Monikie Country Park

A few miles south of Forfar, Monikie Country Park sprawls across moorland and woodland with a pair of reservoirs at its heart. It's the kind of place where you can spend anything from an hour pottering about to a full afternoon without feeling like you've wasted your time.

The walking here is straightforward rather than dramatic. Paths loop around the reservoirs with decent views across the water, particularly good if you time it for late afternoon when the light softens. There's birdwatching potential - you'll spot herons and ducks without trying - and the moorland attracts grouse if you're into that sort of thing. The woodland sections offer proper shelter on windier days, which matters in this part of Scotland.

Families with younger kids will find enough to keep them occupied for two or three hours. The paths aren't taxing, there are open spaces to let them run about, and the water always holds children's attention. Serious hikers might feel it's a bit tame, but if you're staying at Greenhillock Glamping down the road and want an easy morning walk, it does the job well.

The park is free, which is a decent start. Allow an hour minimum if you're just poking around, closer to three if you plan to do the full circuit and have a sit-down. It's not a destination in itself - you wouldn't drive across the country for it - but combined with exploring Forfar and the nearby countryside, it slots in nicely to a Highlands break.