The six woods which collectively make up the Aberdeen Woods encircle the City of Aberdeen. They are green havens for the people of Aberdeen, and for the local wildlife. Each wood has its own individual character, and is keenly supported by its own "locals"! We are happy that people walk their dogs in the Aberdeen Woods, but dogs must be kept under conrol all the time. For the sake of the wildlife in the woods and the other people who use them, please keep your dog under control and do not allow it to foul the paths.
Bennachie is a striking hill ridge set in the flat landscape of north-east Scotland. The lower slopes are attractive Scots pine and spruce woodlands. The hill itself is approximately 3 miles long and has several granite tops (or tors). Oxen craig is the highest at 528m. Mither Tap (518m) is perhaps the most prominant and, although you might not notice, the rocky summit is an old pictish fort.
This long thin forest stretches from the Dee up to the summit of the Hill of Goach and the Hill of Tillylair. The eastern end is Scolty Woodland Park, and the local people are involved in the management of the park through the Woodland Park Association. The west end of the forest is Shooting Greens, so called because people used to practise archery there.
This highland wood really is a wee jewel. There are trails for disabled visitors leading to view points and past shallow lochans with interpretative panels and picnic benches, as well as narrow "natural" paths twisting between Scots pines and boulders for the more active. A permanent orienteering course offers visitors the chance to explore the forest more fully.
This is the best snow-holding forests in the country ! There are specially laid out trails for cross-country ski-ers. Over the summer months you may use this area for walking or cycling but please be aware that the trails are set out with ski-ing in mind, rather than for other activities. For ski hire and/or lessons you should contact the Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre on 01466 794428.
The local community help Forest Commission to manage this small wood through the "Friends of Denlethen" group. A number of seats have been placed in the wood, and clearings have been cut to show views of the surrounding area. There is an information board and a leaflet which allows visitors to learn a little more about this wood
This huge forest has waymarked forest walks and trails and is very popular with people doing long sponsored walks and endurance horse rides. Three right-of-ways cross the forest, following the old Mounth roads. Deer, foxes and raptors thrive within the forest, as well as the smaller birds and animals such as voles and tree-creepers.
The Durris Forest is made of the Durris Forest itself and several smaller outlying woods.This large forest block has many entrances, some with small car parks,others with access by foot only. There is a waymarked cycle trail, and many people enjoy a walk here. A recent programme of thining and felling has opened up views of the surrounding countryside - particularly good views are seen from the top of Cairn-mon-earn and from the forest road which skirts the northeastern edge of the wood.
Ardcastle offers walks to suit all in this woodland set between the A83 and the shores of Loch Fyne. The Forestry Commission first planted Ardcastle with trees in 1938. Today Ardcastle is a mixed conifer woodland where many areas of the original plantings have been felled and replanted, this has made Ardcastle a varied and interesting woodland. There are a number of sites in the wood of archaeological and wildlife interest such as St Brides Chapel and the graveyard by the shores of Loch Gair or the old sand quarry where many butterflies can be found.
Ardmore acts as the focus for a woodland and coastal path and also a cycle track. It is at the northern tip of Mull and offers fine views to Ardnamurchan and the Islands of Coll, Tiree, Rhum, and even Skye on a good day. As the area become felled many treasure of the Armore area are revealed, for example the ruined villages of Penalbanach and Ardmore itself.
The wild and unspoilt coastline offers the walker fine views of seals and a variety of sea birds
This magnificent stretch of rugged hill country was the very first Forest Park for public enjoyment to be established in Britain, back in 1935. Many visitors who have come to know the Argyll Forest Park, its mountains, glens, lochs and woodlands, claim that this first park is also the finest of them all.
From the quiet fishing village walks take you on to the hill high above the village or along the beach and through Carradale Forest. As you walk along the shore you might see a basking shark or a salmon leaping, out in the Kilbrannan sound. From the summit of Cnoc nan-Gabhar a wonderful panorama of Kintyre awaits. On clear days you may see Ben Cruachan to the north and the Isle of Man to the south. All the walks link to the Network Carradale Heritage Centre where interesting graphic displays depict the history of farming, fishing and forestry in the area.
