Forestry and Land Scotland is inviting people to come and visit a local forest and get the maximum benefit of a walk, run, cycle or wheel in the woods.  

The invitation comes after new COVID-19 restrictions on visiting people at home came into effect. 

Simon Hodgson, FLS Chief Executive, said; 

“Not visiting friends and family at home for the moment is undoubtedly a difficult but necessary measure for Scotland’s effort to manage the impact of COVID-19.  

“It’s really important that we look after ourselves and keep our spirits up. One of the best ways of doing this is to take a trip to your local woodland – they’re like green oases of calm to enjoy, clear your head and re-charge your batteries.  

“And, by keeping physically distant and observing all the current guidance on staying safe, you can meet up with a friend and enjoy the great outdoors together. 

“There are plenty of great woodlands in the area so get your boots on or grab your bike and take a few hours out of your day to experience the pleasures of a peaceful, quiet woodland.” 

Some top sites by region include:

FLS North Region: • Culloden Woods (on the edge of Inverness) • Glenmore (near Coylumbridge) • Glen Affric (near Fasnakyle) • Torrachilty/Rogie Falls (near Tarvie) • Aldie Burn (near Tain)

FLS West Region: • Sutherland’s Grove (near Barcaldine) • Barnluasgan (near Arichonan) • Glen Nevis (near Fort William) • Glencoe Lochan (near Fort William) • Aros Park (near Tobermory)

FLS East Region: • Culbin (by Wellhill, near Forres) • Back o’ Bennachie (near Oyne) • Tentsmuir (near Leuchars Kinshaldy Beach)) • Countesswells (near Aberdeen) • Allean (near Queen’s View Visitor Centre, Loch Tummel)

FLS Central Region: • Nethercroy (near Croy/Kilsyth) • Overtoun House (near Dumbarton) • Strathyre (Strathyre village) • Garadhban (near Drymen/Gartmore) • Glenbranter (near Strachur)

FLS South Region: • Glenrickard (Isle of Arran) • Dalbeattie • Polmaddy (Pilgrims way walk) (near Carsphairn) • Newcastleton • Cademuir (near Peebles)

Forestry and Land Scotland looks after hundreds of woodlands across the country.

For details on all of the listed woodlands and many more, including information on available facilities, accessibility and directions on how to get there, check the ‘Find a Woodland’ page on line and search by town, city, postcode or forest name.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.

2. forestryandland.gov.scot | twitter.com/ForestryLS

3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.