Sidlaws

The Sidlaws are a range of hills stretching thirty kilometres from Kinnoull Hill near Perth to Forfar in Angus. They separate Strathmore from the Carse of Gowrie along the Tay. Craigowl Hill, north of Dundee, rises to 455 metres and is the highest point. Dunsinane Hill appears in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, while Auchterhouse Hill holds the remains of an ancient fort. An 18th-century observatory ruin stands on Kinpurnie Hill and can be seen for many miles. The hills formed during the early Devonian period from igneous and sedimentary rocks. The Dundee Flagstones make up much of the southern slopes, running from Scotston Hill to Kincaldrum Hill. The Midland Valley Siluro-Devonian Mafic Intrusion Suite cuts into parts of Auchterhouse and Scotston hills. The Ochil Volcanics create craggy ridges such as King’s Seat and Gask Hill. Scone Sandstone underlies Strathmore and forms Castleward hill. Visitors find rolling hills covered with glacial till left by the last ice age. Agates formed in volcanic cavities weather out of the rock and are sometimes found in surrounding fields. The B954 road crosses the lower ground, offering routes through the landscape. Gask Hill and Newtyle Hill provide further high points for walking. The hills remain a quiet upland area with wide views over Angus and Perthshire.