Fearnoch is a forest which offers an outdoor experience that is easily accessible from the nearby town of Oban. There are 14km of cycle routes and two footpaths which wander through this mixed forest. A variety of tree ages and species in the forest provide ever changing views for those keen to explore. An ancient deserted settlement and views of a windfarm hidden in the hills reward the adventurous.
These two blocks of conifer woodland offer a variety of opportunities for the walker.
The coastal walk between Garmony and Fishnish offers the chance to admire the views, but also to spot some of Mull's more secretive wildlife, such as otters and porpoises plus a variety of bird life.
The woodland is made up of a predominatly mature conifer crop. The burn sides harbour native species such as birch, hazel and willow.Glen Aros Woodland walk is a short attractive circular route less than a mile in length. One of the main attractions of this walk is the old graveyard of Cill an Alein, housing some graves dating back to the Middle Ages.
The woodland areas of Kilmichael, Otter Ferry and Kilmory Woodland Park link together to form one forest covering over 30 square miles. There are walks and cycle trails layed out to help you discover the forest or you can explore more of the forest on foot, by bike or on horse back.
Knapdale Forest is situated in a National Scenic Area and is flanked to the north by the Crinan Canal and to the west by the Sound of Jura and Loch Sween. The name is derived from the Gaelic description of its striking topographical features; Cnap (hill) and Dall (field). The Cnaps have been likened to the ridged backs of the symbolic Pictish wild boar, an animal that used to roam here in ancient times. The walks, picnic sites and cycle routes within Knapdale are situated close together and are designed to allow access to a variety of habitats and to provide interest and enjoyment to all.
Southwest Scotland, affectionately known as the highlands of the lowlands; The wild beauty of Britain's largest forest park at three hundred square miles is waiting to be explored. Forest, moorland and lochs rise to the rugged grandeur of mountains with names like The Merrick, Mullwharcher and the Rhinns of Kells. Experience Galloway Forest Park with its host of features, from seashore to mountain tops and its outstanding variety of plants and animals.
Auchteraw is a mixed, planted conifer forest on the slopes above Fort Augustus and along the banks of the River Oich. On the upper reaches, where General Wade's Old Military Road heads towards Glenmoriston, there are panoramic views of the south end of Loch Ness and the Great Glen.
Clunes is an older wood on the North side of Loch Lochy with very steep slopes. It is made up of commercial plantations in the Great Glen, however when you head North West towards Loch Arkaig ther is a much more natural apearance from the Pine woods and broadleaf elements. Encompassing the Great Glen Cycle route and the Great Glen Way Clunes is well used by walkers and cyclists.
Craig Phadrig is a prominent hill overlooking Inverness, the Beauly Firth and the inner Moray Firth. There are the remains of an historical Pictish Fort on its summit. The open nature of the woodland which contains a variety of trees, the forest road and paths, and the ancient fort at the summit, along with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, combine to make Craig Phadrig the ideal place for an enjoyable woodland walk right on the doorstep of Inverness.
This local woodland consists mainly of conifer trees such as Scots Pine, Norway & Sitka Spruce and Douglas Fir, of which there are several huge examples here in Culloden Wood. Broadleaved trees are retained throughout the forest during all operations, and Beech, Alder and Birch are planted to enhance the conservation and landscape value of the area. Culloden Forest has been managed and worked by the Forestry Commission since 1926. It was previously owned by the Forbes family from before the time of the Battle of Culloden.
Daviot Wood lies to the south of Inverness on the ridge between Strathnairn and Loch Ness. The forest walk allows visitors and locals alike to enjoy the peace and quiet of a semi-mature pine forest with opportunities for relaxation following the rigours of driving along the A9. The wood supports a diverse range of wildlife, invertebrates, birds and animals. If you are quiet, you may see Red Squirrels and Roe Deer.
