Garromuir Wood

You'll find yourself surrounded by towering Scots pines and spruce the moment you step into Garromuir Wood, just outside Huntly. This is proper forest walking - the kind where you forget about phone signal and actually notice birdsong. The woodland trails wind through dense trees, and on a grey Scottish day (which is most days), the light filters through the canopy in a way that makes you understand why people get misty about the Highlands.

It's ideal for walkers who want something genuine rather than manicured. You won't find visitor centres or facilities here - this is working woodland, not a country estate playground. Bring decent boots, especially after rain. Most people can cover the main paths in an hour or so, though you can easily stretch it to two if you're the type to linger and look for red squirrels.

Families with older kids will find it rewarding. Younger children might lose interest quickly unless they're properly into nature spotting. The terrain is manageable but muddy in places, and there's nothing in the way of dramatic views or summits to aim for - this is about the quiet cathedral of the trees themselves.

Garromuir works brilliantly as a morning walk if you're based at Huntly Castle Holiday Park nearby. Head here before the light gets too flat, then spend the afternoon exploring Huntly's ruined castle itself. You'll have had proper Highland air and something to show for it.