classic route

the hawthorn small lochs.

History on the hill If you venture up onto the slopes of Cochno Hill, high above the reservoir, look out for some ruined buildings. They are all that’s left of sheiling huts – summertime homes for farming families, who would bring their stock up into the hills for the good grazing. Discover the Kilpatrick Hills Cochno Hill is in the heart of the Kilpatrick Hills, which lie to the north of the River Clyde overlooking the historic towns of Dumbarton and Clydebank. They’re only 9 miles (14.5km) west of the centre of Glasgow, and easy to reach by rail, road, bus and bike, but you can find a real sense of wilderness and spectacular views here. Commonwealth Woods The Kilpatrick Hills were one of fourteen Commonwealth Woods, designated as part of the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, that provide outdoor spaces for you to enjoy free events and activities, get active or just go for a walk in the fresh air. The network of green spaces around the city includes a mix of well-established and newly-planted woods, and a new riverside park created out of derelict land opposite the Commonwealth Games athletes’ village.

There’s

surprising sense of remoteness, as well as spectacular views

,

Lady Kennedy’s bath: see how it compares to your bathroom!

real playground

Ancient history is everywhere here, from the Cave itself to the bronze age hut circles near the car park. You'll also enjoy stirring views across the moor to Machrie's multiple stone circles. It's a great spot for wildlife too. There are so many habitats here that it's hard to know where to look first. Teal and snipe swim on the forest lochan, seabirds squeal on the shore, red squirrels and barn owls breed in the forest, and buzzards hunt noisily on nearby grassland.

sunny

broken crags

Six fabulous forests

Beauty, timber and wildlife All the forests around Bennachie are constantly changing. These are working woods, managed to produce a crop of trees in a cycle that involves felling and re-planting. We plan this work so visitors can continue to enjoy the forests, and so the wildlife that depends on the trees is protected. Along the Working Wood Trail you can find out more about our work. The timber from the Bennachie forests supplies local sawmills, paper mills and other wood processors: next time you buy some chipboard, it might have come from the slopes of Bennachie.

Peaceful woodland trails, intriguing sculptures, exciting

If you want to bring a cloot by all means do – biodegradable cotton or wool are best for the environment.

gentle woodland

wonderful

Marquises and monks

clinging

An inspiring attraction

Easan nam Measan – Dog Falls

a classic view

You may notice that there has been tree felling work in many parts of Callendar Wood. Phytophthora ramorum (larch disease) has caused widespread damage and killed many larch trees, that we were required under plant health law to remove. The felling has changed how the forest looks and feels – but it has also created some amazing views. Come along and have a look!

old

Superb views

The way Aros Park looks today owes much to Alexander Allan, son of a wealthy Liverpool shipping magnate, who inherited the estate when he was just 29 and spent the rest of his life improving it. He welcomed visitors to the beautiful landscaped grounds around grand Aros House, and built a library and meeting rooms in Tobermory. Aros House was demolished in 1962 but you can still find traces of the Allans’ time here, such as a shed by the burn where a generator made electricity for the house. You’ll find more about the fascinating history of Aros Park on a website developed by Mull resident June Saul

cook a barbecue

a fabulous back garden

Craig Phadrig’s history is fascinating, partly because it’s full of mysteries. The site was excavated in the 1700s, when there was much debate about whether the circular mound was the remains of a volcano! It’s been suggested that St Columba met the Pictish king Bridei here in 565 AD and converted him to Christianity, but there’s little evidence to support this.

This old policy woodland had belonged to the Fraser family for some 500 years until it was sold to the Forestry Commission in 1949. The way Reelig Glen looks today owes much to James Baillie Fraser (1783-1856) who planted many of the trees.

