Hillockhow Wood

A proper woodland walk through Hillockhow Wood feels like stepping back into someone else's garden - the kind of place where you half expect to bump into a gamekeeper on his rounds. Located inland from Arbroath in Aberdeenshire, this forest offers decent trails through mature woodland without the tourist crush you'd get at bigger Scottish attractions.

The paths wind through mixed trees with enough height to make you feel genuinely away from it all, even though you're only a few miles from the coast. It's the sort of place where walkers will appreciate solid ground underfoot and proper shade on warmer days, while families with younger kids might find themselves asking "are we there yet?" after twenty minutes. There's no playground or visitor centre nonsense here - just trees and quiet.

We'd give it a solid two hours if you're taking the main routes at a decent pace. The appeal really depends on your tolerance for woodland walks with limited facilities. It's not dramatic or famous, which is exactly why some people love it. Go when it's dry, because muddy paths and kids in wellies don't mix.

If you're staying at The Grange Glamping nearby - just four miles away - Hillockhow Wood makes a straightforward morning or afternoon outing. It pairs well with exploring Arbroath's harbour and red sandstone streets rather than being a destination in itself. Worth the detour if you're already in the area and fancy some air, but don't rearrange your holiday plans around it.