The best road cycling routes around Meigle And Ardler

Very nice on a bright sunny date.

A pleasant town with the expected shops etc. A good location for a planned break.

A great collection of Pictish stones with some really informative displays.

Kirkton of Glenisla, an ancient farming community with Bronze Age and Pictish remains, has a deep ecclesiastical heritage reflected in its name, meaning "church town." From the 14th to 16th centuries, it was part of the lands of Coupar Angus Abbey, which influenced the area's farming development. After the Reformation, the lands were feued to the Ogilvy family, later Earls of Airlie, with Forter Castle remaining as a historical landmark. In the 19th century, the area became a romantic destination, attracting Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Glenisla also saw the construction of Brackny Bridge in 1824, designed by John Justice, marking a significant moment in the area's architectural history.

Alyth, a historic town near the Perthshire–Angus border, has origins possibly dating back to the Picts and was first recorded in a 1200 charter by King William the Lion. It grew through agriculture and linen production in the 1700s, with further expansion after the railway's arrival in 1861, bringing textile mills and increased commerce. Today, Alyth thrives with a mix of local shops, a vibrant arts scene, and a growing tourism sector celebrating its rich natural and cultural heritage.

Steep steady climb so take your time

The Den o’ Alyth is a scenic woodland where the Alyth Burn has carved dramatic cliffs of Old Red Sandstone - a rock formed 400 million years ago that was later shaped by glacial forces and erosion. The landscape, marked by steep slopes and boulder-strewn beds, reflects a powerful geological past. The dynamic stream supports a diverse ecosystem. Wildlife such as dippers, grey herons, tree creepers, woodpeckers, great tits, grey wagtails, and red squirrels thrive in this ever-changing environment, while roe deer sometimes appear along the water's edge. In winter, a rare phenomenon called hair ice can form on decaying wood when specific fungal activity triggers thin strands of ice to emerge. Historically, the Den was part of the ancient Forest of Alyth, a royal hunting reserve dating back to the 12th century, even frequented by King Robert I. Today, careful woodland management continues to balance native and non-native species, ensuring the preservation of this natural and cultural heritage.

Alyth, located northeast of Perth and northwest of Dundee, has a rich history that dates back to at least the 6th century. Its name likely comes from a Pictish word meaning "rock" or "cliff," possibly referencing the steep slopes near the town. The earliest record of Alyth is from a 1200 charter by King William the Lion. In 1488, it was granted Burgh of Barony status by King James III, allowing it to hold markets and fairs, which spurred its growth. In the 1700s, the economy flourished with agricultural improvements, cattle droving, and linen production. The arrival of the railway in 1861 brought further expansion, with steam-powered mills, new hotels, and growth in retail. Today, while industry has declined, Alyth remains a vibrant town with a growing tourism economy, a community of artists, and many local businesses.