Tarfside - Hill of Rowan Circular

Ian Cordiner

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PLEASE NOTE: The footbridge between waymarks 3 and 4 may be closed as it due to be repaired/ replaced. An alternative route has been incorporated into the walk steps. These need to be followed carefully as there are now two possible routes.

The walk starts at the car park, where there are toilets, in the hamlet of Tarfside. After a short stretch on a tarred road it follows well-defined tracks and crosses to the south side of the River North Esk. It then continues over farmland and rough pasture and some woodland, passing through a couple of farms on the way. Another short stretch, on a very quiet tarred road, is followed by a short wooded section which then leads onto open moorland. There are extensive views of the hills to the north.

The route climbs to the monument at the top of Hill of Rowan, where wonderful panoramic views can be enjoyed in all directions. Known as the Maule monument, it was erected in 1866 by Lord Panmure, who was also known as Maule Ramsay. The descent is quite steep along a narrow path that joins a wider Land-Rover track, back through the moors to the car park.

The Cross Stone, possibly called Saint Drostans's Stone, shown on Landranger maps between Waymarks 13 and 14 is right beside the path but you will walk past it unless you are looking for it. I found the following note regarding the stone on a web site:
"A carved cross on a stone near the site of the 1717 church is thought to be associated with St Drostan, so naming the 1879 church after him seemed entirely natural.

It is said that Robert the Bruce planted his standard on the stone before entering battle against the Red Comyn, the Earl of Buchan in the winter of 1306. It is also said that the cross stone was moved to its current location from elsewhere in the glen early in the 1800s."

Scotland - Northeast Scotland - Angus - Angus Glens

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
8/7/2016 - susan duncan

Headed up to Tarfside yesterday to do Hill of Rowan circular, please note there are no Toilet facilities as Tarfside, these are closed, not sure if permanent or temporary,

8/25/2008 - Ian Cordiner

We have had a day out to look at the problem. The sun actually shone for a while and the heather this year is very spectacular, both in scent and colour. We crossed the bridge without any problem. The sign on the left of the bridge warns that it is not for public use and any person using it does at their own risk. Near the other end, however, there is a hole. While it is OK at the moment things can only get worse and walkers will be forced to take the alternative suggestion as provided in the walk guide.

8/19/2008 - Fergal MacErlean

The bridge is in a state of disrepair and is not going to be replaced.