Target Widdie

The walk through Target Widdie is a proper forest ramble - all dense conifers, soft ground underfoot, and the kind of quiet you don't get near towns. It's a working forestry area near Keith, so don't expect manicured paths or signage at every turn. What you do get is genuine woodland, the sort where you might actually spot red squirrels if you're lucky and keep your eyes peeled.

This suits walkers who want something real rather than a tourist trail. Families with older kids will find it fine, though younger ones might get restless without a specific destination in sight - there's no café, no gift shop, no visitor centre to break things up. The terrain is manageable enough for most fitness levels, but wear proper boots and check the weather before you head in; these Highland forests can get boggy and muddy in no time.

Give yourself a couple of hours if you want to explore without rushing. There's no entry fee and no set hours, which means you can turn up whenever suits you. It's the sort of place that slots perfectly into a broader Highland holiday - combine it with nearby Hillhead Hideaways or Cairnty Lodges if you want a few nights in the area. You won't remember Target Widdie as a destination on its own terms, but as part of a proper woodland walk in rural Aberdeenshire, it does the job well enough.