Jamieson Park

Jamieson Park is a proper nature reserve that sits just outside Montrose, offering a quiet corner for anyone keen on spotting wildlife without the crowds you'd find at bigger visitor attractions. It's woodland and open ground in equal measure - the kind of place where you actually stand a chance of seeing deer, birds of prey, and smaller mammals if you're patient and early in the day.

The walk through takes about an hour at a steady pace, though you can easily spend longer if you're into birdwatching or photography. There are decent paths, nothing too demanding underfoot, so it suits families with older kids as well as serious naturalists. The Aberdeenshire location means you're in proper Highland country, with views that remind you why people move here and never leave.

If you're staying at St Cyrus Holiday Park just down the road - it's only five miles away - Jamieson Park makes an excellent morning outing before heading to the coast. The two work well together: you get your woodland fix here, then swap it for beaches and sea air at St Cyrus itself. Early autumn is when the place feels most alive, with migrating birds passing through.

There's no fuss about admission or facilities - this is proper countryside rather than a manicured attraction. Bring a pair of decent binoculars, wear layers, and go when the weather's dry if you can help it. Worth the detour if you're in the area and like your nature walks genuine.