Summer walks to enjoy rain or shine
Summer is the perfect time to explore Scotland, with vibrant wildflowers, stunning viewpoints, and a wealth of rich history and natural beauty. Here are some of our favourite walking paths to explore this summer.
Tentsmuir
Walk with the waves and spot sea-shells among the dunes.
Tentsmuir is where the forest meets the beach with tall trees and open sand dunes rich in wildlife. Follow the Ice House Trail along the dunes to the 19th-century icehouse and walk out onto Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve. This 2 hour walk along the sandy path has several steep ramps and some short, rougher sections with exposed tree roots and areas that might be wet and muddy.
People have lived, hunted, and worked here for thousands of years. Tools and a fire pit from a Stone Age hunters’ camp have been found near Morton Lochs.
Close to the car park, you’ll find picnic tables and a children’s play area, and a short walk will take you to the beach with its sea views and sand dunes.
There are also plenty of trails to cycle on and wildlife hides to keep you entertained for the whole day.
Plan your next visit to Tentsmuir
Barnluasgan
Unique wetland that's home to Scotland's wild beavers.
Take the all-abilities Wildlife Trail around the loch to the wildlife hide where you can learn about the animals that call this place home, or just relax and enjoy the lovely views over the water to the Atlantic oak woodland.
Or try the longer Oakwood Trail into the rainforest of Knapdale. As you walk around the trail, look closely at the beautiful hazel trees and notice the tiny dots and script-like markings on the younger stems together with the brown, grey and green leaves and scales on the older stems. These are lichens, mostly restricted to the rainforests of Scotland, Ireland and Norway.
Find out about Knapdale’s latest residents at the Argyll Beaver Centre, which is in the forest. We recommend visiting at dawn or dusk for the best chance of spotting these shy animals, but you'll see lots of evidence of their work at other times of day. Keep an eye out for felled trees and stripped branches as you explore.
Plan your next visit to Barnluasgan
Glentress
Award-winning mountain biking and so much more.
Glentress is rightly celebrated for some of the best mountain bike trails in the country, but that's just the beginning of the story there's so much more on offer here.
The forest has great walking routes, magnificent views of the Tweed Valley, and a Go Ape treetop challenge. Explore our Wildlife Hub where you can watch our observation beehive, view our live osprey cams and learn more about other wildlife you may encounter in Glentress Forest.
Take the easy Ponds Trail through an oasis of ash, birch and pine, or follow the Glen Trail through 100-year-old Douglas firs and discover the Glentress Burn. Make sure to keep an eye out for red squirrels as you wander through our willow archway.
Or venture further along the 3 hour Buzzard’s Nest Trail that takes you through a range of the areas forestry from Scots pine, Douglas fir and Norway spruce. Keep an eye out for the Lumberjill’s bench and learn more about the foresters who built Glentress.
Plan your next visit to Glentress
Culloden Wood
Folklore and history hidden among the trees.
Take the Culloden Wood Trail, which explores the battlefield and takes you past landmarks and pagan traditions at the infamous Prisoner’s Stone and St Mary’s Well, a local ‘clootie well’. This 1.5 hour walk is along a mostly wide but uneven gravel and earth path, with some steep slopes that can get muddy after rain.
The Battle of Culloden was fought on Wednesday, April 16, 1746, you will walk past the Prisoners’ Stone, which remains as a grim reminder of where Government troops shot 17 Jacobite prisoners on the day after the battle.
You’ll also see St Mary’s Well, a traditional clootie well. You’ll notice the scraps of cloth in the trees. Dipping a cloot (rag) in the well and tying it to a tree is said to bring good luck. Please choose biodegradable material for your cloot.
Plan your next visit to Culloden Wood
Devilla
A tranquil forest with Scots pine, lochs and hidden secrets.
Devilla is a great place to spend part of your day. Explore the Red Squirrel Trail to learn more about these elusive creatures who call this pinewood home. If you're lucky, you might spot one playing amongst the trees here or in the wider forest.
The trail loops around a beautiful woodland loch, where you’ll find shaded picnic tables and well-placed benches. Continue on after Brodie Loch and past the legendary Standard Stone, whose story is connected to Macbeth and an ancient battle.
Did you know Devilla is a dragonfly hotspot? This designation was given to us by the British Dragonfly Society in recognition of the quality and importance of the forest for dragonflies and damselflies. How many did you see on your walk?
This forest is the perfect destination for those interested in nature and history alike.