SCO-108-Montrose-Scurdie Ness-Usan Circuit
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Photo: Alison Mackenzie, Community
Duration: 2 hours.
This is an interesting and visually stimulating little walk from the old fishing village of Ferryden, near the Port of Montrose, on the southern bank of the River South Esk, to the attractive lighthouse at windswept Scurdie Ness. On the initial outward section there are a number of information boards about Ferryden, WWII defences, navigation aids at the treacherous river mouth, and, finally, about the lighthouse itself. It is believed there has been a trading port here since at least the creation of the royal burgh of Montrose in the 12thC. Today it is a busy modern port providing services for the North Sea energy industry and general maritime transport. Scurdie Ness Lighthouse was built in 1870 by David & Thomas Stevenson. The lighthouse is a tall white tower 39 metres high, and is listed as a building of architectural/historic interest. Our circular walk continues along the attractive low-lying grassy coastline south of the lighthouse to Mains of Usan Farm, before returning on quiet minor country roads to Ferryden. Unfortunately, you are very likely to encounter grazing cattle in this section of the walk. A sign warns that there may be cows with calves, so it is important to keep well clear of any cattle encountered (you may feel more comfortable carrying a walking pole). You must also consider if this section is suitable for children or dogs. Please keep any accompanying dogs under close control and on lead! Nearing the field gate at Waypoint 4 (Mains of Usan Farm) it should also be noted that the ground conditions may be very uneven and muddy. At the Farm, you have the option of extending the walk southwards along the coastline, either to Seatown of Usan (adding 3 km overall), or to Elephant Rock (adding 6 km overall). In both cases, you may take quiet minor roads to connect back to this route. Of course, for a much shorter walk, you have the option of re-tracing your steps from Scurdie Ness lighthouse directly back to Ferryden. See: https://visitangus.com/montroseport/
https://www.nlb.org.uk/lighthouses/scurdie-ness/ and https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/angus/ferryden.shtml
Our website link: https://themackwalks.wordpress.com/2020/02/10/108-montrose-scurdie-ness-circuit-angus/
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(1) Start walk in Rossie Square at Ferryden(56.70136; -2.46292) https://w3w.co/skins.employ.billiardStart the walk near the centre of Ferryden at Rossie Square. From there, walk east, with the River South Esk on your left side, towards the sea along a trio of short streets: William Street; then King Street; onto River Street.
(2) Right off River Street for Victoria Square(56.70157; -2.45988) https://w3w.co/panics.feuds.gadgetIn about 100 m, turn right off River Street to Victoria Square where there is an arrowed signpost for "Lighthouse". Almost immediately take the rough path ahead of you which bends left and uphill. Soon, the path joins Beacon Terrace, where you go left to follow the road. The tarred road soon narrows as it becomes an access road for Scurdie Ness lighthouse. Keep following the access road, passing a number of information boards about Ferryden, WWII defences, navigation aids, and, eventually, the lighthouse itself. At the lighthouse, turn right on the seaward side of the lighthouse tower, towards a farm gate. (104 m)
(3) Through gate below lighthouse for coastal path(56.70177; -2.43719) https://w3w.co/waxes.bombshell.labsIn 1.6 km, on the sea-facing side of the lighthouse, go through the gate and follow the indistinct Angus Coastal Path along the grassy coastline, with the sea on your left side. Please note that you are very likely to encounter grazing cattle in this section of the walk. A sign warns that there may be cows with calves, so keep well clear of any cattle encountered (you may feel more comfortable with carrying a walking pole(s)). Keep dogs under close control and on lead! Nearing the gate and Coastal Path signpost at Waypoint 4 (Mains of Usan Farm) the ground conditions may be very uneven and muddy. (1.7 km)
(4) Through gate out of field at Mains of Usan farm(56.69256; -2.44450) https://w3w.co/glue.generated.hotspotsIn 1.3 km, ascend to the field gate at Mains of Usan Farm, where there is a Coastal Path* walks signpost. Go through the gate, ensuring you close it securely behind you. Now walk straight on past the farm buildings and farm house on your right side. Your route soon becomes a minor road which you will follow all the way back to Ferryden. Note that, after passing a pond, this road takes a sharp right at the entrance to Usan House to take a northerly direction. (3.0 km)
*Note: you have the option of going left to extend the walk along the coastline at this point, either to Seatown of Usan (adding 3 km overall), or to Elephant Rock (adding 6 km overall). In both cases, you may take quiet minor roads to connect back to this route and then return to Ferryden.See: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/angus/ferryden.shtml
(5) Right along Brownlow Place to return to walk start point(56.70108; -2.46549) https://w3w.co/bottled.advantage.suitsAfter 2.2 km you will have returned to Ferryden. Turn right here to follow Brownlow Place back to your start-point at Rossie Square. (5.2 km)
(6) Finish walk back at Rossie Square(56.70135; -2.46300) https://w3w.co/skins.employ.billiardIn 100 m, or so, after passing the Diamond Lil's pub/restaurant, you will have returned to your start-point in Rossie Square. (5.3 km)
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