Mosstown Plantation

Walk into Mosstown Plantation and you're immediately swallowed by towering conifers that block out most of the sky. It's a proper working forest rather than a manicured country estate, which means muddy paths, the smell of pine resin, and the occasional timber lorry rumbling past - that's the point of it, really.

The plantation spreads across a significant chunk of Aberdeenshire, offering a decent network of walking trails that range from gentle strolls to proper leg-stretchers. If you're after a forest walk that doesn't feel touristy, this is it. No admission charges, no gift shop, no ranger talks - just trees, birdsong, and the occasional roe deer if you're quiet enough.

Walkers will get the most from Mosstown. Families with young kids might find it a touch dull after half an hour unless they're the type who enjoy spotting wildlife and splashing through streams. Take proper boots - the ground's often boggy, especially after rain. Allow two to three hours for a decent circuit, depending on your fitness.

Aboyne sits just down the road, making this an easy add-on to a wider Cairngorms exploration. If you're staying at Cairngorms Glamping & Campsite (only six miles away), this forest becomes your backyard playground rather than a planned excursion. The forest works best as part of a broader walking holiday rather than a destination in itself, but that's exactly what makes it worthwhile.