Blairadam Wood

The woodland walk at Blairadam is a proper tonic if you're staying near Kinross and fancy getting away from the caravan for an afternoon. Ancient beech and oak trees create a cathedral-like canopy, and the paths are easy enough for families without demanding too much fitness. You're looking at around an hour for a gentle circular route, though there's scope to extend it if you've got the energy.

What makes it worthwhile is the sense of genuine remoteness. Within a few minutes of leaving the car park, you forget you're in central Scotland. The woodland feels properly old - the kind of place where you stumble upon fallen monuments and wonder about the estates that once owned it all. The ground is soft underfoot most of the year, which beats tramping around gravel car parks.

Walkers will get the most from this. Small kids might find it a bit samey after forty minutes, if I'm honest - there aren't dramatic viewpoints or adventure playgrounds to break things up. But if you've got teenagers or a partner who wants peace and quiet, it's excellent. The birdwatching can be decent too, particularly in spring.

When you're camped at Gallowhill or Meadow View - both within a short drive - Blairadam fills a gap nicely between the bigger attractions. It's free, always open, and requires zero planning. Bring a packed lunch if the weather's decent. Worth the detour on a quiet morning.