Millbrae Plantation

The forest here is a proper working woodland rather than some manicured visitor attraction, which is exactly why it's worth a morning or afternoon if you're based near Tarbert. Millbrae Plantation sits inland from the Kintyre peninsula's western edge, with larch and conifer plantations that give good shelter on blustery days - and there are plenty of those in Argyll.

There's no visitor centre or marked trails to speak of, so come prepared to make your own way through. The walking is straightforward enough for families with older kids, though younger ones might struggle with muddy sections after rain. You'll find yourself among tall trees with decent glimpses across the surrounding landscape if you head uphill. The air smells exactly like a Scottish forest should.

Since nobody seems to charge admission or require booking, you can rock up whenever suits. An hour or two works fine - this isn't the sort of place to spend an entire day unless you're genuinely into timber management or need serious peace and quiet. Early morning is best before any midge season kicks in.

It pairs nicely with either Tarbert Holiday Park just down the road or The Gather if you want something with more facilities. The plantation gives you a proper forest experience without the tourist crowds you'd get at bigger attractions elsewhere in Argyll. Real value if you're already exploring the area.