Introduction to Dundee
Walking possibilities
A Vision for Access in Dundee
Places within easy reach
List of walking routes in and around Dundee
Other walking stories for places close to Dundee
Walking publications and maps
Links to other Dundee sites and travel information
Map of locations of walks in and around Dundee >
Introduction to Dundee
The City of Dundee might not be the first place that springs to mind for a hiking holiday, but think again! There are walks around the city itself, routes up nearby hills, and longer hikes in the Highlands within an hour's drive.
Dundee is blessed with a wonderful situation on the East coast of Scotland, overlooking the Firth of Tay to the south. It lies about 100 km (62 miles) north of Edinburgh. The city centre has been improved enormously over the past 20 years, through partnership between the public and private sectors led by Scottish Enterprise Tayside and Dundee City Council. It is increasingly recognised as an example to other cities of a partnership approach to regeneration. With a population of around 150,000, it has all the facilities of a modern city, combined with easy access to the surrounding countryside in Angus, Perthshire and Fife.
Once known as the city of jute, jam and journalism, Dundee has moved on. It is now known as the “City of Discovery” in recognition of the presence of the RRS Discovery, built and launched here in 1901, which Captain Scott used on his expeditions to the Antarctic. Discovery Point is now Dundee's premier visitor attraction. This title also points to Dundee’s modern role as a centre for scientific discovery especially in the fields of biomedicine, environmental sciences and digital media. It has two expanding universities close to the city centre, bringing a large student population to the city.
The city is easily reached by rail (on the east coast main line), road and bus services. Dundee Airport has daily services to and from London City Airport with ScotAirways..
return to the top
Walking possibilities
The walk around central Dundee takes in these and other distinctive features of the city, linking heritage attractions, modern architectural landmarks, and cultural, retail and leisure facilities. Other walks lead up to hilltop viewpoints and through parks.
There's even a 26-mile Dundee Green Circular route for walkers and cyclists, taking in several parks including Camperdown and sections along the banks of the Dighty.
Walking routes can be enjoyed on the edge of the city, in Camperdown and Templeton Country Parks, along the coast at Broughty Ferry and Monifieth, and further inland extending into Angus.
A Vision for Access in Dundee
Dundee City Council has set out a Vision for Outdoor Access in the city:
“A city that works for all its people as they move easily through its
built and green spaces to go about their everyday lives – for work or
play. Safe, healthy and friendly – a good place to be.”
This recognises the benefits for health and the environment that can result from an increase in walking, cycling and horse ridging. Details are set out in the Dundee Community Paths Challenge document (watch out if downloading - it's a big file!)
The Outdoor Access Strategy document is also available.
return to the top Within easy reach
The coast and countryside of Fife, and the town of St Andrews, are just a short distance to the south, Perth is 32 km (20 miles) west, and the Highlands of Angus and Perthshire lie within easy reach to the north and west, around an hour’s drive away. This makes Dundee an excellent base for walking and sightseeing across eastern Scotland.
It’s also an attractive place to live, and has been home to our family since 1994. Indeed, Maggie was born and brought up here, and our younger daughter Frances likewise. It's a place to be proud of, and we hope that these pages will help raise its profile and attract more visitors.
return to the top
There are complete Walking Stories for:
Some extras added recently (May 2006)
These are shorter walking stories without summary pages but with some colourful new photos:
We hope others will add to this collection.
Go to Map of locations of walks in and around Dundee >
Other completed Walking Stories for places close to Dundee:
return to the top
Walking publications and maps
A range of walking books covering Dundee, Angus and Perthshire is available at bookshops in the city (Ottakars and Waterstons, Commercial Street) and at the tourist information centre in Castle Street.
These include James Carron's "Dundee Walks", 20 country walks within 20 minutes drive of the city, published in 2004.
These stores also have detailed Ordnance Survey maps showing the main footpaths. Town maps for Dundee are available at these and other locations.
Useful links for Dundee
Dundee.com city portal for events, entertainments and more
Dundee City Council
Discovery Point and Verdant Works heritage attractions
Dundee Contemporary Arts (including cinema)
Dundee Rep Theatre
Scottish Enterprise Tayside
Sensation Science Centre
Travel Dundee local bus services
University of Abertay
University of Dundee
Visit Scotland Dundee page
Other links on Dundee.com
Travel info:
AA routeplanner
Scotairways flights to and from London
FirstScotRail train timetables (see nos 2 & 3 on the list)
National Rail enquiries
Contributed by: Andrew Llanwarne - 2005
return to the top |
