Head of Glen Esk, near Brechin, Angus

Loch Lee

Reservoir

Place photograph

7.0

Wildland

1–2 hours for a short visit

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

LakesideValleyRemote countrysideWalkersWildlife loversPhotographersDogs

Why it's Wildland

7.0

At the head of Glen Esk, the Water of Lee and Water of Unich flow into Loch Lee; downstream, the Water of Mark joins the Lee to form the River North Esk. Queen Victoria described it as “a wild but not large lake, closed in by mountains, with a farm-house and a few cottages at its edge”.

Loch Lee’s appeal is the meeting of water, mountain scenery and a strong Glen Esk walking landscape. Visit Angus describes spring wildflowers, peregrines calling from the crags and the occasional golden eagle overhead; a worthwhile destination for a quiet walk rather than a developed visitor attraction.

Peaceful · Wild · Remote · Big-sky

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Head of Glen Esk, near Brechin, Angus

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The experience

Come for a waterside visit or use Loch Lee as the focus of a longer Glen Esk walk. The supplied source describes a 15.8 km moderate circular trail; check current route conditions and access before setting out.

Things to do

Walk the Loch Lee Glen Esk circular trail

Visit Angus describes a 15.8 km moderate loop used for walking, hiking, nature trips and birdwatching. Check current route conditions before setting out.

15.8 km; duration not stated

Look for spring wildflowers and birds

Visit Angus notes banks of wild primroses, peregrines calling from the crags and the occasional golden eagle circling overhead on fine spring days.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours; exact walking distance is not confirmed.

A short Loch Lee visit

01
Reach Loch Lee in Glen Esk, checking access and conditions before travelling.
02
Spend time beside the reservoir and take in its mountain setting.
03
Look for spring wildflowers and watch the crags and sky for birds.

Half day · 15.8 km; duration not stated by the source.

Loch Lee Glen Esk circular walk

01
Plan for the Loch Lee Glen Esk Circular Walk, described as a moderate loop trail near Brechin.
02
Take time to notice the loch’s setting and the wildflowers and birdlife described by Visit Angus.
03
Check current route conditions and access before setting out.

Verified history

Visit Angus records Queen Victoria’s description of Loch Lee as “a wild but not large lake, closed in by mountains, with a farm-house and a few cottages at its edge”. The supplied source does not give a date for the quotation.

Hidden details

The waters that feed the loch — The Water of Lee and Water of Unich flow into Loch Lee from the west. To the east, the Water of Mark joins the Lee to form the River North Esk.

When to go

April · May · A fine spring day; no specific time of day is established by the source.

Visit Angus highlights fine spring days for wildflowers and the chance of seeing or hearing birds of prey. Exact peak dates are not provided.

The source highlights fine spring days. Check local weather and route conditions before travelling.

What to look for

Look for spring wildflowers along the walking landscape, watch the crags for peregrines, and scan overhead for the occasional golden eagle, as noted by Visit Angus.

The story

Glen Esk landscape; Queen Victoria’s recorded description of the loch

Best time to go

Spring, especially on fine days, for wildflowers and the wildlife described by Visit Angus. Check conditions before travelling.

Visit on a fine spring day for the wildflowers and wildlife highlighted by Visit Angus. No exact peak weeks are confirmed.

How long to spend

1–2 hours for a short visit; allow longer for the 15.8 km circular walk

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Dogs

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Brechin DD9 7YZ

Google rating

4.8 · 98 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A reservoir at the head of Glen Esk, with walking and fishing described by the supplied sources. Check current access and local conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

Parking details are not confirmed by the supplied authoritative source. Check before visiting.

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Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

Visit Angus describes the location as dog friendly and advises following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Accessibility

The supplied source describes a 15.8 km moderate circular trail; it does not establish accessibility for all visitors. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Reservoir