The Den & The Glen

Two woodland ravines that cut deep into the landscape just west of Aberdeen, The Den and The Glen offer proper walks through ancient forest. You're following burns that have carved these gorges over centuries, with tree cover so thick it feels like you've stepped into another world entirely - even when the city's not far away.

The paths are well-maintained but can get muddy, especially after rain. The Den is the tighter, more dramatic of the two, with steep banks rising either side. The Glen opens out a bit more, though still wooded. You can do them as separate walks or link them together if you're after a longer outing. Allow anything from 45 minutes to two hours depending on how far you push and how often you stop to admire the scenery.

It's excellent for families with older kids who won't complain about tree roots and uneven ground. Younger children might struggle with the more rugged sections. Walkers will genuinely enjoy this - it's the kind of place where you forget you're close to a city at all. History buffs get less here, but the geology speaks for itself.

Free to access, open whenever. The nearest proper base is Deeside Holiday Park, less than a mile away, which makes it ideal for a quick morning walk before breakfast or an evening stroll. Best visited outside summer weekends when it's quieter, though avoid peak rain when the paths turn to bog.