Muiry Wood

You'll find yourself walking through proper old-growth woodland the moment you enter Muiry Wood, just outside Forres in Aberdeenshire. It's a proper nature reserve, not some manicured country estate - ancient trees, damp undergrowth, the works. The paths wind through the reserve giving you decent views of what the Scottish Highlands woodland actually looks like when it's left alone.

This is one for the quieter type of visitor. If you're into birdwatching or just want a peaceful walk away from the main tourist routes, you'll get hours here. Families with young kids might find it a bit samey after the first twenty minutes - there aren't facilities or play areas, just trees and more trees. Bring proper boots if it's been wet.

The timing depends entirely on your mood and fitness. You could do a gentle forty-minute loop or spend a couple of hours if you're genuinely into spotting what's living here. There's no admission charge, which is just how it should be.

Muiry Wood fits nicely into a Scottish holiday when you're based at The Loft Glamping & Camping, just three miles away - you could easily pop over for an afternoon ramble between other activities. It's the sort of place that reminds you why people move to the Highlands in the first place, rather than something you've got to tick off a list.