Location 1: Glen Clova

Park in the car park at Dykehead, near Kirriemuir, and cycle along the Glen Clova Cycle Route, which takes you into the Cairngorms National Park and along Glen Clova to Clova village, or you can take the car. The quiet 19 mile round trip is on a tree-lined road with lots of dips, twists and turns, so ideal for cycling.

At the end of the valley lies the Glen Clova Hotel, which like many local eateries, specialises in dishes made from fresh, seasonal Angus produce.  If you’ve cycled here – it’s time for lunch!

If you’re driving, why not make a short detour and visit Glen Doll, home to red deer, red squirrels, golden eagles and Scottish wildcats? The car park, which is on the riverbank, has a highly-informative Visitor Information Centre and there’s a good choice of walks through the forest.

Location 2: Glen Isla

After lunch, head back to Dykehead and then Kirriemuir, taking the road to Glen Isla. This secluded glen features several reservoirs and lochs – Kinnordy Loch near the start is a renowned birdwatching spot, with ospreys regularly visiting in summer.

A walk round Backwater Dam, which is located high in the hillside, will set you up for tea and cakes at either The Wee Bear Café, which overlooks Lintrathen Reservoir, or Peel Farm.

If you’re visiting the Angus Glens in summer, the long, light evenings are ideal for walking or cycling. In winter, keep cosy (and eat well) by the fireside in one of the excellent pubs and hotels dotted around the glens – how about The Drovers Inn or one of the many eating places in Kirriemuir or Edzell?

Location 1: Glen Esk

Start your second day in the Angus Glens with a visit to one of the most historic buildings in this part of Scotland – Edzell Castle. Once the grand seat of the Lindsay family, Mary Queen of Scots spent two nights at Edzell Castle.

Although now a ruin, the castle’s beautiful formal gardens have survived the test of time, along with the Tower House, Summer House and the Lyndsay family’s burial vault.

From here, drive north into Glen Esk, the largest of the Angus Glens and once the refuge of escaped Jacobites. Follow the road for 15 miles until you reach the head of the glen, where Invermark Castle proudly stands looking across the beautiful, tranquil waters of Loch Lee.

Keep your eyes peeled for slow worms, herds of wild deer and rare birds – or book a tour of the glen with Glenesk Wildlife, whose experts know just where to look.

Devote the afternoon to exploring the attractive village of Edzell, with its narrow wynds, grand Victorian hotels, historic library and excellent tea rooms and cafés.