Tay Forest Park

The Tay Forest Park spreads across 14,000 acres of Perthshire woodland, and it's the sort of place you can lose an entire day in without noticing. Proper forest, this - mix of Scots pine and larch planted decades ago, but dense enough that you genuinely feel removed from the world the moment you step off the car park.

Walking is the main draw. There are trails threading through for all abilities, from gentle riverside rambles along the Tay itself to proper hill work if you're up for it. The forest canopy filters the light beautifully in autumn, and spring brings carpets of bluebells. Mountain bikers love it here too - the terrain suits that crowd well. You'll see red squirrels if you're quiet enough, and plenty of birdlife.

It works brilliantly as a base for a park holiday near Pitlochry. Faskally Woods Holiday Park sits practically on the doorstep - half a mile away - so you can wake up to forest walks without faff. The bigger sites like Parkdean Resorts' Tummel Valley are a short drive, giving you options depending on what kind of camping experience you want.

Allow at least half a day if you're serious about exploring. An hour won't cut it. It's free to wander, which is handy. October and April tend to be quieter than the peak summer season. Families with older kids enjoy it; very small ones might struggle with the longer walks, though shorter loops exist. The forest isn't dramatic or showy. It's just straightforwardly good.