Angus Glens - Cairngorms National Park

Overlooked by the southern peaks of the Grampian Mountains, the long fingers of the Angus Glens each have their own feel and devotees.

Glen Clova is deservedly one of the most popular, along with Glen Shee, which attracts large numbers of people to its ski slopes. At the head of Glen Clova is Glen Doll, where ancient narrow roads and footpaths take you into the heart of the Cairngorms.

Hidden away behind a maze of country roads, northwest of Brechin, lies Glen Lethnot, where the local stream was once used by illicit distillers who secreted their stills in the corries - the track here is still known as the Whisky Trail. Another hidden gem is Glen Prosen, where the narrow, twisty road on the western side is a real drivers' road, sweeping from bend to bend.

Handsome market towns like Brechin, Kirriemuir and Blairgowrie are good bases for exploring the area.

There are ten Munros - mountains over 3,000 feet - and miles of narrow twisting and bendy roads, which offer great delights and challenges for drivers, hill walkers, and nature lovers alike.

The most useful road through the glens is the A93, which cuts through Glen Shee to Braemar on Deeside. It’s pretty dramatic stuff, threading its way over Britain’s highest main-road pass, the Cairnwell Pass (2199 feet). Public transport in this area is limited, and to get up the glens you can use the postbuses from Blairgowrie (for Glen Shee) and Kirriemuir (for Glens Clova and Prosen).