We have used the last couple of weekends to explore the new path which now runs from the viaduct over the river North Esk to Montrose. This has given Allison a chance to try out her new bike and increased our knowledge of the local area. From The Old Fishing Station it is just a short ride to the viaduct.
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| Allison with the viaduct in the background |
The viaduct was left behind when a railway line was dismantled many years ago. It is certainly worthwhile walking onto it even if you go no further as the views are fantastic. Almost every time we have gone over the viaduct we have seen a heron flying along the river looking for a meal.
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| Me on the viaduct |
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| View from the viaduct looking west towards the road bridge and Hillside beyond |
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| Looking east along the river North Esk towards the sea |
The path is part of the National Cycle Network Route 1 which also goes past The Old Fishing Station. Route 1
of the National Cycle Network is a long distance cycle route connecting Dover and the Shetland Islands mainly via the east coast of England and Scotland. The stretch of Route 1 between Harwich and the Shetland Islands forms the entire British part of the long-distance
EuroVelo 12 route known as the
North Sea Cycle Route, linking Britain, via Bergen in Norway and the Hook of Holland, to other countries that share a coastline on the North Sea.
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| Allison next to one of the cycle route waymarks |
Once over the viaduct it is a nice steady ride along the path into Montrose. There are not any hills of note and being off the road this would be suitable for pretty much any walker or cyclist. Once into Montrose there are quite a few traffic free cycle paths with various routes. We cycled past the golf courses and on to the esplanade where there are all the usual seaside tourist attractions.
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| Allison on the sea front at Montrose |
On this journey we decided not to hang about in Montrose as we had other things on our mind. Namely a nice cappuccino at the Charleton Farm restaurant. Handily Angus council realised that weary travellers on the new path would require refreshments and with a very short diversion you can pop out directly across the road from Charleton Farm.
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| The entrance to Charleton Farm |
Charleton Farm restaurant serve all the usual fare of sandwiches, paninis, soup, salads and cakes along with a good selection of drinks. There is also a farm shop, seasonal "pick your own" of a multitude of fruits and a play area for young children. There is also a handy bike stand if you happen to be on two wheels. You have a choice of inside or alfresco so as this was one of the better days this summer we chose a table outside.
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| Outside at Charleton Farm |
Feeling fully refreshed and back in the saddle it would only be a short ride back to The Old Fishing Station. We decided however to take a detour around the area of Kinnaber. This was also an area on the coast used for commercial fishing and there is lots of evidence of this. There was also a railway junction and the USAF had a small communications post here. Of most note however is Kinnaber House which looks very resplendent. After our detour it was back on the track for the return journey over the viaduct and back home.
