The area around The Steadings, Auchteralyth is at the heart of a rich, diverse landscape. Sitting at the foot of Glenisla, Auchteralyth itself has commanding, panoramic views over the Vale of Strathmore. This fertile valley runs from the Howe O' The Mearns in the north, the home of Lewis Grassic Gibbons' Scots Quair, to the Dunsinane, the legendary castle of Macbeth, just outside the small village of Balbeggie at its southern end.

The closest town is the historic burgh of Alyth, which has links with Arthurian legends. On nearby Barry Hill stands the vitrified ruin of an ancient fort in which Mordred is said to have kept King Arthur's Queen Guinevere captive. Red squirrel, deer or heron may be spotted around the Den of Alyth, a site of special scientific interest, while buzzards can be regularly seen patrolling the skies. A few miles over the hill into Glenisla you will find the dramatic 'Reekie Linn' ('smokey falls') waterfall.

Alyth Town Centre	The Old Pack Bridge	Alyth Den
View from Alyth Hill	Reekie Linn	Alyth Parish Church

Alyth is at the heart of one of Scotland's densest concentrations of golf courses and offers three superb 18-hole courses: Alyth Golf Club, Strathmore Golf Centre and Glenisla Golf Course, which offer varied and challenging golf.. There are 60 courses within one hour's drive including Carnoustie, host of the remarkable 1999 Open; majestic Gleneagles, now open to visitors; and St Andrews, the home of golf. Other notable courses within easy reach include 4 Open Qualifiers - Downfield, Monifieth Medal, Montrose Medal and Scotscraig; the scenic and testing courses such as Edzell, Kirriemuir and Crieff; and Murrayshall and Letham Grange, both of which are 36-hole Golf Resorts.

Nearby Blairgowrie and Rattray straddles the dramatic River Ericht, where you can watch salmon leap up the falls. The riverside itself has a pleasant woodland walk passing by the dramatic gorge at Cargill's Leap and finishing at the bridge to Keathbank Mill. As you travel around the area you can not help but notice the fields of soft-fruit. The successful cultivation of raspberries has made this area the Raspberry Capital of the World.

To the north, the small historic town of Kirriemuir is a place of narrow winding streets and intriguing nooks and crannies. The town is is famous as the birthplace of J.M. Barrie, best known as the creator of Peter Pan. His birth place is on the east side of the town centre and is looked after by the National Trust for Scotland. The Italian ice-cream shop is also well worth a visit.

A short, scenic drive through Glenisla will bring you to the dramatic mountains of Glenshee, the Gateway to the Highlands. Glenshee has a popular ski resort and easy access to some of the most striking hill walking areas in Britain. >>Ski Glenshee

The beautiful Angus Glens are well worth a visit. Each has its own character, from the soft, rolling hills of Glen Isla, with the tranquil Loch of Lintrathen, in the west to spectacular Glen Clova, which becomes increasingly dramatic as you travel up the glen towards Glen Doll. >>Angus Glens website

Loch of Lintrathen	Glen Doll	Heather-clad hills