Location 1: Arbroath Cliff Tours

Start your first day in Angus with an unforgettable kayak tour of the Arbroath cliffs. This tour of Arbroath’s incredible coastline features breathtaking natural sea caves, secret coves, spectacular blowholes, dramatic rock formations, and even the potential to spot bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises or a minke whale.

From your unique vantage point in the kayak, you will see stunning red sandstone formations like the ‘Deil’s Heid’, a stack that appears to have a distinctive and menacing face. You will also see natural arches like the Needle E’e and many types of caves.

Some of the caves here have a mesmerising emerald green glow when the sun shines into the cave at just the right angle. This only happens in the caves where there is sand on the seabed, and it is breathtaking every single time. Another cave is 400ft long and has impressive Stalactites on the ceiling, as well as its own sandy beach at one end.

Arbroath Cliff Tours also offer walking tours of the caves if kayaking isn’t for you!

Your tour guide, Cameron, is fully qualified, having completed SLSGB Surf Lifeguard training with the RNLI. The tours are weather dependent and will only go ahead if the sea conditions are safe.

If conditions are poor or the cave tours aren’t right for you, then you can walk the Arbroath Cliff Trail to explore the coastline instead. You will still encounter many of the red sandstone formations and enjoy some stunning views from high up on the cliffs.

• Location: Arbroath Cliffs Car Park, Arbroath, DD11 1AY
• Opening times: Tours must be booked in advance
• Accessibility: A good level of fitness is required so you can carry and manoeuvre the kayak, and you must be able to swim

Location 2: Lunch at The Old Boatyard

The Old Boatyard is a family run beachside restaurant in a beautiful setting overlooking Arbroath Harbour and the Bell Rock lighthouse.

For over a decade, The Old Boatyard has been serving up delicious, fresh seafood to hungry locals and travellers alike, using only the finest locally-sourced ingredients and secret family recipes.

Enjoy a delicious lunch here whilst watching the boats come in and out of the harbour.

• Location: Fishmarket Quay, Arbroath, DD11 1PS
• Opening times: Wednesday to Monday from 10am (closed Tuesday)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking and toilets are available.

Location 3: Bell Rock Lighthouse Boat Trip

The Bell Rock Lighthouse is Britain’s oldest surviving rock lighthouse and still stands today, warning ships away from the jagged Bell Rock, 11 miles offshore.

The lighthouse sits on a long and treacherous reef in the North Sea, guiding the vessels that sail to and from the Firths of Tay and Forth. It was considered a significant engineering feat in the early 19th century. The story of its construction (which could only happen during low tide) is a remarkable tale of engineering ingenuity and bravery.

You can book a sightseeing boat trip to the lighthouse for a group of eight people by contacting Inchcape Marine Services. Boat trips will be dependent on tides and weather conditions and must be pre-arranged by phoning 07752 470621.

The boat will take you close to the impressive Bell Rock Lighthouse (around 50-100 yards, depending on the tide). Look out for gannets, puffins, and seals resting on the rocks by the lighthouse. As the tour continues to Auchmithie and then along the coastline back to Arbroath, you will see other species of coastal birds. You may even be lucky enough to spot a dolphin or whale while sailing along.

After your tour, visit the Signal Tower Museum next to the harbour to hear the intriguing story of Arbroath’s fishing and maritime industries using fascinating multimedia displays and historical objects. You can also climb the dramatic spiral staircase and visit the tower room (Saturdays only).

• Location: Arbroath Harbour, DD11 1PU
• Museum opening times: Wednesday to Monday, 10.30am to 4pm (closed Tuesday)
• Boat tours: By appointment only and weather-dependant
• Cost: Enquire directly for costs
• Accessibility: Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Accessible parking available.

Location 4: Dinner at Andreou’s Bistro

Located on Arbroath’s High Street, this popular bistro offers authentic Greek and Mediterranean food in a comfortable, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere.

