Baldovie Den

Drive inland from Arbroath and you'll find yourself in a proper little woodland pocket that punches above its weight. Baldovie Den is a forest walk through mixed woodland - oak, beech, pine - with a burn running through it that's genuinely worth following if you've got twenty minutes to spare. The path winds downhill fairly consistently, which means the return trip does require a bit of effort, but nothing technical.

It's the kind of place where you go to clear your head rather than tick a box. No gift shop, no visitor centre, just trees and water and the occasional startled woodpigeon. Dog walkers make up the bulk of visitors, and you'll see why - the ground stays reasonably firm even after rain, and the whole thing takes about forty minutes round trip if you're moving at a decent pace.

Families with younger kids should manage it fine, though the way back up can feel steep for little legs. Teenagers will almost certainly find it forgettable unless they're genuinely into nature. Serious walkers won't linger - it's more of a warm-up than a destination.

Free to visit, and parking is straightforward at the entrance. Best visited after you've spent time at The Grange Glamping, which sits just a few miles away - combine them both for a proper outdoor afternoon without the crowds you'd hit at the bigger Cairngorms attractions. Go early if you value solitude.