Cormonachan Woodlands

The woodland paths at Cormonachan wind through mature beech and oak, with the kind of dappled light that makes you forget you've left the car park ten minutes ago. It's proper forest walking - the sort where you actually feel like you're somewhere, not just strolling round a municipal park.

The reserve sits just outside Cairndow in Argyll, and what makes it work is the simplicity of it. There's no visitor centre, no gift shop, no performance. You get trees, streams, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife if you're lucky. The paths are well-maintained and range from gentle woodland strolls to proper leg-stretchers through the steeper sections. Families with reasonably confident walkers will manage fine, though toddlers might struggle with the muddier stretches after rain.

Allow a couple of hours if you're not rushing - the place rewards a slow pace. Go early morning when the light's best and the trails feel quieter. It's free to access, which feels almost criminal given how well-kept it is.

If you're based at Drimsynie Holiday Village just down the road, this is an easy morning excursion before breakfast gets cold. Forest Holidays Ardgartan, further afield, makes for a longer drive but works nicely as part of a proper hiking day combined with the bigger walks the area offers. The woodland genuinely improves most Argyll itineraries - it's the thing you do between the famous spots, and often turns out better than expected.