Menmuir brings together church and memorial history with a cultural landscape where wells and a possible pilgrim route raise questions of their own. The sequence of buildings ranges from a church dating from 1767 to Menmuir Parish Church, built in 1842; alongside them are the older burial vault and dated memorials. This gives you a clear focus for your stay: historic buildings and memorial sites, or the interpretation of the route around Come’s Well. Another perspective is offered by the route from Montrose to Edzell via Fettercairn, with views of the Grampian Mountains.

Churches and churchyard

The former parish church of Menmuir is a Category C listed building, number 19821, and is no longer used as a place of worship. Menmuir Parish Church was built in 1842, replacing a church built in 1767. Both churches were built on the site of the medieval parish church. The dates therefore belong to two successive church buildings, while the medieval connection refers to the site.

The building of the former church contains the burial vault of the Carnegys of Balnamoon, dated 1639. The churchyard has several notable monuments and gravestones, including the 1702 gravestone of Keatren Fairweather. The dates of the vault and gravestone add to the later sequence of church buildings, but are not themselves dates of church construction.

Memorial sites and historic buildings

Menmuir War Memorial stands at the junction of the roads to Edzell and Montrose. It takes the form of a square granite pillar on a stepped base, topped by a lion. Its location and form provide two distinct points of reference: the junction locates the memorial, while its structure describes its characteristic design feature.

The former farm buildings of the manse at Kirkton of Menmuir are also part of the village’s architectural history. The former farmhouse and stables date from 1796 and are now known as Easterburn Cottage. Their former function, construction date and current name connect the history of a manse with a specific group of buildings.

Wells, routes and landscape

St Aidan’s Well lies in the valley south of Menmuir Parish Church. Menmuir Village Hall can serve as a starting point for a walk to Come’s Well: from there, head west along the road, cross the stream, then go through a gate into the field. Access to the field and conditions may vary; check the situation locally.

Two low rows of stones probably mark the route of a pilgrim path to Come’s Well. This tentative interpretation gives the well a historical connection to the landscape, while the directions from the Village Hall are for finding your way on the walk.

Getting there and your stay

The route from Montrose to Edzell via Fettercairn offers views of the Grampian Mountains. These landscape perspectives complement the churches, memorials and wells as further themes around which to plan your stay in Menmuir.

Along the route, after 3 km, turn right at a café towards Menmuir; at the T-junction, turn left towards Inchbare. Check the signs and road conditions before travelling. This keeps the directions tied to the junctions described, while the views of the Grampian Mountains define the route’s landscape character.

Discover more destinations: Inverkeilor, Dykehead, Bridgend Of Lintrathen, Brechin, Kirriemuir, Tealing, Monikie, Kirkton Of Glenisla

For the broader travel overview: Angus.