Forter

Settlement in Angus

Scotland

Forter

Hill road heading towards Auchintaple Loch The road lies immediately to the south of Badandun Hill and has descended over its slopes.
Auchintaple Loch can be seen in the middle distance; farther away at the centre of the image, is Mount Blair. — Hill road heading towards Auchintaple Loch Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Forter, Angus is a small rural settlement located in the eastern part of Scotland, within the Angus region. Situated in the foothills of the Grampian Mountains, the village is nestled in a picturesque valley, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. With a population of around 200 people, Forter maintains a close-knit and friendly community atmosphere.

The village is renowned for its rich history, dating back to ancient times. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of Iron Age settlements and Roman activity in the vicinity. The name "Forter" originates from the Gaelic word "fuar," meaning cold, which reflects the region's often chilly climate.

Forter is known for its stunning landscapes, offering visitors and residents alike an array of outdoor activities. The nearby Glenshee Ski Centre is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, providing excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The surrounding hills and glens also attract hikers, mountaineers, and nature enthusiasts, with numerous trails and paths to explore.

The village itself features a few amenities, including a local pub, a primary school, and a village hall. However, for more extensive facilities and services, residents typically rely on nearby towns such as Blairgowrie or Braemar.

With its idyllic setting, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities, Forter, Angus provides a tranquil and scenic escape for both residents and visitors seeking the beauty of rural Scotland.

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Forter Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.769634/-3.3335843 or Grid Reference NO1865. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hill road heading towards Auchintaple Loch

The road lies immediately to the south of Badandun Hill and has descended over its slopes. Auchintaple Loch can be seen in the middle distance; farther away at the centre of the image, is Mount Blair.

Trevor Littlewood

Coniferous plantation laid waste

The plantation close to Auchintaple Loch had already largely been clear-felled but some trees had been left standing. Winter storms then felled some of those - there's one such in the foreground. The smouldering fires simply add to the sense of destruction.

Trevor Littlewood

Forter Castle, Glenisla

Forter Castle dates from 1560; it clearly fell into disrepair as a sympathetic rebuild was made in the 1990s. A notice at the gate emphasises that it's private - no doubt it's appearance has made tourists think it to be an antiquity open to the public! It's available currently as a luxury holiday let.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland with embedded rocks beside hill road

The hill road, now also the route used by a long distance path, the Cateran Trail, rises from the Forter area in Glen Isla to this location close to The Knaps. The moorland in view is on the road's north-west side, at a gate. Beyond, the view is across Glen Isla to Duchray Hill.

Trevor Littlewood

Minor road heading into Glen Isla

The road heading north from Little Forter with Badandun Hill rising in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Rock at summit of Carn an Fhidhleir

Carn an Fhidhleir is a minor grassy hill, part of the more significant feature, Duchray Hill. The rock is at, or very close to the hill's highest point. Badendun Hill is the obvious mountain in the middle distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Plantation below hill road

The grassy slope descends from a hill road on the south side of Carn an Fhidhleir. Below the plantation is the Forter area of Glen Isla; The restored Forter Castle can be discerned there.

Trevor Littlewood

Windthrown trees on east side of Auchintaple Loch

The plantation had already been clear-felled but as happens regularly a few trees had been left standing; the winter storms of 2021 into 2022 knocked over many of those. Mount Blair is in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Cateran Trail through woodland

A twisting section of the Cateran Trail through woodland east of Auchintaple Loch.

Scott Cormie

Cateran Trail cobwebs

Early morning cobwebs by the side of the Cateran Trail.

Scott Cormie

Bridge of Forter

On a damp day after heavy rain.

Russel Wills

Unhelpful road sign at Folda

Strong winds (or vandals) have set all the pointers in the same direction! See Link for how it should look. Forter Castle has not been moved.

Russel Wills

Creag Loisgte, off B951

With a fence climbing further up to an outlying mini-summit (Creag na Cuigeil, 653m) NE of Mt Blair. [Creag Loisgte ~ burnt rock] [Creag na Cuigeil ~ Rock of the distaff (a staff holding flax fibres for spinning)]

Stanley Howe

Meikle Forter and Forter Castle

From B951 in Upper Glen Isla.

Stanley Howe

Stone bridge over Balloch Burn (B951)

With a junction for Forter Castle (to right ahead); part of the Cateran Trail.

Stanley Howe

Cairn on Mount Blair

A sizeable cairn at around the 540 metre mark. In the background are Mealna Letter (also known as Duchray Hill) and, at its foot, the farm buildings at Balloch.

Alan O'Dowd