Glen Doll facts for kids
Glen Doll, sometimes called Glendoll, is a beautiful valley in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. It's found at the very top of another valley called Glen Clova. This area is famous for its steep hills, bowl-shaped valleys called corries, and tall mountains known as Munros.
Glen Doll is also home to the Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve. This special place protects many rare and endangered plants. The closest town to Glen Doll is Kirriemuir. A river flows through the glen, eventually joining the larger Glen Clova river, which then flows towards the coast of Angus.
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Jock's Road: A Path to Freedom
One of the most famous features of Glen Doll is an old path called Jock's Road. This path starts in the glen and stretches all the way to Braemar. The story behind its name is quite interesting!
In the late 1800s, a wealthy man named Duncan Macpherson bought the land around Glen Doll. He tried to stop people from walking across his property. But a local man named John, or Jock, Winter, believed people should have the right to walk on these old paths.
The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society supported Jock. They took the case to court, fighting for the right for everyone to use the path. After many years, they finally won in 1888, even taking their case to the highest court at the time, the House of Lords. This victory helped protect the right for people to walk freely on certain paths in Scotland.
Exploring Glen Doll
Glen Doll is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy walking and exploring the area.
Hiking and Mountains
A popular walking route goes through the Glendoll Forest. It then climbs steeply up the Kilbo Path, which connects Glen Doll with Glen Prosen. At the top of this path, you reach a high pass. From here, it's easy to reach two famous mountains called Driesh and Mayar. These are both Munros, meaning they are mountains in Scotland over 3,000 feet (914.4 meters) tall.
Wildlife and Nature
You might see deer in Glen Doll, especially in late summer and autumn. During these times, a practice called deer stalking takes place. This is where deer are carefully managed to control their numbers.
The Forestry Commission also manages an alpine forest in the glen. This type of forest has trees that are suited to cold, high-altitude environments.
Ranger Service
To help protect the natural beauty of the Angus Glens, including Glen Doll, the local council started a Ranger Service in April 1998. There are two full-time rangers who work to look after the area and help visitors. Their main office is located right in Glen Doll.
