Newtyle Network (4 miles)
Newtyle lies 10 miles to the north of Dundee and the village shop sells a pack containing several booklets giving comprehensive details of the various walking routes interspersed with the history of the area. A recommended purchase. This tour will concentrate on the low-level paths, with the hike up Kinpurney Hill being outlined here.
Much of the Newtyle network is based on old railway lines, all of which were swept away in the 1960s. We begin at the village park on North Street but those interested in old infrastructure will almost certainly want to head back over the road and along Commercial Street to view the original station which was opened in 1831. This was the terminus of the first Dundee & Newtyle Railway which can lay claim to running the first passenger service in Scotland. The descent into Newtyle was so steep that trains had to be hauled by stationary steam engines over this leg.
Back to the walk. Follow the well-built path through the woodland where gaps in the trees reveal views of the surrounding Sidlaw Hills. We are now upon an extension of the original railway which linked up with other lines. It does take quite a bit of poring over old maps to sort them all out! We curve round gradually to our left and eventually meet the B954 where the bridge is missing. Cross with care and take the path which scales the embankment on the other side. A pleasant stroll brings us to a minor road where this section of rail walking comes to an end.
An alternative to continuing on the embankment after the B954 is to walk up the road away from Newtyle for a quarter mile (no pavement available). Just before the sharp bend where the Belmont Arms Hotel is situated, take a path to your left which runs for 30 yards to the trackbed of the Scottish Midland Junction Railway. This route ran from Perth to Forfar and was part of an inland express line to Aberdeen. The platforms of Alyth Junction Station are still extant around the bridge under the main road. Far more surprising is the presence of telegraph poles with wires intact and a tall semaphore signal. Climb the ladder if you dare! These are very unusual finds.
It isn't possible to make further progress under the road bridge so we head east along the trackbed of the main line. Although this isn't an official public path, it is perfectly passable and the abandoned infrastructure gives it a more urbex feel. We are also right on the Angus boundary with Perthshire. We pass the remains of a bridge which carried the Alyth branch from Newtyle over this line before they met again at the station. You may have noticed there were two sets of bridge abutments when we met the B954 for the first time. This where this particular branch originated. Told you it was complicated!
Railway anorak aside, we actually end up at the same minor road where the Newtyle Railway path ran out. Just a short distance further up. The two lines merged here and the route proceeded to Coupar Angus (which lies in Perthshire). Add an extra half mile for following the alternative route.
However you choose to arrive, turn left along the quiet road and then take a right at the next two forks to enter the hamlet of Newbigging. Look for a signed path on your left called Water Backie. This rural footpath is lovely to walk and the Sidlaw Hills can again be appreciated. Guess what! - we meet another railway line. This time it's the loop into Newtyle which replaced the original Alton Towers gradient and allowed for normal loco running. Climb up the steps and follow the line uphill (it wasn't completely flat!). The other way is private property and walkers are requested not to try and gain access.
We cross a bridge over a minor road then enter a lengthy rock cutting which features all sorts of mosses and lichens on the sides. A truly magical place. At the end of the cutting, head back down but this time climb up the steps to the footbridge over the line. This is part of Bannatyne Walk and the route proceeds through the middle of a field back to Newtyle. Note that passage through the field has long been considered a local right of way and a meandering path has been established. Pass through the gate on the other side and work your way back to the village.