There are two woodlands you can visit here, each with their own character. Kinnoull has forest paths to explore and open areas to play or picnic. Deuchny is quieter, with more conifer plantation: it’s a great place to get away from it all on a longer walk or ride. Views from them both stretch across Perth, the Tay estuary and through Fife to the Lomond Hills. Looking north, you can see over the Highlands from Ben More in the west to Lochnagar in the Cairngorms. On the south side of Kinnoull Hill, cliffs soar dramatically above the Tay. In the 1700s they reminded the 9th Earl of Kinnoull of the crags along the river Rhine in Germany that are topped by fairy-tale castles. He felt the Tay deserved its own fantastic landmarks, and had towers built on Kinnoull Hill as well as Binn Hill to the east. The Earl also built a stone table as a place for picnics: now you can try it out for size. The arboretum in Deuchny wood, just next to the Jubilee car park, is a collection of unusual conifers first planted in the 1920s. It’s been restored using a bequest from Perth naturalist and landscape gardener Jim Aitken. The collection now includes plots that display ornamental trees suitable for small gardens: if you’re planning a makeover, this is the place to get some ideas! Kinnoull is managed jointly by Forestry Commission Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council, in partnership with the Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park Group. This community-based group is for anyone who is interested in the forest. Their website has more information on the wood, the arboretum – and how you can get involved in looking after it. Perth and Kinross Council’s paths directory has a leaflet guide to Kinnoull.

where you can check out trees

a real jewel in Perth's crown

Tower's

Expansive views

Take a peek at Kylerhea

All sorts of mammals have swum in the sea around Kylerhea – including cows! Kylerhea was once an important crossing for drovers taking cattle to mainland markets. Today it's a peaceful place where you can test your knowledge on the marine mammal trail and enjoy stunning views across to Glenelg.

Easy going through

Discover the Kilpatrick Hills Overtoun House is in the heart of the Kilpatrick Hills, which lie to the north of the River Clyde overlooking the historic towns of Dumbarton and Clydebank. They’re only 9 miles (14.5km) west of the centre of Glasgow, and easy to reach by rail, road, bus and bike, but you can find a real sense of wilderness and spectacular views here. Commonwealth Woods The Kilpatrick Hills were one of fourteen Commonwealth Woods, designated as part of the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, that provide outdoor spaces for you to enjoy free events and activities, get active or just go for a walk in the fresh air. The network of green spaces around the city includes a mix of well-established and newly-planted woods, and a new riverside park created out of derelict land opposite the Commonwealth Games athletes’ village. A new native woodland Woodland Trust Scotland has been working with the local community to establish a new native woodland on the moorland beneath Lang Craigs. Some 20,000 trees are being planted to create new habitats on the hill and attract lots of native wildlife. Visit the site to see how they are getting on. Overtoun House The grand Scottish Baronial manor of Overtoun House was built in the 1860s for James White, a retired local lawyer. His family lived here until 1938, when the house was given to the people of Dumbarton. During World War II it was used as a military hospital and it later became a maternity hospital until the 1970s, when it fell into disrepair. Today it is being restored and used as a Christian centre for young people.

spectacular panorama

wilderness feel

popular forest

The Battle of Culloden, between government troops and the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie, was the last battle fought on British soil. You can find out more about its causes, what happened on the day and its lasting effects on Scottish history at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culloden Battlefield. A new trail will take you round the much larger area covered by the fighting.

Woodland creation Starting in August 2016, works will begin to create a new woodland in the Kilpatrick Hills. As part of the work there will be fencing installed, ground cultivation, grass cutting, tree and shrub planting, chemical weeding and pest control.  The main tree planting work will take place over three phases across the next three years with foundation works being completed in spring 2019. Phase one will see trees planted on the Kilpatrick Braes and deer fences installed. This will not affect access to the hills.  We will be working with contractors Highfield Forestry to ensure there is as little disruption to public access as possible.

Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble... A local legend tells how the ‘witch of Leanachan’ fled to the hills after cursing a doctor and his two brothers in the 1800s. Now the forest below Ben Nevis is famous as the home of the mountain bike World Cup and World Championships – you’ll be riding the same routes as world champions.

dazzling downhill rides

world class trails

Help us make Aberdeen's forests even better We want to make the woods around Aberdeen even better for visitors and we need your help! Have you visited Countesswells, Foggieton, Kirkhill or Tyrebagger? If so, fill in our short online survey and have your say on the future of your local forests. The Woods of Aberdeen - visitor survey Countesswells Grand conifers tower over the paths near the car park at Countesswells, which was once part of a grand estate.

