Glentress Forest
Scottish forests and woodlands
Wander among ancient trees and follow peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.
Top forests to visit in Scotland
Scotland’s forests offer room to slow down and space to explore. Enjoy the perfect peaceful walk, experience a family adventure on two wheels or simply find a place to properly switch off in nature.
Glenmore Forest Park
Walk through native Caledonian pinewoods reflected in quiet lochs. Make sure to keep an eye out for red squirrels scurrying across the forest paths before taking a break on a sandy beach surrounded by glorious mountain scenery. A fantastic base for outdoor adventures in the Cairngorms National Park.
Galloway Forest Park
Observe majestic red deer in their natural environment or challenge yourself in the 7stanes mountain biking centres. Stay overnight for an unforgettable journey into the night sky in the largest forest park and the first ever Dark Sky Park in the UK.
Loch Ken, Galloway Forest Park
Argyll Forest Park
A vast network of lochs, glens and woodland on Scotland’s west coast full of hidden wild places. Follow the sounds of rushing waterfalls and birdsong as you discover steep-sided valleys and dramatic viewpoints where elegant buzzards soar overhead.
Plan a trip to Argyll Forest Park
Inchcailloch & the Loch Lomond oakwoods
Take the waterbus across Loch Lomond to a mysterious island with deep roots in clan history. Enjoy the delicate scent of the bluebells carpeting the forest floor in spring, marvel at the fiery leaves in autumn, and embrace the peaceful island atmosphere you can find here all year round.
Hasenglöckchen auf Inchcailloch, Loch Lomond
Tay Forest Park
Enjoy big views and great trails in this Perthshire forest. From ancient pinewoods giving way to unrivalled views over Loch Tummel to gentle walks along a gurgling river near Dunkeld, Tay Forest Park has some of the most iconic scenery in central Scotland.
Queen's View, Pitlochry
Why Scotland's forests are so special
Ancient forests
Long before modern times, much of the country was covered by the Caledonian Forest – huge wooded areas dominated by Scots pine, birch, rowan and juniper trees. Today, only fragments remain, but places like Glen Affric and Rothiemurchus still offer a rare opportunity to walk among the mighty trees that were once a common sight across the Highlands.
Scotland is also home to Atlantic oakwoods, sometimes called 'Scotland’s rainforest'. Journey into a rich woodland world, fed by the damp west coast weather, and encounter rare lichens, mosses and ferns found almost nowhere else in Europe.
Glen Affric, Highlands
Size and scale
Seven of the UK’s ten largest forests are in Scotland, including Galloway Forest Park, which alone covers over 770 square kilometres. Such vast space creates countless opportunities to leave the everyday behind and immerse yourself in places where silence, wildlife and dark skies are yours to explore.
Many woodlands also carry human history. Iron Age forts hidden among trees, clan burial grounds, military roads and Victorian-era trails laid out for leisure are striking reminders of how forestry here has always been intertwined with people.
Eine Familie im Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, Perth
Things to do in Scotland’s forests
Uncover the secrets of Scotland’s forests on foot, turn a bike ride into a real adventure and slow down for a chance to spot elusive wildlife.
Walking in Scotland
From bucket list peaks and ancient forest paths to long distance routes and serene lochside views, add Scotland to your walking holiday.
Your ultimate guide to cycling in Scotland
From the rustle of woodland trails beneath your wheels to views across mountains, glens and sea, Scotland is made for exploring by bike.
Wildlife in Scotland
Spot Scotland’s wildlife wonders, from dolphins offshore to glimpse of red squirrels in trees and watch puffins nestling along the cliffs.
Family holidays in Scotland
Climb the turret of a medieval castle, dip your toes in the North Sea, or make friends with our furry Highland coos as they graze in green fields.