The Caterthuns and Strathmore Circuit
The Caterthuns and Strathmore Circuit: Complete Hiking Guide to Angus’ Ancient Hillforts
Embark on the Caterthuns and Strathmore Circuit, an immersive hike that reveals the dramatic beauty and ancient history of Angus, Scotland. This captivating loop takes adventurers across rolling hills and open countryside, offering panoramic vistas of the fertile Strathmore valley and the rugged eastern Highlands. Walkers are treated to winding paths lined with heather and wildflowers, while the iconic twin hillforts—White Caterthun and Brown Caterthun—rise proudly above the landscape, each offering sweeping views and a palpable sense of the past.
As you traverse dirt and gravel trails dotted with rocky outcrops, you’ll encounter a patchwork of fields, scattered farmsteads, and stretches of open moorland. The route’s mix of moderate inclines and gentle flat sections ensures a rewarding experience for both seasoned hikers and those seeking a memorable day walk steeped in Scottish heritage.
Route Overview
The Caterthuns and Strathmore Circuit is a loop trail that typically starts and finishes near the small parking area southeast of Menmuir, close to the White Caterthun hillfort. The route is well-suited for a single-day hike, with a total estimated distance of 13.5 km and an expected duration of around 4–5 hours for most walkers.
From the start point, the circuit proceeds to ascend White Caterthun, where hikers can explore the ancient hillfort before following farm tracks and quiet country lanes across the Strathmore valley. The path passes through patches of open countryside, agricultural fields, and scattered farmsteads, offering occasional views toward the Sidlaw Hills. After returning to the valley floor, the trail climbs once more to visit the Brown Caterthun, marked by its pronounced earthwork ramparts. The circuit then completes by reconnecting to the starting area via rural tracks and minor roads.
Trail conditions vary between dirt, gravel, and rocky sections, with some stretches potentially muddy after rainfall. Wayfinding is generally clear, though navigation aids are recommended for crossing open moorland areas or during poor visibility. The route does not offer significant facilities, so hikers should plan to be self-sufficient and carry adequate supplies for the day.
Ancient Hillforts and the Heritage of the Caterthuns
The Caterthuns are among Scotland’s most striking ancient monuments, with both the White Caterthun and Brown Caterthun hillforts dating back to the Iron Age—over 2,000 years ago. These monumental earthworks are believed to have served as tribal strongholds, refuge points, or symbols of power for the local Pictish communities that inhabited the region. The large concentric ditches and ramparts, particularly striking on White Caterthun with its distinctive white quartz stones, suggest a place of strategic and ceremonial importance.
Archaeological discoveries from the site include fragments of pottery, tools, and evidence of prehistoric dwellings, all pointing to a thriving settlement with complex social organization. The Caterthuns also appear in various Scottish legends, with some suggesting links to ancient battles or as lookout points over the vital Strathmore valley—once a key corridor for migration and trade. Walking the circuit, hikers are quite literally following in the footsteps of early Scots, immersing themselves in a landscape where echoes of ancient life and lore still linger in the windswept grasses.
Notable highlights
White Caterthun Hillfort: This Iron Age fort is famous for its impressive white quartz stone defences, which encircle the hilltop and shimmer in the sunlight. Visitors can walk around the ramparts and take in panoramic views across the Angus countryside.
Brown Caterthun Hillfort: A short distance from its twin, the Brown Caterthun is marked by massive earthen ramparts and ditches. It offers a striking contrast to the White Caterthun and an excellent vantage point over Strathmore and the Sidlaw Hills.
Panoramic Views of Strathmore Valley: Throughout the route, the trail offers sweeping vistas of the rich agricultural landscape of Strathmore, with the Grampian and Sidlaw hills rising in the distance—an ideal spot for landscape photography.
Rolling Scottish Moorland: The circuit traverses areas of heather moorland, giving hikers a taste of classic rural Scotland, especially vibrant with color in late summer.
Wildlife and Flora: The open countryside is home to skylarks, hares, and a range of wildflowers—particularly in spring and summer.
Historic Parish of Menmuir: Nearby remnants of ancient settlements, old churchyards, and farmsteads provide additional historical intrigue for those interested in the local heritage.
Quiet Country Lanes and Farm Tracks: Much of the route follows peaceful, lesser-traveled paths, allowing hikers to enjoy the tranquility of the Angus landscape.
Challenges to expect
While overall the Caterthuns and Strathmore Circuit is rated as moderate, hikers will encounter a few sustained climbs—particularly when ascending to the White and Brown Caterthun hillforts. These sections can be steep and may become slippery during wet weather, requiring careful footing on loose gravel and rocky surfaces.
Scottish weather is another unpredictable element, with sudden changes common even during the optimal hiking seasons. Hikers should be prepared for wind, rain, and cooler temperatures on the exposed hilltops, especially as there is limited shelter along the trail. Navigationally, most of the route is straightforward, following clear paths and farm tracks, but some segments cross open countryside where signage can be minimal. Carrying an up-to-date map or GPS device is advised to avoid confusion at junctions or when mist reduces visibility.
United Kingdom 
Scotland - Mountainous
- Dirt
- Rocky
- Gravel
- Wild camping spots
- Accommodation Not Required
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Campsites
The hike begins at the parking area near the base of White Caterthun hillfort. The route ascends to the summit of White Caterthun, where hikers can walk around the historic ramparts and take in broad views of the Angus countryside. After descending, the trail follows a series of rural lanes and tracks, taking you across fertile fields and past traditional farmsteads within the Strathmore valley. At roughly the midpoint, the route curves toward Brown Caterthun, which involves another gradual climb to its prominent earthwork fortifications. Following exploration of Brown Caterthun, hikers return via minor lanes and farm paths, closing the circuit back at the original start point. The terrain is varied, consisting of dirt, gravel, and rocky segments with moderate elevation gains and a few steep but short inclines. Navigation is generally straightforward, though some sections cross open moorland with minimal signage.