Cortachy Castle and the surrounding estate purchased by Lord Ogilvy from a kinsman in 1625. His son became the Earl of Airlie in 1639, and took up residence at Cortachy following the sacking and burning of Airlie Castle in 1642 by the Earl of Argyll.

The south wing of the Castle dates from the 16th Century and further additions were made in 1820 and 1873. Part of these additions were removed in 1949 by the present Earl's father. The designed landscape surrounding the Castle extends to some 500 acres and was established between 1820-1821. Substantial improvements were incorporated in the 1870's, mostly by the planting of some fine specimen trees, which together with the River South Esk, are important features of the enduring landscape.

Another landmark to the north-west of the Castle is the Airlie monument, which can be viewed from the River Walk but also visited by way of footpaths from Glen Prosen and Glen Clova. The monument was built in memory of the present Lord Airlie's grandfather who was killed in action in the Boer war.

Cortachy is regarded as a place of outstanding historical value and exceptional scenic beauty, and visitors are welcome to share this experience. With this aim in mind a series of network footpaths have been created in and around the policies and visitors are welcomed to follow the waymarked routes but are asked to respect the privacy of those who reside on the estate.
Visitors may also welcome the opportunity to view Cortachy Church, built in 1828 to a design by the architect David Paterson incorporating some 17th century features.

Path Network

The Cortachy and Dykehead path system has been designed to provide a network of attractive, easily followed walks through a variety of terrain.

None of the walks is unduly difficult, although the walks up to the Airlie Monument include a steady climb. The reward is a splendid panoramic view of the Angus countryside and hills.
All the walks are waymarked, with yellow directional arrows, and by following these arrows, the text in this leaflets provided and the accompanying maps, you should have no difficulty. Please keep to the waymarked routes and respect the privacy of the residents on the estate.

The walks in this leaflet are open all year, with the exception that, on days when there is shooting, it may be necessary to close part or all of some of the network. If this is the case, signs will be displayed, and we do ask our visitors to respect these temporary closures, for your own safety. Shooting is an important part of estate management and provides both income and employment.

It may also be necessary to close or divert walks passing through woodland, for reasons of woodland management, for example when felling or brashing is taking place. This would only happen occasionally, and any such closure or diversion will be clearly signed.

The Policies Walk, which is described in a separate leaflet, is open for a limited period each year, generally in the spring. Opening times will be displayed at the Cortachy car park and at other local outlets, including the Tourist Information Centre in Kirriemuir.
If you are bringing a dog with you, please ensure that it is on a lead at all times. Follow the Country Code, and please do not leave any litter behind.

The Network

The walks have been designed so that they can either be walked separately, or combined to make longer circuits. There are suggestions in the text as to combining walks, and study of the map will show the possibilities.
The River Walk is the shortest at just over a kilometre one way (2km return), but for the more ambitious walker the River, Sawmill, Dykehead and Monument Walks could be combined, with a return by road, to give a grand circuit of about 10km.

Car Parking

There are car parks provided at Cortachy (opposite the primary school), Dykehead (opposite the Royal Jubilee Arms), Cortachy Cemetery, and in Glen Prosen. These car parks are clearly marked on the map and signed on the ground. Please use these car parks and do not park elsewhere. If the car park you wished to use is full, may we suggest that you try another car park in order to access the walks network.

The Terrain

The walks generally follow good paths or tracks, with some field edges and open ground. Parts of the walks will inevitably be wet at certain times, and we recommend that you wear boots, wellingtons or strong shoes when using the walks.

Comments

We hope that you will enjoy your walks. It is our intention to maintain the network in good condition, and to continue to improve it in the future. If you have any comments about any aspect of the walks network, please write to Airlie Estates, Estate Office, Cortachy, Kirriemuir DD8 4LY.

Accomodation 

Wellbank Cottage, Cortachy, by Kirriemuir, is available to let weekly or monthly throughout the year.

General Information and Conditions of Let 2008

Wellbank is located in the heart of the Angus Countryside and yet conveniently situated for Kirriemuir, 5 miles Forfar 8 miles and Dundee 22 miles.  It is approximately 1 mile from the village of Dykehead and the beautiful scenic glens of Prosen and Clova.

The cottage has been fully modernised to provide a first class holiday residence.  The accommodation, which is all on one level, comprises:-
2 public rooms
4 bedrooms – 1 of which is en-suite
1 bathroom
Cloakroom
Kitchen with Aga Cooker
Utility/Laundry Room
Garage accommodation for two cars
There is an electric cooker, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine and tumble dryer and the house has full oil fired central heating.
Blankets, bedlinen, crockery and cutlery are provided.
Supplies:
The nearest shops are in Kirriemuir within driving distance.
Basic provisions can be purchased at the discretion of the housekeeper who must be reimbursed upon arrival.