Scotland’s natural beauty is incomparable. A country laden with rolling highlands, ancient castles, northern islands swallowed by the sea, mysterious standing stones, and forests as old as time – it’s a place of pure magic!
Did you know that Scotland has over 300 forests? And there are 3 main different kinds of forests: Caledonian pinewoods, Atlantic oakwoods, and Highland birchwoods. Traipsing through all the Scottish forests and discovering their secrets would take far too long, but there are a few you absolutely need to see. This is our list of top 10 most beautiful and accessible Scottish forests to get you started!
1. Rothiemurchus Forest
Part of the vast and infinitely impressive Cairngorms National Park, Rothiemurchus is largely considered one of the oldest forests in Scotland, and it was under the care of the Grant family for 500 years. The nature and wildlife of the park is varied, and a visit to the Rothiemurchus Estate provides plenty of activities for families and travellers. Elusive deer dot the treeline, and you’ll also be able to visit some adorably fluffy Highland cows!
You can experience these Scottish forests and Highlands with Contiki on our England and Scotland trip.
Image source:Contiki / Rothiemurchus
2. Inchcailloch and Loch Lomond
Inchcailloch is a small island on Loch Lomond covered in thick forests. It used to be home to a nunnery and burial ground, but today it’s a gorgeous spot for birdwatchers and walkers in the spring and summer time. Filled with oakwoods and silver birch trees, you can wind through the woods and get blissfully lost. And in early spring, the ground is carpeted in blooming bluebells.
3. Glen Affric
Glen Affric is one of Scotland’s most popular nature reserves and it’s filled with native woods, mirror-surfaced lochs, and flat moorlands. It’s one of the largest ancient Caledonian pine woods in the country making it impressive on many counts. Beautiful all year round either flourishing in spring, bursting with wildlife in summer, evergreen even in autumn, or blanketed by snow in winter – Glen Affric is worth many visits.
Image source:Michael Schreiber / unsplash
4. Glentress Forest
Just south of Edinburgh, Glentress Forest is the gateway to the Tweed Valley Forest Park and it’s filled with walking trails and activities. It’s one of the easiest Scottish forests to visit and navigate around because of the many clearly-laid out paths, and it’s ideal for experienced hikers and beginners.
Famous for the 7stanes mountain biking trails, you can of course cycle through the woods, or you can explore on horseback! You can also join the fun at Go Ape for some tree-top walks and ziplining. Or maybe some good old fashion orienteering if anyone’s feeling particularly adventurous.
5. Faskally Wood
If you’re a fan of fiery autumn foliage, you should visit Faskally Wood between September and November. This Scottish forest boasts a gentle scenic trail which is easy for any hikers and walkers, and you’ll be taking a tour around glittering Loch Dunmore. You can visit the ‘Foresters Classroom’ and learn about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as conservation efforts made to keep Faskally Wood and the surrounding Tay Forest Park alive.
Faskally Wood is quite popular as it turns into the Enchanted Forest in autumn, hosting beautiful light and music shows. If pixies and fairies live in any of the Scottish forests, it’d be this one.
6. Galloway Forest
In the heart of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO biosphere, Galloway Forest is perfect for adventure-seekers and stargazers. This is one of the largest forests in the UK, giving it plenty of beautiful and natural space for things to do! Hikes on offer, of course, but the most notable activity here is canyoning – if you dare. This is also an ideal place to stargaze as the open skies are huge and clear of light pollution, so you can admire the galaxies above.
7. Loch Ard Forest
Also located nearby Loch Lomond, Loch Ard Forest is perfect for adventurous and educational outings in the wild. There are countless established routes to walk and cycle along, and there is a Sculpture Park which dots the walkways throughout, inviting visitors to stop and admire and reflect. There are also interactive games providing opportunities for travellers to learn more about the forest and wildlife.
Image source:Carl Jorgensen / unsplash
8. Cardrona Forest
Neighbouring Glentress Forest, Cardrona Forest drapes down the hillsides by the Tweed Valley and it is filled with gentle walking paths for a breezy spring or summer day. As with many Scottish forests, Cardrona is packed with wildlife, and the cutest member of all is the tiny red squirrel which you might see zip past in a flash of auburn.
9. Puck’s Glen
A magical forest which seems plucked straight from Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream (and perhaps named after Puck himself), Puck’s Glen is moss-covered with large looming trees and intricate rock formations creating waterfalls and rock pools and ravines. The walks here are twisty with wooden bridges to help you along the way – you’ll feel like you’re getting lost in a fairytale.
Image source:Nathan McGregor / unsplash
10. Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
This 10,000 acre estate is part of the Caledonian Forest, and central to one of Scotland’s conservation and rewilding programmes. Trees for Life operates out of here, offering visitors a chance to wander the expansive and beautiful grounds, as well as learn about conservation. The onsite nursery grows around 80,000 trees a year which are later planted on the Dundreggan estate, keeping this old land alive and well. With hills and lochs and lots of wildlife in the shrubbery, it’s one of the most stunning Scottish forests you have to visit.
You can learn all about it with Contiki on our Scotland in a Week trip.
What is the Caledonian Forest?
The Caledonian Forest is the ancient forest of Scotland. It was formed at the end of the last Ice Age, over 120,000 years ago, and it’s been standing on Scottish land since then – a living fossil, in some ways. Sadly, due to deforestation, climate change, and human colonization, the sheer size of the Caledonian Forest has been slashed, though many sections of it still remain today, and rewilding efforts are in place to repopulate this relic.
