Arnhall Moss

Arnhall Moss is a proper wild bit of woodland about twenty minutes from Aberdeen, just past Westhill. You're walking through native forest here - birch and pine mostly - with a real sense that you've left the city behind. The paths wind through boggy ground and open moorland, so wellies are non-negotiable unless you fancy squelchy feet. What strikes you most is how quiet it gets. No cafe, no visitor centre, no signage telling you where to go. Just forest.

It's ideal for walkers after something straightforward without the crowds you'd get at the bigger Cairngorm routes. The ground can be soft underfoot, especially after rain, so allow a couple of hours for a proper explore. Birdwatchers come here too - you'll spot crossbills if you're lucky. Kids will get a kick out of spotting wildlife and scrambling over fallen logs, though the muddy patches might test their patience.

If you're staying at Deeside Holiday Park nearby, Arnhall Moss makes for a solid morning walk before heading somewhere like Balmoral or Royal Deeside for the afternoon. It won't take your breath away like the high hills do, but it's the sort of place where you realise you actually needed fresh air more than you thought. Free access, minimal facilities. Go early if you want solitude.