Evanton Wood

A proper woodland walk just outside Dingwall, Evanton Wood is the sort of place you stumble upon and think: why doesn't everyone know about this? The trails wind through mature forest with enough variety to keep things interesting without demanding mountaineer fitness levels. You'll find yourself among tall conifers and broadleaves, with decent views opening up in places and a few burns running through if there's been recent rain.

It's genuinely good for families with primary-school-age kids - long enough to feel like an outing, short enough that you won't spend the afternoon consoling tired legs. Walkers after a solid hour or ninety minutes will find it satisfying; history buffs less so, unless you're into the quiet appeal of just being somewhere that's been walked for generations.

The wood is free to access and fairly accessible from the car park area near Dingwall. Allow anything from 45 minutes to two hours depending on which routes you take and how often you stop to catch your breath on the gentle slopes. Early autumn is when it's at its best - the light through the trees is crackling, and you won't be melting.

If you're staying at Blackrock Caravan Park just half a mile away, this is an absolute no-brainer as an evening walk before supper. Even from Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site five miles down the road, it beats paying for attractions when the weather's decent. Pair it with a wander round Dingwall itself and you've got a solid half-day sorted.