Forestry Commission Scotland
Explore Scotland's ancient forests and enchanting lochs.

Dramatic landscapes, enchanting lochs and simply stunning nature all around you. Visit Scotland’s national forest estate and experience first-hand the forests and wildlife that inspired Disney•Pixar’s Brave.

With six Forest Parks and hundreds of forests, you are never far away from experiencing Scotland at its natural best.  Visit Glenmore Forest Park in the north with is stunning lochans, or Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, which is less than an hour away from the bustle of Edinburgh and Glasgow where you can imagine Merida on horseback riding through the trees.

From the east shore of Loch Lomond to the rugged terrain of Strathyre, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park encompasses mountain and moorland, forest and woodland, rivers and lochs.  Start your forest journey at David Marshall Lodge visitor centre, where the views are spectacular, before taking in the Campsie Hills, Ben Lomond and crossing Loch Ard forest.

With hundreds of kilometres of waymarked trails across Scotland, you’ll find something to suit all levels and abilities of walking and cycling. Enjoy an atmospheric gorge walk at Raven’s Rock Gorge in Sutherland in the Highlands, or a gentle stroll at Faskally in Perthshire, home of ‘Big Tree Country’.

Explore our wild places and see wildlife in their natural habitat. From the sea eagles on the Isle of Mull to the leaping salmon at Rogie Falls and the red deer in Galloway Forest Park - the spectacular Scottish landscape won’t disappoint.

Steeped in history, discover what also lies hidden beneath the trees. Uncover the stories behind the deserted settlement at Rosal or the Pictish fort at Craig Phadrig which is situated on an impressive knoll in the Highlands, with great views out over the Beauly Firth.

Glen Affric has been described as the ‘most beautiful glen in Scotland’ and is home to one of our largest ancient Caledonian pine forests. With a stunning combination of mountains, lochs and ancient pine trees it’s a must see destination for a real taste of Brave country.

For more information on wildlife, walking and cycling, visit Forestry Commission Scotland.