Scury Islands

The Scury Islands forest sits just outside Banff, a proper working fishing town on the Aberdeenshire coast. This isn't some manicured woodland - it's a genuine forest walk with genuine Scottish character, the kind of place where you actually feel like you've stepped away from things.

What you get here is woodland trails through mixed forest, the sort of terrain that rewards a decent pair of boots. The paths wind through trees and out towards water views - the forest's proximity to the coast means glimpses of the Moray Firth if you know where to look. It's not a major scenic showstopper, but it's solid walking country for anyone who prefers substance over Instagram moments.

This suits walkers and families with older kids far more than the pram-pushing crowd. You'll need a couple of hours minimum to do it justice, maybe an hour if you just fancy a quick loop. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared - bring water, wear proper shoes, check the weather because it can turn Scottish in minutes.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Banff Links is closest at 1.5 miles - it makes an excellent day out alongside exploring Banff itself and the wider Aberdeenshire coast. The forest gives you that proper outdoors fix without needing to drive into the Cairngorms. Quieter than most woodland walks you'll find, which is frankly the whole point.