Upperden Wood

A proper forest walk through Upperden Wood in Aberdeenshire, and it's the sort of place that rewards you for getting off the main tourist trail. The woodland here is dense enough to feel genuinely remote, with mature trees creating that cathedral-like quiet you don't find in many Scottish forests these days. Paths wind through at a gentle gradient, so it's accessible without being boring - there's enough undulation to keep things interesting without leaving you knackered.

Walkers will get the most from this one. If you're after dramatic vistas and Instagram moments, look elsewhere. What you get instead is woodland atmosphere, birdsong, and the kind of solitude that makes you remember why you came to the Highlands in the first place. Most people will spend a good hour to ninety minutes here depending on which routes they choose.

The wood sits well within reach of Clochforbie Yurts and Shepherd's Loch Glamping, both less than two miles away, so it's genuinely convenient for a morning walk before heading off to explore more of Aberdeenshire. If you're camping in the area - and there's plenty of options within a few miles - it's well worth adding to your itinerary. Frankly, it's the sort of place that works best when you're staying locally rather than driving in specially. Access appears to be unrestricted, and there's no entry fee to speak of, which makes it even easier to justify a detour. Go when the weather's decent and the paths aren't waterlogged; Scottish woodland can turn muddy without warning.