Staycation Scotland: 11 of the most beautiful and tranquil forest walks in Scotland
Ranging from the huge expanse of Galloway Forest Park (the UK’s biggest) to smaller remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest that used to cover much of the country, they are magical places.
Sundappled clearings perfect for picnics, towering Scots pine trees, spectacular waterfalls and peaceful rivers all feature in our most beautiful areas of woodland – with the chance to see some of Scotland’s rarest wildlife including red squirrels, wildcats and capercaillie.
Here are 11 of the best places in Scotland to go for a woodland walk.
1. The Hermitage
It doesn't get much more tranquil than the Hermitage in Perthshire - a stretch of forest that was orginally designed as a playground for the Duke of Atholl over 200 years ago. Douglas fir-lined paths lead to the spectacular Black Linn Falls and the pretty folly of Ossian's Hall. Photo: Canva
2. Glen Feshie
Nestled in the west of the Cairngorms National Park, Glen Feshie contains a spectacular forest of Scots pine trees surrounded by wild glen. These incredible trees can live for over 700 years and are perhaps the tree most closely associated with Scotland. Photo: Canva
3. Galloway Forest Park
Galloway Forest Park, in Dumfries and Galloway, is the largest forest in Britain and is also a recognised Dark Sky Park, meaning it's perfect for stargazers. Photo: Canva
4. Beecraigs Country Park
Located near Linlithgow, Beecraigs Country Park stood in for the American wilderness in television series Outlander and offers peaceful trails through 1, 000 acres of sitka spruce woodland. Photo: Canva