Ferryden and Scurdie Ness
Ferryden sits on the other side of the River South Esk from Montrose, named for the ferry which was here from at least the late 12th century until about 1940. Our walk started with views over Montrose Harbour, the river estuary – and some local washing!
Our path took us along the estuary to Scurdie Ness and its lighthouse. First we passed an impressive display of painted stones, many referencing Covid and lost loved ones.
Along the way were concrete pillboxes and gun shelters left over from the Second World War. John scrambled down the hill to two gun emplacements, one with a plaque inscribed by its Polish builders. I preferred to stay above photographing daffodils.
Next we reached two conical stone towers, navigational aids designed to assist ships negotiating the estuary. Known as the East and West Beacons they date from the 18th century and were made from rubble and mortar. You can see the lighthouse in the distance in the middle picture below.
The lighthouse at Scurdie Ness has been safely guiding boats into the Port of Montrose for more than 140 years. Built by the Stevenson family, it was first lit in March 1870. It still operates but has been automated since 1987. We could also see passing fishing boats and another aid. The capstan would be used when boats ran aground. A rocket with a line attached would be fired over the stranded ship and a cable hauled on board. Teams of horses harnessed to the capstan would attempt to pull the ship free at high tide.
Rather than return the way we came, we continued round the headland, watching the waves break over the rocks.
In my least favourite part of the walk, we then crossed a very rough, rutted field (blame the cattle) at Mains of Usan to reach a minor road. Some of the farm buildings had what an estate agent might term “potential”.
From here, we returned to Ferryden by road via the village of Usan. It was difficult to avoid the lighthouse though! Still visible above the trees.
This was a lovely, gentle afternoon stroll – about 3.5 miles / 6 km – taken during our stay near Montrose in April. I’m linking it to Jo’s Monday Walks. Our next walk had some very spectacular cliffs. Coming soon(ish).
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
What a wonderful place and it seems like a great walk. I also love those many coloured stones … seems sad to think about it!
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Thanks, it was a lovely walk.
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Love those stones Anabel very profound and sad to see so many. Those cows looked very menacing
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The cows kept well out of our way, thankfully. And we kept out of theirs.
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🙂
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Lovely walk indeed…Scotland is such a beautiful country. (Suzanne)
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It is, we are very lucky!
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Any walk by the sea has its drama. Very beautiful.
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Yes, it was, thanks!
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Hi Anabel – another delightful walk – love the name Scurdie … sad to see the painted stones remembering loved ones – such a terrible time for so many. Thanks for showing us the washing! and the other photos – cheers Hilary
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Thanks Hilary. A lot of interest in a short space – not least the washing!
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Lovely place, great photos. I like virtually visiting new place by reading your blog posts ☺️.
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Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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Those stones were both sweet and sad! And the lighthouse is just beautiful!
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Yes, the stones are a lovely idea. And everyone seems to like lighthouses!
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Who doesn’t like a lighthouse? A nice walk with you Anabel, but I’d have gone back the way you came – I am very wary of fields with cattle in them.
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We gave the cows a very wide berth! I don’t like them either, but this lot took very little notice of us.
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The ones here are very inquisitive!
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The worst we have encountered were on Islay. Crazy cows!
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Wise choice to stay above and photograph daffodils. I would have done that too! 😀
Your photographs are beautiful. Very poignant about the lost loved ones.
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Thanks Donna. It was a lovely walk and scrambling down a muddy bank would not have enhanced it IMHO!
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Sad to see all the stones commemorating those lost to covid. The lighthouse is lovely.
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Yes, it’s very sad and touching. Re the lighthouse, someone on Twitter commented that she had once climbed to the top, but you can’t do that now. The views must have been wonderful!
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