Hareden Wood

A proper woodland walk just inland from Montrose, Hareden Wood is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. The forest is dense and quiet - mature trees create a cathedral-like canopy that feels genuinely removed from the A92 corridor nearby. You're walking through Scots pine and mixed woodland on what feels like genuinely old forest floor, the kind of place where you half expect to spot a red squirrel or capercaillie if you're patient enough.

It's not a destination in itself - more a brilliant half-day option if you're based at Cloak Caravan Park or Upper Crawton Park and need to break up a holiday that's heavy on coastal walks. The woodland is accessible and straightforward, good for families who want their kids to burn some energy without the commitment of a Cairngorms trek. Allow an hour or so for a proper wander; the paths are clear enough that you won't spend time getting lost.

Walkers will appreciate it most - there's nothing else to do here except walk and breathe Scottish air. The ground stays reasonably dry even after rain, which is a genuine plus in Aberdeenshire. It's free access, which means you can pop in without overthinking it. Come autumn when the light changes and you get proper woodland colours. Summer can feel a bit claustrophobic with the midges.