Menmuir: Churches, Gravestones and Paths

Menmuir can be explored through very different traces: phases of church construction at the site of the medieval parish church, a churchyard with dated monuments, a war memorial at a road junction, and paths to wells. Those looking to combine culture and activity will find specific topics here to help plan their trip. The historical dates go back to the 17th century; directions also provide guidance for a walk or drive through the countryside.

Churches and historical traces

The former parish church of Menmuir is a Category C listed building, protected under number 19821. It is no longer used as a place of worship. The present-day Menmuir Parish Church dates from 1842 and replaced a church built in 1767. Both are considered to have been built on the site of the medieval parish church. This makes it possible to trace the succession of several churches at one location without confusing their individual building phases.

The building of the former church contains the burial vault of the Carnegys of Balnamoon, dated 1639. The churchyard also includes several notable monuments and gravestones, including the gravestone of Keatren Fairweather, dated 1702. The dates refer to different traces: the burial vault and the gravestone each tell their own part of the local history.

Buildings and a memorial in the local landscape

The former agricultural and stable use of the manse at Kirkton of Menmuir can also be seen in a named building: the former steading and stables date from 1796 and are now known as Easterburn Cottage. This building points to a different aspect from the churches themselves—the historic ancillary buildings of the manse.

Menmuir’s 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 clean lines and crowning figure give the memorial a distinctive appearance. Its position at the junction also makes it a specific landmark on the roads to Edzell and Montrose.

Wells, a walk and a road route

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, the route heads west along the road, crosses the stream and then passes through a gate into a field. Access and conditions in the field may vary; check them before setting out. Two low rows of stones may mark the course of a pilgrimage route to Come’s Well. This interpretation should be understood as explicitly tentative.

The two wells are described in different ways: St Aidan’s Well is located by its position south of the church, while a walk from the Village Hall is described for Come’s Well. Another perspective is offered by the route from Montrose to Edzell via Fettercairn, which provides views of the Grampian Mountains. For the turn-off to Menmuir, the directions specify a right turn after 3 km at a café; continue to the T-junction, then turn left towards Inchbare. Check signs and road conditions before driving.

Choose a holiday rental to suit your travel plans

When looking for a holiday rental in Menmuir, first consider whether church and gravestone history or paths to the wells and the drive via Fettercairn should shape your stay. Then make your choice according to your daily plans and compare the locations of potential accommodations with the places and routes you actually intend to use.

Discover more destinations: Tealing, Dykehead, Edzell, Kirriemuir, Westmuir, Carnoustie, Monifieth, Brechin

For the broader travel overview: Angus.