Doulie Tower – Rocks of Solitude loop from Edzell

Hiking trails & Routes

Doulie Tower – Rocks of Solitude loop from Edzell

Moderate

4.9

(21)

124

hikers

Doulie Tower – Rocks of Solitude loop from Edzell

02:39

10.2km

70m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

92 m

Sinclair's Larder

Highlight • Cafe

The lovely town of Edzell lies at the shore of River North Esk and is a popular stop for participants of The Great Outdoors Challenge. Sinclair's Larder is a cozy café with delicious food and pastry. If you prefer fish and chips, look on the other side of the road. There is also a tiny grocery store a little further down the road if you are running low on supplies.

Tip by

2.48 km

River North Esk at the Angus–Aberdeenshire Border

Highlight • River

The River North Esk can be viewed from the B966 bridge. It's worth stopping just east of the bridge and going through the blue door in the wall. From here you can get down into the river gorge or walk along the bank higher up.

Tip by

2.51 km

Blue Door Walk (North Esk River)

Highlight • Forest

Do you fancy combining a great riverside walk along the “North Esk River” with a stroll in a “wonderful” forest? Go for the “Little Blue Door Walk” and you’ll be enchanted, as it’s such a lovely place!! Just in front of the entrance door, there is a parking bay for approx. 6 cars. For further info, check on visitangus.com/blue-door-walk

Tip by

2.59 km

Natural Pool and Arch Bridge at Rocks of Solitude

Highlight • Gorge

4.71 km

Doulie Tower

Highlight • Historical Site

A rather grand small tower hidden in the woods. The high path needs to be taken, away from the riverside to find it.

Tip by

5.38 km

Rocks of Solitude

Highlight • Viewpoint

Very picturesque walk high along the riverside, waterfalls, and pools. A small bench allows you to sit and enjoy the quiet in the woods.

Tip by

6.37 km

North Esk

Lake

6.83 km

Rocks of Solitude and North Esk Waterfalls

Highlight • River

Impressive falls in spate. Salmon ladder cut into the rock. Easy to spot, as the foundations of an old bridge remain.

Tip by

10.2 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.44 km

373 m

315 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

9.44 km

249 m

241 m

124 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (100 m)

Lowest point (50 m)

Weather

Tuesday 6 October

13°C

2°C

50 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

August 16, 2023,Kleine Wanderung : Blue Door Walk & Solitude Rock

After driving up and down the east coast of Scotland for the past three days, I took advantage of this afternoon to follow the locals' recommendations and hike the "Blue Door Walk".

It's unbelievable how many faces the river "North Esk" has in almost 5 km, it's definitely worth it when you're here 👍

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June 10, 2024,Edzell to rocks of Solitude through the blue door

A lovely walk along the river North Esk from Edzell to the Rocks of Solitude. Some impressive rock formations to be seen along the way. The Finished with a coffee and delicious sandwich at Sinclair's Larder.