Wood Bounry

The forest floor here is soft underfoot, carpeted with pine needles and moss that springy gives way with each step. Wood Bounry, just outside Crieff, is a proper working woodland - not a manicured attraction with visitor centres and gift shops, but the real thing. You'll find yourself among mature conifers and broadleaves, with paths that meander through the trees without much fuss or signposting.

It's the kind of place where you can walk for an hour or three hours depending on what you fancy. The air smells right - green and cool, especially on warmer days when the canopy does its job. Walkers and dog owners get the most from it; families with young kids might find it a bit too "nothing fancy" unless they're into proper woodland exploration rather than play equipment.

One thing worth knowing: facilities are minimal here. Come prepared with decent footwear because the paths can be muddy, particularly in winter and after rain. There's no cafe or visitor information that I'm aware of, so pack what you need before you arrive.

If you're staying at Loch Earn Leisure Park just up the road, this makes an excellent morning or afternoon venture without the drive time. It slots in nicely between the loch activities - gives you woodland without the tourist circuit. Spring brings bluebells; autumn offers respectable colours and mushroom spotting. Free access, though the place is unmarked enough that you'll need local knowledge or a decent map to find the car park.