Stripeside Wood

The woodland walk around Stripeside Wood is a straightforward affair - nothing fancy, just proper forest. You're in Aberdeenshire proper here, a short drive from Keith, and the trees do what trees do: stand about looking handsome and creating that hushed, earthy atmosphere walkers crave.

It's the sort of place you can lose an hour without thinking about it. The paths are manageable, nothing that'll have you scrambling over fallen trunks, and it works well if you're staying at one of the nearby spots like Cairnty Lodges or Hillhead Hideaways. Both are close enough that you could knock this out as a morning stroll before heading back for lunch.

For families with young legs, this hits the sweet spot - far enough into nature to feel like you've properly walked somewhere, but short enough that the kids won't start complaining halfway through. Serious hikers might find it a touch limited on its own, but as part of a wider exploration of the Highlands, it's worth the detour.

The woodland's best visited when the weather's reasonably dry - Scottish rain can make these paths slick - and there's something particularly nice about coming through here in autumn when the light gets that golden, diffused quality filtering through the canopy. Don't expect dramatic views or sudden reveal moments. This is about the simple pleasure of being among trees, and that's enough.