Buchromb Wood

The walk through Buchromb Wood, just outside Keith in Aberdeenshire, is a proper tonic if you're after some actual forest air without the tourist crowds. It's a mix of native woodland and managed forestry - the kind of place where you can hear yourself think, which honestly feels like a luxury these days.

There's nothing flashy about it. You get decent footpaths winding through tall pines and mixed broadleaves, with decent views across the surrounding countryside if you pick the right route. The forest floor is soft underfoot and the whole thing takes about an hour to explore properly, though you can stretch it to two hours if you dawdle and actually look at things. No facilities to speak of, so bring your own water.

Walkers will love this more than anyone. It's the kind of place families with older kids will enjoy - younger ones might find it a bit samey after twenty minutes. History buffs won't find much to get excited about unless you're into forestry itself.

It's free, as far as anyone can tell, and there's no specific season that makes it unmissable - autumn's nice for colour but muddy, spring's fresh, summer's green and thick. If you're staying at Hillside Havens just two miles down the road, this makes a good morning's leg-stretch before heading back for lunch. Cairnty Lodges is a bit further out but still within easy reach if you're based there.