The menu at Andreou’s offers a great choice of tasty, fresh, homemade dishes that are full of flavour and local produce. Their fish, vegetables, and meat are all sourced from within a ten-mile radius of the restaurant. Try the pasture-fed Lunan Bay goat meat in a delicious goat curry or the fine harissa falafel burger with a tangy tomato and chilli sauce.

Whichever option you pick from the exciting menu, you’ll experience their passion for cooking Greek food and desire to bring some of the best experiences from Cypriot dining to Angus.

People recommend Andreou’s Bistro not only for the quality of food and wine but also for the high standard of service, so your experience here should be the perfect way to end the day.

• Location: 57 High St, Arbroath, DD11 1AN
• Opening times:
  Monday & Tuesday: Closed
  Wednesday to Friday: 4pm to 12pm
  Saturday & Sunday: 12 noon to 12pm
• Accessibility: Disabled access

Location 1: Paddleboarding with Sup2Summit

Day 2 starts with an unforgettable outdoor activity at the spectacular Montrose Basin. Sup2Summit offer a range of outdoor activities for everyone, young and old. Their most popular activity is Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP).

SUP involves simply standing up on a board and paddling to propel yourself through the water. The paddle boards are large stable platforms, making them user-friendly and safe for all ages and abilities. This unique experience, set in such stunning natural surroundings, will leave everyone feeling invigorated and smiling from ear to ear. You may even get to paddle with a friendly seal.

Paddleboarding has a minimum age of 8 years, and all under 18 year olds must be accompanied on the activity by a parent or legal guardian. Non-swimmers are welcome – buoyancy aids are provided for every lesson.

The Sup2Summit staff have an excellent reputation for being helpful, patient and encouraging. It’s the perfect environment for learning how to paddle board. They offer other fun activities throughout Angus, including bushcraft and rock climbing.

Most activities, including paddleboarding, are available all year round but are weather dependent. Advance booking using their website is recommended. The team provides all the equipment you need, aside from swimwear, wet shoes and a towel.

• Location: Montrose Basin and Wildlife Reserve, Rossie Braes, A92, Montrose, DD10 9TA
• Opening times: Times vary and must be booked in advanced
• Accessibility: Partial disabled access with accessible parking and toilets

Location 2: Lunch at Park Hotel

The welcoming bar and restaurant at the Park Hotel offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a coffee, lunch, dinner or drink with friends and family.

The menu offers a great choice of the best of our local produce, from Aberdeen Angus beef to Arbroath Smokies, fruits and vegetables.

Lunches are served daily, with Sunday lunch available every Sunday from 12 noon to 2pm.

• Location: 61 John Street, Montrose, DD10 8RJ
• Lunch Service: Monday to Sunday – 12 noon to 2pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking and toilets are available.

Location 3: Lunan Bay

Lunan Bay has attracted many visitors throughout the ages, from Viking armies in the 10th century to generations of holidaymakers. Its stunning, east-facing beach is a beautiful place to get away from it all and soak up the impressive Angus coastal scenery.

There is plenty to do here, with sand dunes, cliffs, and caves to explore, as well as a two-mile stretch of broad sandy beach for a memorable walk among the breathtaking scenery.

Look out for local wildlife, including nesting puffins, gannets, grey shrikes, scoters (black sea ducks) and even hoopoes. Bottlenose dolphins and an occasional harbour porpoise can also be seen in the bay. Traditional fishing still takes place here – you may see fishing nets strung from poles on the beach to trap fish in the falling tide.

The bay has a reputation for being a good source of agates and other gemstones that glimmer in the sunlight. The easiest way to find the gemstones is to look in the areas of tiny pebbles among the sand after a storm.

The beach is overlooked by sand dunes and the remains of a Medieval castle. The ruins of Lunan Bay Red Castle date from the 12th century. The castle was originally built for King William (the Lion) of Scotland to defend against Viking invaders.

The car park for the beach is located on the north side of Lunan Bay, accessible via Lunan Farms. This car park gets busy during the summer months and it’s advised to check the Lunan Bay Communities Partnership Facebook page before travelling.

