Finavon Fort
Good walks are even better shared.
NO5055 : Fertile Strathmore valley from Finavon Hill
Anthony Smith Photo source
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Route planning notes
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Finavon Fort Circular Walk
A lovely circular route that takes you around the fort and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
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Photo Gallery
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NO5055 : Fertile Strathmore valley from Finavon Hill
Anthony Smith
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NO5055 : Road over Hill of Finavon, Angus
Alan Morrison
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NO5055 : Grassland above Strathmore
Douglas Nelson
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NO5055 : The fort on Finavon Hill
Elliott Simpson
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NO5055 : The fort on Finavon Hill
Elliott Simpson
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
205m
674 ft
Prominence
33m
Coordinates
56.6905, -2.8055
NO507557
OS Map
54
Explorer: 389
At the Summit
The summit features the remains of an ancient hill fort, with impressive earthworks and ramparts that hint at its historical significance. There's also a small stone marker indicating the top, giving fantastic views over the River Esk.
Terrain & Geology
Finavon Fort is predominantly composed of Old Red Sandstone, which is a sedimentary rock formed in the Devonian period. The natural erosion of the landscape has shaped the steep slopes and prominent cliffs surrounding the fort, providing excellent views and a dramatic backdrop for any hiker.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Angus countryside, including the River Esk and the distant Grampian mountains on a clear day.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Finavon' derives from the Gaelic 'Fionn Abhainn', meaning 'the fair river', indicative of the nearby River Esk.
Historical Significance
Finavon Fort is an ancient hill fort that dates back to Iron Age Scotland. It was strategically located to oversee the river and surrounding lands, playing an important role in local history.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There's a small layby just off the main road (A90) where you can park; it's approximately 2 km from the trailhead.
Public Transport
The nearest train station is in Forfar, about 7 miles away. Local bus services can take you towards the A90, followed by a short walk to the parking area.
Nearby Facilities
Basic amenities are available in Forfar, including cafes, restaurants, and public toilets. No facilities directly on the hill, so be sure to bring your own snacks and refreshments.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Uneven terrain, potential for slippery paths after rain, and steep drop-offs at the hill fort edges.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Finavon Fort?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Finavon Fort through the maps
Are there other walkers around Finavon Fort?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Finavon Fort search or of course create your own walk for Finavon Fort
Can I organise a walk to Finavon Fort?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Finavon Fort.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Finavon Fort?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Finavon Fort here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: NO507557
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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