The big chill

Clashindarroch

When it snows this forest becomes a winter wonderland of cross-country skiing routes

Tyrebagger

truly impressive trees

Trails for all the family through towering trees

Countesswells is a multi-activity forest popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. Enjoy being active but be please aware of other users too. Some walkers might like to try the trails in Foggieton wood, next door. There's a choice of routes for family cycling and walking. More experienced cyclists often combine trails into a longer ride which takes in the whole forest. For a more technically-challenging experience try the Kirkhill Mountain Bike Fun Park a few miles away. These trails are good for joggers, runners and anyone looking to get fit in the fresh air. During the summer months orienteering events take place here and next door in Foggieton woods. Newcomers and families are welcome. For horse-riders there's a designated waymarked horse trail which winds around the edge of the forest. Orienteering events are organised by Grampian Orienteers.

get active

Walk where the waters run at Falls of Shin Follow the winding road through Achany Glen to a forest clearing where salmon leap and children play. You've reached the Falls of Shin, a wonderful starting point for a range of trails through beautiful mixed woodland and along the rocky banks of the Shin. It's a great place to get out and enjoy the forest whatever your ability – there are natural play areas here and easy trails suitable for all users. The car park, children's play area, forest trails and waterfalls are open all year round. The best time to see salmon leaping is in the summer months. Our map guide to the forests of the Far North will help you explore Falls of Shin and other forest trails in Sutherland.

Salmon leap through the forest The forest to the west of the Falls of Shin is full of variety with impressive mature conifers towering over the trails. You'll also see small groves of native broadleaf trees like alder, downy birch, hazel and aspen, characteristic of the ancient woodlands which once cloaked the hills and glens of this area. Beautiful green mosses and lush woodland plants carpet the glades, speckled in spring and summer by flowering dog violets and golden primroses. There's plenty of wildlife in the forest and down by the river. Listen for the hollow tapping of a great spotted woodpecker, or catch the flash of an otter's back in the water. You might even spot a sparrowhawk in the forest clearings. The star attractions, of course, are the wild Atlantic salmon, leaping up the thundering Shin falls to their spawning grounds in the hills. They make this epic journey anytime between May and November, but your best chance of seeing them is in late summer. The Salmon Leap viewpoint is close to the car park and accessible down a short, steep flight of wide concrete steps. There's a barrier around the viewing area, but young children would benefit from adult supervision. (Please note: this trail is not on Forestry Commission Scotland land).

popular place

Fish in the forest Rogie Falls is one of the best places in Scotland to watch wild salmon making their way upstream. They arrive here between July and September having already travelled incredible distances. Catch them when they've only a few miles to go – and a waterfall to climb! – before they reach their birthplaces and are able to lay their own eggs. You can read about the salmon's amazing story under Salmon Trail on the walk tab. The highlight of any visit is the dramatic new suspension bridge (built by Highland Council and perfectly placed for seeing the falls face-on) and new viewing areas on the other side of the river. So don't forget your camera! You can take the Salmon Trail directly to the waterfalls and back, or join the longer Riverside Trail which follows the river upstream, before looping back towards the car park through pretty native woodland. Cross the suspension bridge and explore miles of informal forest roads and paths all the way to Contin. This is a very large area of woodland popular with cyclists and walkers, accessible from either Contin or Rogie Falls. Include the Falls of Rogie for a fabulous day out on bike or foot, but remember to take a map as some of the trails are not waymarked.

impressive waterfalls

Hang over the river and watch the salmon leap

Meet the rangers The Angusalive Ranger Service has a base at Glen Doll car park, full of fascinating information about the glen. Staff are here most days to help you get the best out of your visit. The rangers also run a regular series of special events. Angusalive Ranger Service, Glen Doll Ranger Base, Glen Clova, Kirriemuir,Angus DD8 4RD Telephone: 01575 550233 Email: GlenDollRanger@angusalive.scot

More information The Angus Glens Ranger Service has a base at Glen Doll car park, full of fascinating information about the glen. There are staff here most days to help you get the best out of your visit. The rangers also run a regular series of special events.

Visitors who are walking the Driesh and Mayar loop in an anticlockwise direction via Corrie Fee are strongly recommended to retrace their steps returning back the way they came after summiting Driesh. If visitors really want a circular walk up Dreish and Mayar then they would be advised walk in a clockwise direction up via the Kilbo path diversion and down Corrie Fee. Visitors planning any other routes in this hill area would be advised to use an alternative route to descend into Glen Doll Forest. We hope to reopen the Kilbo path towards the end of October 2018. Forest Enterprise Scotland apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