The Lunan Bay Communities Partnership was established in 2020 by Lunan Bay residents and businesses to preserve and improve the area’s natural, historic, built and human environments. As well as providing updates on the car park, they also provide up-to-date information about activities and events at Lunan Bay.

• Location: Lunan Bay, Lunan, near Inverkeilor
• Opening times: Open all year round
• Accessibility: Disabled access from the car park via a boardwalk to a viewing platform overlooking the beach. Terrain is generally not suitable for wheelchairs. Public toilet facilities are available within Lunan Diner where you can also purchase food and drinks.

Location 4: Dinner at Gordon’s

Gordon’s is a family-run restaurant founded over 30 years ago in April 1986. It’s situated in Inverkeilor village, roughly halfway between Arbroath and Montrose.

The perfect place for dinner after an active day outdoors, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable fine dining experience in elegant surroundings. Gordon’s high standards over the years have earned them 3 AA rosettes.

Enjoy exquisite, lovingly-prepared dishes like broth of Arbroath Smokie, rib cap of Aberdeen Angus beef, and duck. The restaurant uses fresh seasonal produce that is sourced locally whenever possible. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

Gordon’s is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and the care, skill, and passion the chef puts into each dish. As well as their range of handpicked wines, you can also enjoy a great choice of wine, port, brandy, and gin, including some exceptional vintages.

Gordon’s also operates as a hotel if you wish to stay overnight and further explore the area’s countryside and beaches.

• Location: Main Road, Inverkeilor, DD11 5RN
• Opening times (booking recommended): Tuesday to Sunday, from 7pm (last orders 8:30pm)
• Accessibility: Restaurant has facilities for disabled visitors

Location 1: Carnoustie Golf Links or Forbes of Kingennie

Carnoustie Golf Links

For an morning of golf in a beautiful setting, look no further than Carnoustie Golf Links. There are three courses here but the Championship Course is the ultimate test of links golf, featuring the toughest closing stretch of golf holes anywhere.

Established in 1842, this course has hosted The Open on eight occasions, most recently the 147th Open in July 2018. It has also hosted the Ricoh British Women’s Open, two Senior Open Championships and is one of the three courses used for the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

You should book in advance to play on any of the courses. Junior (14 to 18 year olds) and juvenile (13 years old and younger) players are welcome. Children, families and beginners can play on The Nestie, a short, five-hole course that’s free to play and open to everyone.

If your game is rained off or you fancy something a bit different, head to Links House, a world-class facility where you can enjoy a unique, state-of-the-art indoor golf experience. The seven Foresight simulator bays in the building’s Carnoustie Performance Centre allow golfers of all abilities to enjoy their golf in comfortable and relaxed surroundings. You can book a 60 or 120 minute session in advance.

Remain in Links House to enjoy lunch at The Rookery restaurant.

• ​​Location: Links House, Links Parade, Carnoustie, DD7 7JE
• Entry: See website for prices
• Opening times: See website for tee times
• Accessibility: Wheelchair access with accessible parking and toilets

Forbes of Kingennie

Just five minutes drive from Monifieth, Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort has everything you need for a memorable morning full of outdoor activities. There is golf, fishing, walking, a play park and even a thistle maze.

The nine-hole Kingennie golf course was designed by renowned Scottish golf course architect Graeme Webster. Facilities here include a driving range with two covered bays and an incorporated practice bunker area. And their impressive putting green has been designed to emulate the Cairngorms Mountain Range.

Forbes of Kingennie offers fishing for rainbow, blue, and brown trout, as well as bait and fly-fishing on their five well-stocked pools year-round. They also have coarse fishing on their Blawearie Basin pool, which holds a variety of perch over 3lb and roach over 2lb.

You can also learn fly fishing here, thanks to some expert tuition from their instructors. They cater for fishing enthusiasts of all types, male or female, young or old, very experienced to total novice. Most fishing tuition sessions end with a trout for the table.

The two-mile walk around the resort’s impressive grounds takes you alongside the golf course and fishing ponds. The walk has a slight incline but offers striking views over Dundee and the Angus countryside, so it’s worth the climb.

