Hi William
Good to see you have been booked to bring the sunshine again!
As far as I am aware, the missing bit of path along the river is due to a sheer drop to the river. I'd guess you could possibly use the field margins to make up for the missing but of path to join up with the other bit of path, but it is cattle farming area, I would expect livestock which could complicate things.
The campsite is https://www.gleneskholidaypark.co.uk/?utm_campaign=10303677243865998601&utm_medium=wix_google_business_profile&utm_source=google
There is mention of a Café I do not know what it might offer.
Hope that helps.
Louise

Sorry, link here 🙈
https://www.gleneskholidaypark.co.uk/utm_campaign=10303677243865998601&utm_medium=wix_google_business_profile&utm_source=google

William

I actually walked the east side of the River Esk from NO 600 709 (where the Blue Door is) to the bridge last year. It's perfectly possible, as the path doesn't hug the river bank as much as the one on the west bank. The terrain is in worse condition on the east side and there is a bit of zigzagging needed (especially just before the bridge where the dotted line is missing on the map) but it is (or was last year) certainly doable.

If you're on Strava, here's a link to my track showing that it is possible: https://www.strava.com/activities/9075238855

I will probably be taking the exact same route to avoid the damaged bridge.

Thanks for the update.

I sent an email to the Caravan Park confirming that the cafe will be open on the Wednesday 22. I will let you know what response I get.

Their web site says it is open Wednesday to Subday.

I will miss the ice cream in Edzell.
William

Now you come to mention it, I remember reading that on Strava! I looked at it on the map this year, but decided it was too risky. Doh!

I got a reply from Glen Esk Holiday Park confirming that they will be open from 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.

I will stop there on the way to NWB on Wednesday 22,

William:flag-bb:

The East bank track is continuous, and is a pleasant walk, but it does involve a steep muddy section where the path moves from river level to a very obvious good path following the field margin. To be honest we normally do a circuit parking near the petrol station, heading down to the bridge, crossing over the bridge, along the river upstream to the blue door and back down the west side to the village. That means we climb up the steep bit rather than descending it.

You will have to think in terms of downclimbing, facing the slope, especially if carrying a full pack and if it has been wet weather rather than simply walking downhill.

Thanks Brian. I will keep that in mind.
WIlliam:flag-bb:

It is probably only about 20m between the river level and the top of the slope.