breathtaking viewpoints

something for everyone

Glen Doll

Get active and blow away the cobwebs on the edge of Aberdeen

a cathedral of scented trees

Douglas firs were first planted here by Lord Tweedmouth, who owned the estate in the late 1800s. The trees he knew as saplings are now giants and can be very valuable as timber. Their long, straight trunks are ideal for ships’ masts, or as structural timbers in large buildings. Underneath the mature trees, hundreds of seedlings are growing. We protect them so the unique character of this forest will continue into the future. Poet Rody Gorman, who works in Scottish and Irish Gaelic as well as English, wrote a series of short poems inspired by Glen Affric. The English version plays with the multiple meanings of some Gaelic words. The poem for Plodda is inspired by Giùthsachan (pronounced ‘Hoos-achan’ – the place of the pines), an abandoned mansion house between Plodda and Tomich. Giùthsachan – the place of the pines An taigh-mòr a thog an t-uachdaran na làraich fo chèo‘S an crann mòr Douglas a chuir e gu h-àrd ag èirigh bhon talamh na bheò the bigmansionhouse the landlordsuperior carryawayrousebuilt a habitationruinsite in milkfogand the big Douglas ploughmasttree he sowsnowfallput up rising from the countrysoilland cattlequickalive

From ferry to bridge The beach at Boden Boo is close to the old slipway for the ferry that ran across the Clyde to Old Kirkpatrick. Until the Erskine Bridge opened in 1971, queues of traffic snaked down to the shore as people waited to cross the river. It’s hard to imagine such a traffic jam in the peaceful woods here today. Notices Please be advised that SGN commenced work in February 2018 to build a new pipeline under the River Clyde which will replace pipelines currently suspended within the deck structure of the Erskine Bridge, and surrounding areas. This work will last until February 2019 and will include working within Boden Boo Woodland area. You may encounter some traffic disruption at times on roads adjacent to Boden Boo Woods whilst this work is undertaken, but are requested to follow any diversions/traffic control measures to ensure your safety.  Anyone wishing to receive regular updates from SGN about the works can join their mailing list: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SGNErskineBridge

If you would like to explore a bit farther afield, Boden Boo is also on the Clyde Walkway a 40 mile (65 km) trail from Glasgow’s west end to the New Lanark World Heritage Site. Follow this route to see more of the great River Clyde and the amazing parks, buildings and communities beside it. Saturday 27 October: Halloween Fun & Frights! 5.30pm - 8.30pm: A partnership community event for all ages. Cost: £5 per child. Booking via scottishlowlands@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or call 0300 067 6700 Notices Please be advised that SGN commenced work in February 2018 to build a new pipeline under the River Clyde which will replace pipelines currently suspended within the deck structure of the Erskine Bridge, and surrounding areas. This work will last until February 2019 and will include working within Boden Boo Woodland area. You may encounter some traffic disruption at times on roads adjacent to Boden Boo Woods whilst this work is undertaken, but are requested to follow any diversions/traffic control measures to ensure your safety.  Anyone wishing to receive regular updates from SGN about the works can join their mailing list: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SGNErskineBridge

Boden Boo is a small woodland that feels big. Right on the edge of the River Clyde, beneath the impressive Erskine Bridge, it looks across to the craggy ridge of the Kilpatrick Braes. Stroll amongst the trees or bring a picnic, sit back and enjoy the views from the grassy slopes or riverside beach. This popular woodland is a playful place that’s perfect for children – and ideal for adults to discover their own inner child. There’s a network of about 2 miles (3km) of informal trails, all ideal for easy walking and cycling. The paths are wide and smooth – great for buggies too – but be prepared for a few short moderate slopes.

We shall fight them on the beaches... In the summer of 1940, soon after the start of the Second World War, the threat of German invasion was very real. Areas of the British coast where enemy troops could land needed to be protected – and Moray was one of them. As a result, a series of defence structures were built between Cullen Bay and Burghead Bay, through today's Roseisle and Lossie forests. On the beach at Roseisle you’ll find anti-tank blocks and pillboxes. An island in the sand Roseisle, as its name suggests, was once an island. Much of the surrounding area was underwater, partly from an arm of the sea that stretched inland here. In the late 1600s a great storm shifted the sands and cut off the sea. The area was drained and used for farmland and later for forestry. The woods here date back to the 1930s when trees – mainly Corsican pine and Scots pine – were planted to help stabilise the drifting sand dunes. The pine trees, which grow well in the dry sandy soil, have created a special but fragile environment that teems with wildlife.

