Craigowl Hill

Standing as the highest point of the Sidlaw range, this hill offers a short, steep pull above the Angus farmlands. The summit is dominated by tall telecommunications masts, but look past the steel to find expansive views stretching from the Tay bridges to the jagged peaks of the Angus Glens.

• •The name likely derives from the Gaelic Creag nan Gall, meaning 'Crag of the Strangers,' though it is widely known today by its more atmospheric translation, 'Crag of the Owl.'
• •Standing at 455 metres, this is the highest point of the Sidlaw Hills; its status as a Marilyn ensures it is a popular target for local walkers looking for a quick ascent from the Balkello Woodland car park.
• •The summit panorama is exceptionally broad, offering a clear line of sight to the distinctive cone of Schiehallion in the west and the peaks of the high Cairngorms, including Lochnagar, to the north.
• •The mountain is an unmistakable landmark from Dundee due to the cluster of large telecommunications masts at the summit, which have served as a major broadcasting hub for northeast Scotland since the 1950s.
• •For those who find the walk too easy, the steep service road is considered one of Scotland’s most punishing road cycling ascents, though your reward for the effort is a very high probability of a headwind.