Den of Old Maud

The Den of Old Maud is a proper woodland walk through Aberdeenshire's quieter corners, just outside Mintlaw. It's not the kind of place that'll take your breath away with dramatic vistas - instead, it's a solid forest ramble through beech and pine with a burn running through it. The walk itself is gentle enough for families, though the ground can be damp and rooty underfoot, so decent boots matter.

You're looking at maybe an hour or so to get a feel for it, longer if you're the type to stop and listen. It's the sort of spot where you'll actually see the woodland rather than just pass through it. Locals tend to know it better than visitors, which is fine by us - means it won't be rammed on a weekend.

If you're based at Aden Caravan & Camping just down the road, this makes a decent half-day outing, particularly if the weather's holding. It pairs well with other walks in the area without feeling like a gruelling expedition. Not somewhere to plan a day around unless you're really into old-growth forest, but absolutely worth the detour if you're already in the region. The walk has character - there's something quite restful about it even when the Scottish Highland weather's being temperamental.