sweet-smelling

A very productive place William Adam bought Blairadam in 1773 to build himself a grand home in a carefully designed landscape setting. He was also a shrewd businessman, planting trees for timber and extracting coal from the seams that ran through his land. Evidence of the major works carried out by William and his family can still be seen across the forest today. Discover more about mining at Blairdam and the story of the estate. Strange sightings Some say that one of the miners who toiled in the coal pits still haunts the woodland, and has even been caught on camera. Others have reported glimpses of a great black cat here. You’re more likely to spot red squirrels in the canopy and roe deer amongst the trees – but do look out for the modern carving of a wildcat on the brickwork of one of the old bridges. Local poet Jim Douglas shares his poem about the Beast of Blairadam:     The Beast of Blairadam (mp3)     The Beast of Blairadam transcript (pdf 351k) Working in partnership We have worked with the Kelty Heritage Trails Group and Fife Council to maintain the forest and upgrade the trails here.

A lovely woodland full of surprises, from soaring spruces, waterfalls and bridges to a mining ghost and a mysterious beast

On yer bike! The great beauty of Learnie is that you can create the perfect route to suit your abilities and mood by mixing easy forest road with thrilling singletrack. If you want to develop your confidence or brush up your skills, there's a great dirt jump area right beside the car park. Stay safe Mountain biking is a potentially hazardous activity with a significant risk attached. Always make sure you are suitably trained and equipped for the trails you chose. Read about our mountain bike trail grades.

here's more to Learnie... Learnie lies on a divide between two different types of rock, making it a fascinating place for geologists. It’s also got some splendid views over the Moray Firth and Ben Wyvis. You don't have to ride the divide, you can walk it on a network of forest roads. Just watch out for bikes!

Learnie Red Rocks

Whether you’re new to off-road mountain biking or an expert rider looking for big thrills, there’s a Monster Trail that’s just right for you. Head to Winding Walks for extreme freeriding and the red-grade Fochabers Ring, or start at Ordiequish for slightly easier blue routes – and the mighty black Gully Monster. Start at Winding Walks, where the Monster Trails first began, for a great red cross-country trail and some extreme freeriding. The extreme features of the Fochabers Freeride were built almost entirely by volunteers and it’s a wild and scary ride! Take the fun and full-on cross-country Fochabers Ring to get you there – or just enjoy the red trail and keep the hairy stuff for another day… Alternatively, choose to start the Monster Trails at Ordiequish if you’re looking for some exciting blue routes – but don’t assume this is just an easy ride… Watch out for the Gully Monster, who lurks along the black trail! Check out the Moray Monster trail map (PDF 1.6MB) to plan your rides.

fun-packed

Culbin's forest and shoreThe Culbin story - archive filmsThe History of CulbinCulbin's wildlife

extraordinary and ever-changing

Come to Culbin… you'll never want to leave

Top tips for exploring Culbin

Mull

Newcastleton Forest stretches to the border with England, where it meets Kielder Forest – making it part of the largest forest in Britain. It’s a powerhouse for timber production, but the forest is also home to a rich variety of wildlife as well as many remnants of its earlier history when the hills were dotted with ancient settlements.

Cross the Border

Glen Affric

From a bad farm to a peaceful woodland Devilla covers an historic landscape of farm and moorland whose place-names are rooted in Gaelic language and culture. Its own name means ‘bad farm’, referring to poor quality land some way north of the forest. Many of the historic relics among the trees are evidence of long-forgotten lives and struggles. They include the poignant grave of three children who died from plague in 1645, and traces of a Second World War explosives research station. Now it’s a productive forest as well as a peaceful place to walk, ride or cycle. Every season has its charms, and the leaflet guide to Devilla will give you an idea of what to look out for as well as clues to the mysteries hidden in the forest.

