A Steam Railway, a Stately Home and a Round Tower. A Cycling Trip from Montrose

House of Dun

The Montrose Basin Cycle Route is an 11 mile circular ride that allows you to visit House of Dun, with its stunning plaster ceilings, the Caledonian Railway with its steam trains and the town of Brechin with its round tower. Montrose is less than 2 hours by train from Edinburgh or Glasgow, so this outing can be achievable as a day trip.
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Step One: Cycle 4 miles from Montrose station to House of Dun

When you leave the station turn left to get to House of Dun. ​The cycle route is alongside the A935 on pavements or segregated cycle paths. After 3.8 miles you will reach House of Dun. This country house was designed by the famous Scottish architect, William Adam. You can take a tour of the house, explore the gardens and feast on the home baking in the tea room. 

​Read my blog about the House of Dunn

House of Dun

Step Two: Caledonian Railway

Almost opposite the entrance to House of Dun there is a turn-off for Bridge of Dun. Take this to reach the Caledonian Railway. On summer weekends heritage steam and diesel trains travel between Bridge of Dun and Brechin. This experience is about train travel for pleasure. This is all about stepping back in time to an era of carriages with compartments, windows that open and doors that you slam shut. Lock up your bike here and take the train to Brechin.

Read my blog about the Caledonian Railway​

The Caledonian Railway, Brechin

Step Three: Explore Brechin on foot

Brechin has a pleasant town centre with merchant's houses dating from the late 1700s. The round tower, next to the cathedral, is one of only two in Scotland. 

Read my blog about Brechin

Merchant's Houses, Brechin

Step Four: Cross the Bridge of Dun

Return to Bridge of Dun on the Caledonian Railway and cross the spectacular bridge on your bicycle.

Read my blog about the Bridge of Dun

The Bridge of Dun

Step Five: Cycle around Montrose Basin 
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The Montrose Basin Cycle Route is an excellent example of forward thinking by a local authority. The busy A935 makes it daunting to come here on a bicycle, but by making the pavement shared pedestrian and cycle path it has opened up the area to cycle tourism. Some parts of the pavement are very narrow with little space for bikes and people to pass, but they have made the best use of the existing infrastructure to ensure that it is viable to cycle safely in this area.​ The cycle path will take you back to Montrose station.

View of Montrose Basin from Montrose train station