Pathhead Wood

The woodland around Pathhead, just inland from Buckie, is proper Aberdeenshire - dense, quiet, and the sort of place where you'll actually hear yourself think. It's a straightforward forest walk through mixed trees, with paths that wind through enough greenery to feel properly away from things without needing hiking boots or a Ordnance Survey map. Nothing fancy about it, but that's rather the point.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's gentle enough for families with youngish kids, though the paths can be boggy after rain and there's not much in the way of facilities or viewpoints to write home about. Allow an hour for a reasonable loop; less if you're just after a quick twenty-minute stroll. The real appeal is the peace - you won't fight crowds here, and on a clear morning the light through the trees does lift the mood considerably.

It slots well into a caravan holiday in the area. Greencraig Pods, just 1.3 miles away, offers a proper base with facilities sorted, or you could opt for Hillhead Hideaways if you want something a touch more upmarket. Both make Pathhead Wood a natural addition to a few days exploring the Aberdeenshire coast and inland countryside. Visit outside school holidays if you can - you'll have the paths largely to yourself. Bring a waterproof regardless of what the forecast says.