Red squirrels play and legends lurk among the trees

Bnnachie Tales

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Get to the top Many visitors want to climb the Mither Tap, the most distinctive of Bennachie’s nine summits. The shortest route is the steep Timeline Trail from Bennachie Centre, but there are plenty of other ways to the top. From Rowantree car park a popular route follows an ancient trackway, and from Back O’Bennachie there’s a longer trail that’ll take you through an old quarry. From Donview you can climb Millstone Hill, a remote, less well-known summit, and continue to the Mither Tap for a really big day out. For more adventure, try the Gordon Way, an 11 ½ mile (18.5 km) route through forests, farmland and moorland that starts (or ends) at Bennachie Centre. All of these trails cross open country and hill ground, where the weather can change quickly. Check our advice on hillwalking before you set off. Wildlife watching Bennachie is home to a great diversity of wildlife, including the charismatic red squirrel, and many different species of birds. Come and watch these fascinating forest animals from our new wildlife viewing area near the Bennachie Centre. We’re planting wildlife-friendly trees here and putting up information panels to help you identify the birds and animals you spot.

The distinctive shape of the hill called Bennachie is a landmark that’s meant ‘home’ for thousands of years. People have lived in a fort carved into the hill top, and in radical farming settlements on its slopes. They’ve quarried its stone to build houses, and spun yarns about devils and giants who built its tracks or threw its giant boulders in fits of anger. Bennachie Centre is the perfect place to start exploring this much-loved hill and the forests that surround it. Trails vary from a gentle route though the woodland to demanding treks in open country, and in the visitor centre you can find out all about Bennachie’s history and wildlife. The centre is one of four sites around Bennachie, each with their own distinctive character and different trails to try. Our guide map of Bennachie (5MB) shows them all, with details of the trails you can follow. You can also download our guide to all our forests in Aberdeenshire.

The place to start exploring a landscape of stories and legends

Laggan makes a great base for exploring the beautiful countryside around. There are high, rounded hills, remote glens and a superb range of wildlife. Laggan Community web has details of things to do and places to stay.

You don’t have to ride a bike to enjoy Laggan: the route to Dun da Lamh hill fort (see walk tab) makes a great walk as well as a cycle ride. It’s one of the best-preserved hill forts in the Highlands, with impressive walls and superb views of the countryside around. Working in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland, local community group Laggan Forest Trust has developed a number of other trails to explore in the forest. Fun courses for adventurous toddlers to 8 year olds. The current theme is 'What did the teddy bears have on their picnic?'. Follow the string to find all the pictures on the map and win prizes. The café is open for all the maps daily from 10am – 5pm. For more information visit the Trust's website or call 01528 544366. We look forward to seeing you.

Over 20 miles (35 km) of purpose-built trails wind through Laggan Forest, with superb views of the Monadhliath hills on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.

Learn to fly at Laggan Wolftrax

History comes alive at Carron Valley This landscape is rich in history. Explore the forest with a map to find standing stones, old cattle drove roads and fisher paths. Near the western end of the reservoir, you’ll find the remains of the 13th century fort of John de Graham of Dundaff, who fought alongside William Wallace. History is literally alive in the forest too – the Clanranald Trust is constructing a full-scale replica medieval village in the woods, called Duncarron. They often host costumed re-enactments, music events and exciting living history events but the construction site is closed to visitors otherwise. Look out for news of the next event here.

Watching wildlife at Carron Valley A host of iconic Scottish species make their home in this forest, including Scottish crossbills, red deer and red squirrels, as well as elusive pine martens and wildcats. In summer, watch out for butterflies in woodland glades, dragonflies near the water’s edge and ospreys fishing for trout and powan in the reservoir. Greylag geese can be seen here year-round and, if you are very lucky, you might spot a hen harrier overhead or glimpse a black grouse in a grassy clearing. There are hides along the reservoir ideal for bird watching. Fishing on the reservoir Carron Valley reservoir is one of the most scenic trout fisheries in Scotland. Stocked rainbow trout and wild brown trout swim in the reservoir, which was built in the 1930s and is cared for today by Scottish Water. For more information, and to buy permits for bank and boat fishing, contact Carron Valley Fishery. Heading for the hill The distinctive peak of Meikle Bin looms above the forest. It’s a steep climb up through the woods and onto the open hill to reach the summit, but if you’re fit and prepared, well worth it for the views. For the quickest way onto the hill, park at the western end of the reservoir. Be aware that the route is not waymarked, so you need to take a map and know how to use it. Remember that even in summer the weather can change very quickly here, so be prepared. Mountain biking at Carron Valley Fast, fun and purpose-built for year round use – the Carron Valley mountain bike trails are guaranteed to bring you back for more. There’s 5miles/8km of red-grade trail here. Click the Bike tab to find out more.

