Scottish forests and woodlands

Did you know, seven out of the ten largest forests in the UK are in Scotland? The largest is Galloway Forest Park, which covers 770 km2 of countryside in a gorgeous green blanket. It’s an ideal location to visit, whether you’re looking for a picturesque autumn stroll, a family cycle along the trails, trying your hand at fishing, spotting local wildlife, or just spending an afternoon relaxing in the visitor centre tearoom.

Did we mention it’s also an incredible place for stargazing at night?

Learn more about stargazing in Scotland

Inchcailloch Island, which is a part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve, is a hidden treasure that provides a peaceful getaway into nature. Its rich natural and cultural legacy makes it a great spot to experience remoteness and wildness. 

A short boat journey will take you to this lovely location, where you can enjoy exceptional beauty in each season. Springtime woodlands are blanketed with bluebells; in summer the island is perfect for bird watching, while autumn brings stunning colours and migrating wildfowl that set up home here. 

The world-famous West Highland Way crosses the side of the lake as well, and there are plenty of circular hikes near the RSPB reserves at Inversnaid, Ardess, Cashel, and Sallochy.

Located close to Aviemore, in the Cairngorms National Park at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains, Glenmore Forest Park is a breathtaking gem. The park offers everything you could possibly want from a forest holiday, be it adventure, tranquillity, or cultural history.  

It’s well-known for its Caledonian pinewoods, while the stunning pine-ringed Loch Morlich, with its long sandy beach nestled in the centre of the woodland, is a highlight of the area. 

The forest is teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, pine martens and deer. You can take a gentle walk along Loch Morlich Beach Trail, excellent for families, or take to the water as this location is popular for canoeing, kayaking, as well as windsurfing.  

Glen Affric is a magical mix of native woods, glistening lochs and haunting moorland. It features over 30 miles of ancient pinewoods and is one of the largest ancient Caledonian pinewoods in Scotland. Head off and enjoy a wellness wander through the towering trees, listening out for chirping birds while feeling the Scottish breeze on your face. Glen Affric is a magnificent place to visit at any time of the year. Watch the leaves and plants come back to life in spring and summer, admire the autumnal colours of the changing foliage, or wrap up warm as you explore the trails during winter.

Situated amidst stunning Borders scenery, less than an hour's drive south of Edinburgh, Tweed Valley Forest Park is one of Scotland’s most popular and visited forests.  

It is made up of seven forests, including Cardrona and Glentress, and offers a variety of leisure pursuits. Take a relaxing stroll along one of the many well-marked walking paths, explore horseback riding trails, have a tree-top adventure at Go Ape Peebles, or try your skills at some of Britain’s best mountain biking centres. There are fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities at the Glentress Peel Wild Watch centre too, while the ancient trees offer the perfect setting for a family picnic. 

The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park combines forests, woodland, rivers, mountains and lochs across an immense 202 km2 space in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Located in Aberfoyle, explore the park on foot, two wheels, or on horseback for a magical day out. Head to nearby Loch Katrine or Loch Ard or, if you fancy stretching your legs, take the short but steep climb up Ben A’an in Callander for outstanding panoramic views. Don’t forget your camera!

Nestled in Highland Perthshire, Tay Forest Park is a vast network of picturesque forests. It’s in here where you’ll find big trees and Highland Perthshire’s iconic Queen’s View, a magnificent look-out over Loch Tummel. 

The Black Rock Trail, a 4-mile hike with expansive views of Taymouth Castle and Loch Tay, is accessible from Drummond Hill, while families can enjoy the loch-side loop around Loch Dunmore. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels and tree-nesting birds that make their home here.

With woodlands, mountains, lochs and glens, Argyll Forest Park spans 211 km2 and encompasses numerous popular spots. Explore the challenging bike trails of Glenbranter, wander past some of Scotland’s jaw-dropping giant trees in Benmore, or find your way through a maze of monkey puzzle trees at Kilmun Arboretum, which is home to over 150 different species of trees.