Sandy Island

An island surrounded by tall pines and birch, Sandy Island sits in the River Tay near Killin like something out of a Scottish fairy tale. It's a proper forest walk, the kind where you crunch through needles and moss underfoot, spotting the occasional red squirrel if you're lucky and quiet enough. The island itself is tiny - you can walk its perimeter in about twenty minutes - but the surrounding woodland is where the real appeal lies. Ancient trees lean toward the water, and there's a genuine sense of stepping away from things, even though you're minutes from Killin's village centre.

This works best for walkers and families after something low-key rather than structured. Kids enjoy the scramble down to the riverbank and the hunt for wildlife, though under-fives might find the walk a bit long. There's no café or facilities, so bring what you need. Allow an hour if you're taking your time through the woods, less if you're just after a quick riverside stroll.

Free to visit, naturally. Come early morning or late afternoon when the light filters through properly and you've got a decent chance of seeing deer or birds. Winter's actually lovely here - less buggy and the bare trees open up views you miss in summer.

If you're staying at Loch Tay Highland Lodges nearby, this makes a gentle morning outing before tackling longer walks in the area. It's the kind of place that reminds you why Scottish woodlands matter.