Come and get active at Carron Valley

Wild Scotland on your doorstep, with trails to fantastic views, amazing wildlife and remarkable history

A green link Dalbeattie Forest’s mix of deciduous woodland and conifer forest creates a green link between the town and coast. Its trees also provide a valuable and sustainable supply of timber – and one of Scotland’s biggest sawmills is tucked away behind the forest. Dalbeattie granite travels the world Granite from the town’s quarries has been used across the globe, from the Thames Embankment to a lighthouse in Sri Lanka, and it’s still being produced. Did you know that Dalbeattie granite cobbles cover the streets of London, Liverpool and Manchester? A woodland community This is a place where the community makes things happen. In 1999 the Dalbeattie Forest Community Partnership was set up so that local people could work with us to manage the forest. Two years later, the partnership built the easy access trail.

follow signs to the car park at grid reference NX 984 894

Accessibility information The cafe and bike shop have additional accessibility advice to help you plan your trip. Click the button for more information from DisabledGO.

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The shortest place name in Britain for one of the largest forests in the country – with something for everyone

Nearby places Just outside Perth, Kinnoull Hill makes a great family day out, with superb views over the Tay. Near Kirkcaldy, you can explore a wooded ravine with an ancient tower at Cardenden, and a pretty wood that was once part of a grand designed landscape at Blairadam.

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Activities

Be safe It might look tempting, but swimming here is dangerous because of fast moving tides and shifting sand. If you are walking out on the sands, watch the sea and don’t let the rising tide cut you off. Ticks can be found in woodland, moorland, grassland and parks, and are most active between March and October. Find out how to check for ticks after a visit to the countryside here. Opening times The car park opens at 8am daily, and can be very busy at popular times. From April to September it closes at 8.30pm and from October to March it closes at sunset. The gate is locked when the car park is closed and you will not be able to drive in or out. Please check the closing time on the board at the entrance. Car park charges The car park costs £2 per vehicle, payable at the automatic barrier. You’ll need to have the correct change. If you come here often you can buy a season ticket for £60 plus VAT - get in touch with us for more details. Find out more about pay parking. Horseboxes are not allowed in the car park, however alternative parking is available at Kinshaldy Stables. Food and drink The Crepe Shack offers delicious authentic French crepes, tea, coffee and cold drinks. It's onsite throughout the summer from 10am to 5pm every day. Bring a barbecue One stray spark from a fire could destroy the whole forest. To keep the trees – and visitors – safe, no fires are allowed in the forest or on the beach, but you’re welcome to bring a barbecue. Use the barbecues in the picnic area on one of the special barbecue plates, and please remember to take used barbecues home with you. No alcohol To help keep Tentsmuir welcoming and safe for everyone, a byelaw prohibits alcohol on the site

You can find pine-scented forest, windswept sands and a wonderful range of wildlife at Tentsmuir. The trails are ideal for walking, family cycling or horse riding. If you're lucky you may see squirrels in the trees and seals basking on the sand. Tentsmuir has a fascinating history too. On your visit you'll be following the footsteps of Pictish cattle herders, kings hunting boar and bear, and soldiers building defences.

Sea shells, squirrels and seals at the forest on the dunes

Activities

Commonwealth Legacy Cuningar Loop is a £5.7 million Legacy 2014 project that has transformed 15 hectares of derelict land - the size of 15 football pitches - into a community greenspace. 15,000 trees have been planted including native trees such as oak, silver birch and blossom, along with some more exotic trees. Expected to attract over 100,000 visitors by 2021, Cuningar Loop is an important legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. History From 1810 to 1860 the site was the location of several reservoirs that provided water to the whole of Glasgow. It was also used as a quarrying and mining site before becoming a landfill site for the rubble from the Gorbals’ demolition. The importing of soil and compost has given the site a new purpose, providing a rich growing environment for the new plants and trees. Artist in residence Cuningar Loop has two artists, Rob Mulholland and James Winnett. Rob and James have been running art workshops for community groups, using items found on site, such as sandstone and old glass bottles, to create new art. Working with local people they have researched the site’s history, unearthing old objects. There will be future art projects, keep an eye on the events tab for more information.

Temporary toilet facilities will only be available at weekends from November – March.

You'll find more places to eat, drink and shop in the surrounding area, including Farmeloan Road, the Historic Town of Rutherglen, and across the bridge to Dalmarnock.

Get involved, get active and be inspired by the outdoors