Erchite is a mixed, planted conifer forest along the slopes above Loch Ness. It has many stands of mature conifers including a high proportion of Norway spuce trees. Norway spruce cones are a favourite food for red squirrels, so there is a very healthy population of red squirrels in Erchite. There are seven small carparks just off the B852, adjacent to Erchite forest. There are views of Loch Ness from all of them, most also have picnic tables and some of them are near Erchite's forest tracks.
Farigaig forest contains a very varied mix of planted conifers of different ages and native broadleaved woodlands. The landscape is very diverse and the different habitats make Farigaig a haven for wildlife. Red squirrels, badgers and many other animals and birds thrive here. There are also several viewpoints with wonderful views of Loch Ness and an iron-age fort site on the rocky outcrop of Dun Dearduil.
Glen Affric is a very special place. It contains one of the largest ancient Caledonian pinewoods in Scotland as well as lochs, moorland and mountains. This wide range of habitats make Glen Affric a haven for wildlife. There are many rare and special birds, animals and plants found here.Amongst many others look out for deer, Scottish crossbills, crested tits and if you're very lucky, pine marten.
The Glencoe forests are set in some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. The slopes of the hills on which these woods grow are steep, but the visitor is rewarded with breathtaking views of sea lochs and mountains.
Nestled at the base of Ben Nevis the forest stretches for some 5 miles on the west side of the glen. A productive woodland with many varied types of tree and some excellent walks as well. The West Highland Way has its last 3 miles in the wood and it is an excellent way to end a long distance path.
Glen Urquhart is a very beautiful Highland glen with an attractive mix of planted, conifer forest and native, broadleaved woodlands. Many areas are suitable for walking. There are waymarked walks in Craigmonie woodland, near Drumnadrochit at the foot of the glen. There is also a network of forest roads all along the glen which are ideal for walking, cycling and horse-riding.
Guisachan forest is a mix of planted conifers with old estate plantings of Douglas fir, larch and giant redwoods interspersed with ancient Caledonian pinewoods. This a very beautiful and peaceful area with many opportunities for quiet recreation.
Kylerhea is a fairly young, mixed conifer plantation on the slopes above the Kylerhea narrows. This is an atmospheric place with breathtaking views and the opportunity to see a variety of coastal wildlife - including otters, seals and many sea birds.
The main access path which leads up to Beinn Dearg and its neighbouring mountains runs through part of Lael Forest and is very popular with hill walkers. Lael is a large forest which was first planted with trees during the 1930's and 1940's. Much of the woodland is now in its second rotation, i.e. the original trees have been felled and new trees planted in their place.
Ord Hill is an attractive wooded hillside lying just north of Inverness across the Kessock Bridge. The main feature of the hill is a vitrified Iron Age Fort, particularly interesting because of its extent and because of the views it commands across the Moray Firth to Inverness and the Grampian Hills beyond.
Port Clair is a mixed planted conifer forest on the slopes overlooking the southern end of Loch Ness. There are stands of magnificent, mature Douglas fir trees which, along with other areas, are being managed as 'continuous cover forests'. There are spectacular views over the Great Glen from Port Clair.
Portree forest is a mixed, planted conifer forest on the steep slopes above Loch Portree. From here there are fantastic views of the Minch, its islands and across to Torridon on the mainland.
There is an extensive network of footpaths over the whole island. Some of these are waymarked paths through forests, others are coastal or remote, more rugged paths. There are breathtaking views everywhere! Look out for some of Raasay's special wildlife. There are seals, otters, porpoises and many sea birds to be spotted.
Reelig Glen Wood is a mixture of old conifer and broadleaved trees, set in a narrow, steep-sided glen with the Moniack Burn running through its midst. This old policy woodland had been in the same family of Frasers for some 500 years until it was sold to the Forestry Commission in 1949. The present character of Reelig Glen owes much to James Baillie Fraser (1783 - 1856) who planted many of the trees which are found here today.
Torrachilty is a large forest extending to approximately 3,300 hectares (7,200 acres). It mainly consists of Spruce and Pine trees but also contains beautiful pockets of native Ash, Oak and Birch woodland. The woods are home to various rare animals including wildcat and pine marten, and otters have been seen swimming in the small lochans in the middle of the forest.
