Muirton Wood

The walk through Muirton Wood near Stonehaven is a proper tonic if you've spent too long on the A90. Ancient Scots pine, birch, and Douglas fir press in from both sides of the main track, and the ground underfoot stays surprisingly dry even after rain thanks to the thick needle carpet. You're looking at anything from a gentle 20-minute potter to a couple of hours if you explore the side paths that branch off towards the back of the forest.

It's ideal terrain for families with primary-age kids - no precipitous drops, wide enough to walk side-by-side, and there's enough rustling undergrowth to keep them engaged. The air smells like proper Scottish woodland: damp earth, resin, and leaf mould. Worth noting that it can feel a bit gloomy on grey days, which is most days, so don't expect a sun-dappled ramble.

Since you're camping at Upper Crawton Park or Cloak Caravan Park - both five-star spots just down the road - Muirton Wood makes an easy morning outing before heading into Stonehaven itself for lunch. The town centre's worth a look, and the clifftop Dunnottar Castle is visible from certain points along the coast if you fancy combining the woodland walk with a seaside leg later.

Free to access and no time restrictions, though the light goes early this far north, especially October through February. Locals use it regularly, which says something about its quality.