St Ternan Park

The Dee Valley gets proper quiet once you head into St Ternan Park, a nature reserve that sits just outside Banchory where the river bends through some genuinely good woodland. What you're getting here is a chance to walk through native trees - mainly scots pine and birch - without the crowds you'd find at bigger attractions. The paths are well-maintained and follow the Water of Feugh as it cuts through, so there's always something to look at rather than endless flat terrain.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a quick dash. Birdwatchers will spend hours spotting woodland species, and families with younger kids will manage a decent hour or so before legs start complaining. The paths aren't strenuous, though some sections can be muddy depending on the weather - which, this being Aberdeenshire, is fairly often. Allow two to three hours if you're taking it seriously, or an hour if you just want a decent stretch and fresh air.

Given how close you are to Silverbank Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite and Banchory Lodge - both within walking distance really - this works brilliantly as a morning activity before heading into Banchory town itself for lunch. It's free to access, which helps when you're caravan-hopping through the Highlands. Not flashy, but solid woodland walking that does exactly what it says on the tin.