Plodhill Wood

The woodland around Plodhill feels properly ancient - gnarled Scots pines stand among birch and rowan, with a floor thick enough to muffle footsteps. It's the sort of place where you half expect to stumble across a stone circle, though what you'll actually find is peace and decent walking through genuine Highland forest that hasn't been coshed into submission.

The trails here suit walkers far more than casual strollers. You're not getting manicured paths and interpretation boards - this is real woodland where you navigate by sense and the occasional marker. The tree cover means it stays reasonably dry even after rain, which is saying something in Aberdeenshire. Allow two to three hours if you want to explore properly rather than just poke about for twenty minutes.

Families with older children who don't need constant entertainment will do well here. Younger kids might find it a bit samey, all trees and no playground thrills. It's the kind of place that speaks to people who actually enjoy being in woodland rather than just photographing it for Instagram.

Being barely two miles from Ythan Valley Campsite makes it a natural add-on if you're basing yourself there for a few days. Ellon, the nearest proper town, is close enough for supplies. Winter walks are particularly good - the bare branches let in more light and the muddy paths are part of the charm rather than a problem. Free to access, no facilities, no fuss.