Firmounth

Firmounth is the old drove road between Bridge of Tanar in Glen Tanar and Tarfside in Glen Esk. The mapped line is 11.8 miles one way (about 19 km); the heritage-path description gives 18 km, while one walking-club crossing reports 21 km. Treat those figures as approximate, allow six to seven hours, and arrange your return from Tarfside before setting out. This is a full high-country walk, not a short forest circuit.

Starting by Glen Tanar Visitor Centre, the route passes St Lesmo’s Chapel and Knockie Viewpoint, crosses the Burn of Skinna, then climbs to Craigmahandle at 574 m. The forest gives way to open moorland as the track gains height. From Craigmahandle, the view south takes in the high ground ahead.

After a dip, the road climbs to St Colm’s Well, passes just west of Gannoch (731 m), then crosses Tampie (723 m). These are broad, exposed hills rather than a single sharp summit; the line keeps moving south across the moor. For a route photo, look back from Craigmahandle toward Gannoch to show the crossing you have ahead.

South of Tampie the Firmounth joins the Fungle Road, then descends past Shinfur and the Water of Tarf into Tarfside. Walking north, the Firmounth is the branch off the Fungle Road at the high moorland fork; southbound, follow the shared track down to Tarfside. Snow can make both old roads demanding in winter, so check conditions before choosing a date. Dogs are allowed; keep them close to heel, and on a short lead near livestock and ground-nesting birds. Toilets and drinking water are available at the Glen Tanar Visitor Centre at the starting end; food and services along the route or in Tarfside were not confirmed.