Five Glens of Angus facts for kids

The Five Glens of Angus are five special valleys found in the western part of Angus, a region in Scotland. A "glen" is a Scottish word for a narrow valley, usually long and deep, often carved by a river or a glacier. These five glens are known for their beautiful Highland scenery.

The five glens, listed from west to east, are:

• Glen Isla
• Glen Prosen
• Glen Clova
• Glen Lethnot
• Glen Esk

What is a Glen?

A glen is a type of valley, often found in Scotland and Ireland. These valleys are usually long and narrow. They are often formed by rivers flowing through them. Sometimes, ancient glaciers also helped to shape these deep valleys. The glens in Angus are a great example of this.

Exploring Glen Clova

Glen Clova is one of the most interesting of the five glens. It has a landscape that was shaped by huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, a very long time ago.

Glaciers and Valleys

When glaciers moved through the area, they carved out deep features. You can see "trough-heads" like Glen Doll and Corrie Fee. A trough-head is like the very end of a valley that was scooped out by a glacier.

Corries: Nature's Bowls

Glen Clova also has many "corries." A corrie is a bowl-shaped hollow on the side of a mountain. It's formed when a glacier erodes the rock. Think of it like a giant armchair carved into the mountain. Some famous corries in Glen Clova include Corrie Bonhard and Corrie Brandy.

Moving Rocks

Over time, the rocks in Glen Clova have also moved. This can happen through "rock slope failures." This is a fancy way of saying that rocks can slide down hillsides. Sometimes, they move slowly, and other times, they can fall quickly like an avalanche.

Amazing Wildlife in the Glens

The Glens of Angus are home to many different animals. These include birds, deer, and other creatures that live in the Scottish Highlands.

Red Kites and Their Nests

One interesting bird found here is the red kite. These birds are known for their beautiful reddish-brown feathers and long, forked tails. They are often seen soaring high in the sky.

In 2015, something funny happened in Glen Esk. Red kites living on the Gannochy estate were found to be taking unusual items for their nests. They were collecting things like socks and underwear that belonged to swimmers! It seems they thought these items would make good, soft lining for their nests.