Caroline Wood

You won't find Caroline Wood marked on many tourist maps, but locals near Arbroath know it as proper woodland walking territory in Aberdeenshire. It's a quiet forest patch - the kind where you can actually hear yourself think, which is rarer than you'd expect this close to the coast.

The woodland itself offers straightforward walking through mixed trees with decent paths underfoot. Nothing dramatic, but solid. You get the sense the place is maintained without being over-sanitised. Wildlife spotters do well here - there's genuine woodland rather than forestry plantation monotony. Most people allow an hour to ninety minutes depending on how far you fancy wandering.

This works best for walkers after something low-key and families with kids who won't moan about tarmac attractions. Photographers might find morning light worth the trip if mist's about. Bring decent footwear; it can get boggy after rain.

If you're basing yourselves at The Grange Glamping just down the road - about four and a half miles - Caroline Wood makes an easy morning walk before heading back for lunch. Pairs well with exploring Arbroath itself, which has the Abbey ruins if you want something with more historical bite.

Access appears to be free. No visitor centre, no refreshments on-site, so bring what you need. Best in autumn or spring when the forest floor's actually visible and you're not wading through summer bracken.