Moss Wood

Walking into Moss Wood feels like stepping back in time - ancient broadleaf trees create a proper cathedral of green, and the forest floor is thick with moss that gives the place its name. It's a genuine bit of old woodland near Alexandria, the sort of place where you half expect to bump into a deer round every corner.

The main draw here is straightforward: woodland walking through genuinely unspoilt terrain. Paths wind through the trees without feeling manicured or over-managed. You're looking at maybe an hour or two depending on which routes you pick, and it's the kind of walk that works well for families who don't need constant entertainment - kids tend to slow down naturally in here, spotting fungi and listening to birds. History types will appreciate that this is proper Caledonian forest remnant, not some planted plantation.

It's free to access, which is always welcome. Best visited in autumn when the light hits the trees differently, though spring's worth a visit too. Summer can feel a bit thick and muggy in there.

If you're staying at either Milarrochy Bay or the Loch Lomond Sunset glamping pods - both a short drive away - Moss Wood makes a solid half-day excursion before heading back for coffee. It's not a famous spot, which is precisely why it's worth the detour. The lack of crowds means you actually get to experience the forest rather than shuffle through it behind a tour group. Real woodland walking, no Instagram queue required.