Bridgend Wood

The walk through Bridgend Wood near Mintlaw is straightforward and rewarding - a proper forest trail through mature trees with enough variation to keep you interested for an hour or so. It's the sort of place where you'll actually spot something: roe deer, red squirrels if you're lucky, and in spring the woodland floor comes alive with bluebells and wild garlic.

There's a decent network of paths winding through, so you can tailor the length to suit your mood and energy levels. The trees are tall enough that even on drizzly Highland days it stays reasonably dry underfoot, and the canopy gives good shelter. Families with young kids will manage the main routes easily, though pushchairs might struggle on the narrower stretches.

If you're staying at Aden Caravan & Camping just over a mile away, Bridgend Wood is a cracking addition to a day out - do it in the morning when the light filters through nicely and the place feels quieter. The woodland has that genuine Highland character without being remote or fiddly to access. You won't need more than two hours unless you're the type who stops for long spells with binoculars. Admission appears to be free, and there's enough here to justify bringing a proper camera if you're into wildlife photography. On a clear day the walk feels substantial; in mist it becomes atmospheric in a different way entirely.