Tillyneckle Wood

Walking into Tillyneckle Wood feels like stepping back in time - the trees are ancient, the paths are worn, and the whole place has that thick, quiet feel you only get in proper Scottish forest. There's something about the Aberdeenshire landscape that makes woods feel darker and moodier than down south, and this one doesn't disappoint.

It's a straightforward forest walk with decent paths and plenty of cover. The trees tower properly, which means even on grey days - and there will be grey days - you're sheltered and dry enough. Good for families who want to let their kids loose without worrying about open moorland exposure. The walks aren't massively long or technical, so you won't need fell boots or anything daft.

Tullochvenus is your nearest base, though it's tiny. If you're staying at Feughside Caravan Park just down the road, you've got the woodland right there without much faff. An afternoon here works well as part of a proper Aberdeenshire break - you can mix it with walking, visiting local bothies, or heading into Deeside proper.

Won't set your heart on fire if you're after dramatic vistas, but as a solid two-hour woodland ramble where you can actually breathe and think? It's well worth the visit. The undergrowth gets thick in summer, so spring or autumn might suit better. Take the path that loops deeper in rather than sticking to the edges - that's where the wood actually feels like something.