is a notable option in the Cycling around Kettins guide.

Alyth Hill Summit and Viewpoint rises steeply to 300 meters from Alyth, offering stunning views of Strathmore, the Sidlaw Hills, and even the Cairngorm Mountains. At the summit, you'll find a Triangulation Point, a commemorative pillar, and a tiny lochan. The hill also has geological significance and a history of community land rights.

Yes, for accessing areas like Craigowl Hill Summit and the surrounding Balkello Woods, there is a large, free community car park available in Balkello Woods, making it convenient for hikers and bikers.

The hills around Kettins offer rewarding experiences throughout the year. While spring, summer, and autumn provide generally milder weather for hiking and clearer views, winter can also be spectacular. On cold, sunny winter days, you might experience especially clear views of the surrounding high mountains, with distant peaks covered in snow, as noted from the Syd Scroggie Memorial, Balkello Hill.