The Blue Door Walk
Beautiful hills of Aberdeenshire
Our 200-acre estate is the perfect place to recharge, de-stress and re-connect with nature. Take the famous Blue Door Walk along the spectacular Gannochy Gorge; explore dozens of pathways through magnificent ancient woodlands or enjoy a day’s fishing on the River North Esk, one of the northern hemisphere’s most prolific salmon rivers.
Nearby is the lovely village of Edzell, with its selection of shops, pubs, tearooms and parks, and Edzell Castle and Garden, perfect for an afternoon picnic after exploring the village.
If you’re looking for fresh air, adventure, or just family time The Burn is the perfect.
To the north you will find magnificent Angus Glens leading deep into the Cairngorms, which has fantastic walking, climbing and mountain biking throughout the national park. Mt Keen – the most easterly Munro – is just a short drive from The Burn, climb it quickly from Glen Esk, or more scenically via Glen Tanar.
Just 15 miles to the east of the estate are picturesque fishing villages, cliffs and excellent beaches at St Cyrus, Lunan Bay and Montrose.
Visitors who enjoy fishing and golf, two of Scotland’s most popular sporting activities, will love staying at The Burn.
The River North Esk, which runs through our grounds, provides excellent opportunities for fishing. The Burn beats mark the boundary to the estate and the river is only 200 metres from the main house. The North Esk is a first class salmon river (draining almost 290 square miles) and brown and sea trout are also plentiful.
Our best fishing kicks off around mid-March, though braver anglers can still land a fish in February and early March, with the game fishing season running from middle of February to the end of October.
Angus is well known for its wealth of great golf courses open to visitors. On the doorstep is Edzell Golf Club. The original 18-hole par 71 Old Course, with its stunning backdrop of the Grampian mountains, was laid out in 1895 and later amended with recommendations by the legendary James Braid. The Old Course is complemented by a 9-hole par 32 West Water course (named after the river), which was added in 2001 and provides the perfect setting for a pre-round warm-up.
Other local options include Carnoustie – one of the world’s finest courses; Montrose which offers stunning coastal scenery; Brechin, Panmuir, Monifieth and Kirriemuir.
If golf and fishing are not for you there are a host of other outdoor activities to enjoy. Find out more about biking trails and other outdoor adventures.
You are sure to find plenty of great places, and family-friendly activities, within easy reach of The Burn.
On the doorstep is the 16th century Edzell Castle, with its peaceful Renaissance walled garden; and the Glenesk Folk Museum, which has an array of interesting local exhibits from the 17th-19th centuries.
Nearby attractions include Glamis Castle, ‘Scotland’s most beautiful castle’ and a royal residence since 1372; the House of Dun; and the Wildlife Reserve at Montrose Basin. Adults may appreciate a visit to the Arbike distillery near Lunan for whiskey, gin and vodka tasting whilst families will find plenty to see and do at the Brechin Castle Centre.
Further afield, visitors can take the Victorian Heritage Trail through Royal Deeside to Braemar. Enjoy panoramic views over the Howe o’ the Mearns and the Vale of Strathmore, and visit castles, historic railway stations and more of the Royal Family’s favourite beauty spots.
Find out more about great heritage sites in Angus and Aberdeenshire
Some of Scotland’s most recognisable species such as the red squirrel, Scottish wild cat, golden eagle, pine marten, red deer, adder, otters and Eurasian beavers, to name but a few, can all be found in Angus and Aberdeenshire.
Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve is famed for its rare plants and wildlife as well as being a truly dramatic location to visit. The Crombie, Monikie and Forfar Loch Country Parks are also nearby, and wildlife lovers will find wonderful walks around Glen Prosen, Clova, Glen Isla, Glen Lethnot and Glen Esk.
Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot otters on the North Esk and South Esk rivers, and both are home to a host of birdlife, including heron, dippers, osprey, kingfishers and grey wagtails.