Tollohill Wood

You'll find Tollohill Wood tucked away near Garthdee, a proper little pocket of Aberdeenshire woodland that doesn't make it onto many tourist radars - which is rather the point. This is a working nature reserve, not a visitor attraction with car parks and tea rooms, so come expecting something quieter and more genuine.

The wood itself is mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. Woodland walks wind through the trees, and depending on the season you'll spot rowan, birch, and the occasional patch of heather underfoot. It's nothing dramatic - no waterfall moments or Instagram vistas - but if you're the sort who walks to clear your head rather than tick off a list, this delivers.

Best suited to walkers and nature watchers rather than families after an afternoon activity. You'll want wellies most times of year; the ground can get boggy. Allow 60-90 minutes for a decent poke around. Free access, naturally.

It pairs well with a stay at Deeside Holiday Park just down the road - after the manicured park facilities, a proper wild wood offers decent contrast. Winter's decent here too when the deciduous trees open up sight lines. Spring though brings the woodland floor to life with fresh growth.

Not a detour if you're passing through, but if you're based at Deeside for a week, absolutely worth an afternoon out.