Badan Darach

The pine forest at Badan Darach feels genuinely wild - not the manicured kind you find near car parks, but proper woodland where the canopy gets thick enough to block out most of the sky. It's a Caledonian pine forest, which means these aren't planted rows but something closer to what Scotland looked like centuries ago. The walking here is straightforward enough, with good paths threading through the trees, though the ground stays damp even after dry spells.

You'll want a couple of hours minimum to feel like you've actually explored it rather than just walked through. The light filtering through the branches in late afternoon is genuinely lovely, and if you're after woodland peace rather than summit views, this delivers. It's not a destination that'll exhaust young children, but teenagers and adults who like being among proper trees will get the most from it.

The nearest settlement is Appin, a small working village rather than a tourist hub, which tells you this isn't a polished visitor attraction. Facilities are minimal to nonexistent, so bring what you need. If you're based at Creagan Station Tourers - just over a mile away - it makes for an easy morning out. The Oban site is a bit further but still close enough for a half-day trip. Winter's moody here; spring and autumn have better light. Summer midges can be fierce depending on the year, so pack accordingly.