Roysvale Park

The woodland paths at Roysvale Park wind through proper native forest - Scottish pines, birch, and ancient oaks that actually feel like they've been here for centuries rather than restored yesterday. It's a nature reserve near Forres that doesn't shout about itself, which is exactly why it's worth the drive.

You're looking at a few hours well spent if you like walking without the crowds. The reserve has marked trails rather than manicured routes, so you'll spot red squirrels, woodland birds, and the occasional roe deer if you're quiet enough. The terrain's gentle enough for families with older kids, though younger ones might struggle with the uneven ground in places.

How long you stay depends entirely on your pace. Rush it and you'll cover the main trails in ninety minutes. Take a flask and stop regularly, you could easily stretch it to three hours. The reserve is free to access - no visitor centre, no cafe, just trees and air.

If you're camping at The Loft Glamping just four miles away, this makes a solid half-day option before heading back for the evening. It's the sort of place that breaks up a holiday park stay without requiring advance planning. No phone signal in parts, which is either brilliant or annoying depending on your outlook. Spring and early summer are best - the light lasts longer and the undergrowth hasn't gotten too dense. Come expecting solitude, not spectacle.