Broomtown Wood

A proper forest walk rather than a manicured attraction, Broomtown Wood sits just outside Dingwall and feels like the sort of place locals know about but tourists often miss. The woodland is genuine Highland - dense conifer plantation mixed with native broadleaf, the kind of place where you can lose an hour without realising it. Paths wind through the trees, some clearly marked, others less so, and the ground underfoot ranges from soft needles to muddy tracks depending on recent rainfall. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, which is rather the point. You come here to walk, breathe fresh air, and maybe spot a red squirrel if you're lucky.

It works best for walkers who want something low-key and close to a base camp rather than a headline attraction. Kids might manage 30-45 minutes before restlessness sets in, unless they're the type who enjoy building dens and poking about in the undergrowth. Families staying at Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Blackrock Caravan Park - both within easy reach - could easily slot a woodland wander in before lunch or as an afternoon break from the caravan.

There's no entry charge, no opening hours to worry about, and you can visit year-round. Spring brings bluebells in places, autumn turns the place gold and bronze. Allow whatever time suits you - even 20 minutes of wandering counts. In truth, it's less a must-do and more a pleasant three-mile detour from Dingwall if you've got the time and enjoy forests. Don't expect views or drama, just trees.