Forbes of Kingennie is an ideal base for exploring Monifieth and the surrounding area, offering luxury self-catering experiences in a peaceful setting. Stay in a self-catering lodge in lush woodland or along the waterside. To make your adventure even more memorable, try one of their glamping experiences that include ‘The Stargazer’, a traditional shepherd’s hut with a star-gazing window above the bed.

Remain at the resort to enjoy lunch at the Scullery Restaurant. The restaurant serves freshly-made food using local ingredients, including produce from the family farm next door.

• Location: Forbes of Kingennie Drive, Dundee, DD5 3RD
• Opening times: Open daily from 9am – see the website for activity times and prices
• Accessibility: Walks around the grounds are partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Accessible parking and toilets.

Location 2: Lunch at The Rookery or Forbes of Kingennie

The Rookery

Based within Links House, The Rookery is the perfect location for an enjoyable lunch with stunning views of the golf course. This family-friendly restaurant offers a comfortable and relaxing eating space with excellent service and food to match.

The extensive menu offers a superb selection of dishes, including local favourites like Angus-bred pork loin, pan-seared sea bass and Scotch sirloin steak. There are several fantastic vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, including the butternut squash ravioli.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you can enjoy something from the Sunday Roast menu that includes their famous roast beef dish. All of the dishes here are locally sourced using seasonal ingredients.

• ​​Location: Links House, Links Parade, Carnoustie, DD7 7JE
• Opening times:
  Sunday to Thursday, 7am to 11pm
  Friday & Saturday, 7am to 12am
• Accessibility: Wheelchair access with accessible parking and toilets

Forbes of Kingennie

Lunch at The Scullery Restaurant means tasty, hearty food and stunning waterside views overlooking the fishing ponds. And, if it’s a pleasant day, you can take a seat on The Waterside veranda for some al fresco dining.

There are options to suit all tastes here, and the children’s menu has a great selection of tasty main courses and exciting desserts. There are vegan and vegetarian options available too.

• Location: Forbes of Kingennie Drive, Dundee, DD5 3RD
• Opening times: Open daily from 9am
• Accessibility: Walks around the grounds are partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Accessible parking and toilets. Level access into the restaurant.

Location 3: Watersports at Monikie Country Park

Open from April to October, the watersports centre at Monikie Country Park offers a wide range of exciting activities, including windsurfing, rafting, dinghy sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing.

There is something for all ages and abilities here. The centre offers individual instruction and taster sessions that are a fantastic opportunity to try new skills, meet like-minded people and engage in outdoor physical activity.

You will also discover some beautiful walking trails around the Monikie’s two former reservoirs. The bird hides situated throughout the park offer opportunities to spot all kinds of wildlife.

• Location: Panmure Road, Monikie, DD5 3QN
• Opening times: The park is open all year round. Watersports activities are available from April to October.
• Entry: Activity costs vary and should be pre-booked on the ANGUSalive website.
• Accessibility: Accessible parking and toilets available. Unpaved and uneven terrain in some areas.

Location 4: Dinner at Wee Cook Kitchen

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Wee Cook Kitchen, a family-run restaurant and award-winning pie maker based at the Barry Downs Holiday Park just outside Carnoustie. Wee Cook specialise in dishes inspired by exotic international dishes made with local seasonal produce.

Wee Cook’s menu changes regularly but always offers quality food, freshly cooked with care. Their signature dishes include famous, award-winning pies, burgers, seafood and exciting weekend specials. Wee Cook also has outstanding vegetarian and vegan options like their cauliflower bhuna pie and mushroom marinara. There are also some tempting desserts and a great children’s menu.

The restaurant is unlicensed, but you are welcome to bring your own bottle to enjoy with your meal. There are no corkage fees for alcoholic drinks apart from spirits and cocktails.

• Location: Barry Downs Holiday Park, Carnoustie, DD7 7SA
• Opening times:

Wednesday & Thursday – 11am to 8pm
Friday & Saturday – 11am to 9pm
Sunday – 11am to 7pm

Closed Monday & Tuesday

• Accessibility: Partial disabled access with accessible parking