Wellbank Park

A proper nature reserve tucked into Aberdeenshire's quieter corners, Wellbank Park is the sort of place that rewards a slow morning walk rather than a quick tick-off. The reserve spans woodland and open ground where you've got decent odds of spotting roe deer, particularly early on if you can manage it. Birdwatchers will find themselves genuinely occupied - I counted three different woodpecker species on my last visit, though frankly the twitchers around here seem to know far more than I do.

The paths are well-maintained but muddy after rain, so proper boots matter. Allow two hours minimum if you're actually paying attention to what's about; you could blitz it in forty minutes if you're just after the walk itself. The reserve works brilliantly as a half-day venture from Tayport, especially if you're staying at Greenhillock Glamping just down the road - four and a half miles is nothing, and it breaks up a park-based holiday nicely when the weather's decent.

Entry appears to be free, which is refreshing. It's neither dramatic nor touristy - no visitor centre theatre, no gift shop. That's precisely why families with older kids and keen walkers tend to prefer it over the more manicured nature spots. Younger children might find it a bit samey after an hour, to be honest. Winter can be bleak and muddy here, so aim for spring or early autumn when you'll actually see wildlife rather than just hoping you might.