Take care in and around water during the heatwave. Find out more at  https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/visiting-safely/water-safety.

Forest of Ae

Active notices

Jump to section

One of the UK's largest forests, with something for everyone

Ae Forest is the perfect place to visit. Relax with a picnic beside the river, watch woodland wildlife, or stroll through the trees. Burn off some serious energy on horseback or on the superb mountain bike trails.

The waymarked routes include gentle rambles beside the sparkling Water of Ae as well as longer hikes into the hills with wonderful views. Ae Forest covers an area about the size of 10,000 football pitches. Huge numbers of trees are harvested here each year. They’re used for everything from paper to house building. Thousands of new trees are then planted to replace them. There’s a long history of forestry here. In fact, Ae village was built by the then Forestry Commission in 1947 to house forest workers.

You might also be interested in

Looking for where to visit next, or want a Plan B? Explore these nearby or related forests.

View all forests

Heathhall Forest

Quiet woodland walks next door to Dumfries

Facilities and activities

  • Parking
  • Trails

The Hills

Follow old railway tracks through a wild wood

Facilities and activities

  • Viewpoint
  • Trails
  • Parking

Active alerts in place here

Mabie

Escape from it all in a forest buzzing with nature

Facilities and activities

  • Viewpoint
  • Horses welcome
  • Mountain biking
  • Cycling
  • Trails
  • Accessible trails
  • Picnic area
  • Toilets
  • Charge parking
  • Play area
  • Blue Badge parking
  • Accessible toilets

News and stories

Curious about what's happening around Forestry and Land Scotland? Explore our latest stories, updates and outdoor inspiration.

View all