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Cateran Ecomuseum

Summary

This easy loop, suitable for most bikes, takes you through the spectacular scenery of one of the Ecomuseum’s loveliest glens. Riding alongside the River Isla you will pass by some of its most historic sites and hidden treasures.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code: Know the code before you go

Please use the arrows on left/right side to go to previous/next route.

You can download our booklet, From Deep Time To Our Time, Cycling Across The Cateran Ecomuseum here.

Route Stats

Suitable for: Road bikes
Total Distance: 8.31 km
Total Ascent: 60 m
Terrain: A mixture of quiet roads, all on tarmac
Access: Fully accessible with no gates
Route Category: Easy
Riding Time: 0.5 - 1 hr
Start/Finish: Car park at Folda
OS Grid Ref: NO 18751 64506
Nearest Parking: At the start
Key Facilities on Route: None
OS Landranger Map: 43 (or custom Cateran Ecomuseum map)

For information on local accommodation & services click here

Please click on images to open slideshow.
Photographs: Markus Stitz

Route Description

The route starts at the small car park in Folda. If full, a bigger car park is available at Kirkton of Glenisla, which also provides picnic benches and a toilet (the route can be joined at Doldy Farm). Shortly after crossing the river on Forter Bridge, the route takes a left turn on a T-junction. 16th century Forter Castle, which burnt down and was finally rebuilt in the late 20th century, is a prominent landmark on the left, before another left turn at a T-junction takes you back onto the B951, heading southbound. The route passes The Doonies and the Games Haugh, where the Glenisla Highland Games are held each August. The route crosses the Isla again at Brewlands Bridge, and follows the River Isla northbound, passing Balnamennoch Farm, Glenisla House and the village of Folda.

Find out more about some of the key Points of Interest below.

If you enjoyed this route, why not try the following?

Hill of Alyth Road Bike Ramble

Points to visit

Along the way you will find these points of interest:

  • Brewlands Bridge

    Built by Public Subscription in 1836. Brewlands Bridge (or Claypots Bridge) was built by public subscription in 1836. The subscriptions give a fascinating insight into the relative considered worth of the land and occupants in Glenisla at that...

    Read more - "Brewlands Bridge"
  • Drumnamulloch

    The larich of Drumnamulloch sits in the roadside field between the Alrick entrance gate and Birchwood at the Brewlands Bridge corner. It housed the blacksmiths of Brewlands well before the first bridge spanning the Isla there in 1834....

    Read more - "Drumnamulloch"
  • Glenisla Highland Games Haugh

    Glenisla Highland Games site

    Read more - "Glenisla Highland Games Haugh"
  • Kiln o Forter Bridge

    Kiln o Forter Bridge

    Read more - "Kiln o Forter Bridge"
  • Forter Castle

    A fine example of a late medieval Tower House. Forter Castle was built by the Ogilvys of Airlie as a fortified house in 1560. Such ‘Tower Houses’ as they are known, were intended primarily as dwellings, but constructed so that they could be made...

    Read more - "Forter Castle"
  • The Glad Stane (Also known as the Gled Stane)

    Thrown by a Giant? Away back in the dim and distant ages of mythology a giant named Colly Camb was reputed to have resided among the rocks on the south side of Mount Blair, where his place of abode, or “Hole,” still bears his name. Some...

    Read more - "The Glad Stane (Also known as the Gled Stane)"
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