Boathouse Wood

The woodland around Boathouse Wood, just outside Aboyne, is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. Thick Scots pines and mixed forest create proper shade even on bright days, with the ground soft underfoot from needles and moss. There's water nearby - you'll hear it before you see it - and the whole area has that quiet, undisturbed feel that makes you walk slower than usual.

It's a walker's spot, really. Nothing dramatic, no marked trails that I could see, but the forest is open enough to explore without feeling lost. Families with younger kids might find it dull after twenty minutes unless they're the type to spend hours turning over logs and hunting for creatures. Older children who like a bit of independence and quiet will get more from it. If you're after proper exercise, this works as a gentle circuit rather than a challenging hike.

Aboyne itself is the nearest base, and you're well-placed here if you're touring the Cairngorms. The handful of caravan parks dotted around - Aboyne Loch is closest at just over six miles, or Tarland if you fancy something quieter - make it easy to spend a few days exploring the wider area. Boathouse Wood is the kind of place to visit on a lazy afternoon, not something to build a holiday around, but on a decent day it's worth an hour of your time. Take it as it comes.