Alyth Den

The Den is a proper woodland gorge just outside Blairgowrie, the kind of place that makes you understand why Perthshire gets people excited about Scottish scenery. A burn runs through a deep ravine lined with ancient trees - oak, ash, and birch - and the whole thing feels far more remote than its proximity to town would suggest.

You'll walk along well-maintained paths that follow the water downstream, with the rock faces rising up on either side creating genuine drama. The best bit comes when you reach the deeper sections where the gorge tightens. Moss covers everything, ferns unfurl from the banks, and the light filters through in that particular green-grey way that only happens in Scottish woodland. It's atmospheric without being precious about it.

Really works for families with older kids and walkers looking for something between a stroll and a proper hike. You could knock it over in an hour comfortably, though lingering is easy if the weather's decent. Allow longer if you're into spotting birds or just sitting by the water.

The walk suits a caravan park base perfectly - Five Roads is barely a mile away and comes with full marks from previous visitors. Pop down for an hour or two between other Tayside exploring, or make it part of a proper woodland-hopping afternoon. Free to access, which helps the case. Go when it's not torrential; the ravine drains water quickly, but muddy paths lose their charm when they're genuinely treacherous.