Forest of Birse

The Forest of Birse sprawls across a serious chunk of Aberdeenshire - all Scots pine, Douglas fir, and spruce interspersed with patches of birch and alder. You're looking at proper woodland walking territory, the sort of place where you can lose an afternoon without feeling rushed. The main draw is the network of forest tracks and paths that wind through the trees, with a handful of marked routes ranging from gentle riverside walks to hillier affairs that'll get your legs working. On a clear day, the views open up towards the Cairngorms, which is worth the extra effort.

It's genuinely good for families who don't mind a muddy walk - kids won't get bored if you've got a decent pace, and the forest canopy provides shelter on drizzly days (which, let's be honest, is most days in Aberdeenshire). Keen walkers and photographers get the most from it, though. The light filtering through the tall trees is particularly good in late afternoon, and the undergrowth is dense enough that you feel properly away from things.

There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so come prepared - bring a map, wear proper boots, and maybe pack a thermos. It's free access, which is always welcome. Aboyne sits just 5 miles south and has the two excellent caravan parks: Aboyne Loch Caravan Park and Firbank Park are both top-rated bases if you're making this part of a broader Highlands trip. Allow two to four hours depending on which route you pick.