Natural Heritage

The beauty of Glenesk has long attracted visitors from far and wide. Most visitors come to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and informal activities such as hill walking, bird watching or fishing. It is worth noting that as most visitors come to walk, often following the long distance footpaths to Deeside or Glen Clova, they often bring their own provisions and supplies with them.

Unless they stop for a meal at the Retreat, their visit brings no direct benefit to the Glen economy. Prospective visitors are therefore asked to consider spending locally if possible and to take care where they park so as not to impede the farmers and game keepers going about their duties, and of course to take their litter home.

Information on land management activities and guidance to walkers is shown on the information boards at the car park at Invermark or at the Retreat or Tarfside Shop. Apart from walking, fishing and birdwatching other formal and informal activities are few. Mountain biking is possible but can cause serious damage to paths, particularly at high level and is inappropriate on the peaty ground away from the tracks. The upper river is unsuitable for canoeing but fishing for brown trout and arctic charr is available from the estate (Head Keeper 01356 670208).

Swimming and water sports are not permitted in Loch Lee which is a public reservoir. Campers are welcome in the Games Field at Tarfside, where toilets are close at hand. Camping on the open hill is likely to cause disturbance to wildlife overnight. Picnickers will find many attractive and secluded spots but should follow the Country Code, particularly in regard to fires, gates and litter.