Black Wood

The Black Wood near Inverness is one of those forests you stumble into and immediately feel the difference in the air. This is old-growth Caledonian woodland - proper ancient stuff - with gnarled pines and birches that have been here for centuries. Walk through it and you're basically stepping back into what the Scottish Highlands looked like before humans got busy clearing everything.

It's brilliant for anyone who wants a genuine forest experience without the theme-park treatment. You get proper silence here, dappled light filtering through the canopy, and the smell of pine needles underfoot. The terrain is varied enough to hold interest - some sections are thick and brooding, others open up with views toward Inverness. There's no visitor centre or marked trails as far as we can tell, so come prepared with decent boots and a map. Check locally in Inverness first for access details and any seasonal restrictions.

Family groups will find it absorbing for an hour or two, especially younger kids who like scrambling over roots and exploring. Serious walkers could easily spend a full morning here, pushing deeper into the woodland. Bring binoculars if you're into birds - the old pines attract species you won't see in managed forests.

Stay at one of the nearby caravan parks - Coulmore Bay or Bunchrew are both close enough for easy access - and use it as a morning outing before heading elsewhere. It's not a destination by itself, but it's exactly the sort of place that makes a park holiday in the Highlands feel authentic rather than sanitised.