Above Glen Clova, near Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland
Loch Brandy
Lake
Place photograph
6.3
Wildland
Half day
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.3A small, deep mountain loch sits high in a rocky corrie above Glen Clova, with craggy slopes rising around its dark water.
Loch Brandy makes a striking destination from a compact mountain landscape: a high corrie, dark water and rocky slopes reached by a challenging climb. Its appeal lies in the sense of arrival and the close-up view of a classic glacial landform.
Dramatic · Wild · Secluded
Find your way
Open mapAbove Glen Clova, near Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Plan for a hill walk rather than a roadside stop. Climb from the Glen Clova area to the loch, take time to appreciate its corrie setting, and allow for steep, rocky terrain and changeable mountain weather.
Things to do
Walk up to Loch Brandy
Take the steep hill path from the Glen Clova area to the mountain loch. The approach is described as challenging, with rocky sections; use suitable footwear and allow time for breaks.
Several hours; route listings give approximately 4–4.5 hours for a 5.9-mile loop, but conditions and chosen route can affect timing.
Take in the corrie landscape
At the loch, observe the steep rocky slopes and the curved basin around the water. Loch Brandy is described as a mountain corrie on the western slopes of Green Hill.
Allow time during your walk
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow several hours; the approach is steep and the exact duration depends on route and conditions.
The climb to the corrie loch
- 01
Start from the Glen Clova area; a route from near Glen Clova Hotel is described by supplied sources.
- 02
Follow the uphill path towards Loch Brandy, allowing time for the steep climb and breaks.
- 03
Spend time at the loch observing its dark water, rocky shore and enclosing corrie slopes.
- 04
Return by your chosen route, checking conditions and daylight.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of the Loch Brandy walk
- 01
Set aside a half day for the ascent, time at the loch and the return walk.
- 02
Pause on the climb to take in the changing views across Glen Clova and the surrounding rocky slopes.
- 03
At the loch, look closely at the corrie shape and the dark water; do not assume swimming or boating is permitted.
- 04
Use Glen Clova as the trip’s starting and finishing area; check locally for food and facilities.
Verified history
No historical account is supported by the supplied sources. Loch Brandy is described as a mountain loch in a corrie above Glen Clova, at nearly 610 metres above sea level.
When to go
May · June · July · August · September · Set out early enough to complete the ascent and return in daylight; choose a settled-weather forecast.
Longer daylight in late spring and summer can make the demanding hill walk easier to plan. The supplied sources note that the water is likely to be cold even in summer; mountain weather and path conditions remain important.
This is a high, exposed hill setting. Check the mountain forecast and daylight before setting out. The approach is steep and rocky, and paths may be muddy after rain. The loch is deep in the middle and likely to be very cold.
The route
- ascent
- 2,240 ft for the AllTrails loop
- surface
- Rocky and steep sections; may be muddy after rain
- distance
- 5.9 miles for the AllTrails loop
- duration
- 4–4.5 hours estimated for the AllTrails loop
- difficulty
- Hard; steep and rocky sections are reported
- route shape
- Loop according to AllTrails; other sources describe an uphill approach from Glen Clova
- start point
- AllTrails describes a start behind Glen Clova Hotel; confirm the current route and start point before setting out.
- parking start
- Parking information is not confirmed; check locally before visiting.
- Loch Brandy in its rocky corrie
- Views across Glen Clova and the surrounding slopes
- The steep mountain approach
Worth pairing with
Glen Clova
Use Glen Clova as the starting area for a walk to Loch Brandy. A supplied route description places the start near Glen Clova Hotel; check current parking, access and facilities directly before travelling.
What to look for
- 01
Notice how the loch sits within the curved, steep-sided corrie, with craggy slopes close around the shore. Visit Angus also notes a tiny, bright-orange diatom said to occur here
- 02
treat this as a reported natural-history claim, not a guaranteed sighting.
Best time to go
Late spring to early autumn for longer daylight and hillwalking conditions, subject to weather. The loch is likely to be cold even in summer.
Choose a clear, settled day with enough daylight for the uphill walk and return. Conditions can change quickly in the hills; the water remains very cold even in summer.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Reached on foot from the Glen Clova area by a steep, demanding hill path. The exact route and current access conditions are not confirmed here; check before visiting and come prepared for rough, steep ground. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
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Parking
Parking arrangements are not confirmed. Check locally before setting out.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Visit Angus describes this as dog friendly and asks visitors to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Check current conditions and any local guidance before visiting.
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Accessibility
The approach is steep and demanding, with rocky sections; it is not a level or accessible stroll. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Cost
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Water
Lake
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Loch Brandy
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
