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There is a very high risk of wildfire in the south and west of Scotland from 24 to 25 April. Please plan ahead and check online before visiting.

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Our Visitor Strategy

Cover image for a document, showing a family walking outside with overlaid graphics

Forestry and Land Scotland is already the largest provider of outdoor recreation opportunities in Scotland.

But we want to have more people participating in – and benefitting from – access and outdoor activities more often on Scotland’s national forests and land.

We've developed a new Visitor Strategy to help us achieve this over the next ten years. It sets out our aims and priorities for the future and will help us build an action plan. You can read the full strategy by clicking the link below.

Visitor Strategy (PDF)

 

 

 

 

What will you do today?

There are so many things to see and do in our national forests. There’s something for everyone, whatever you’re into.

Forest parks

We have hundreds of individual forests in Scotland. A forest park is a group of forests that help you to get the most out of each region. Each collection is mapped and described to make planning a visit easier.

Car parking

Find out more about our parking charges and conditions. Use our forest pages before heading out to see what facilities are available at each of our locations.

Find out more about our parking charges and conditions. Use our forest pages before heading out to see what facilities are available at each of our locations.


Accessible forests

Scotland’s forests and land are for everyone. Use the link to learn more about our all-abilities trails and easy-access facilities.

Scotland’s forests and land are for everyone. Use the link to learn more about our all-abilities trails and easy-access facilities.

Autumn in Scotland is truly spectacular as our forests and land start to glow a vibrant orange and yellow, making it a great time to visit our beautiful woodlands. Below are some of our favourite autumn walks that are sure to capture your imagination. Lace up your boots, grab a warm hat and head out exploring!

Faskally

Faskally is in the heart of Perthshire, which is always a fantastic place to experience autumn. This site was once a school for young foresters and is home to a rich mixed forest and a calm loch where you can find kingfishers and herons.

The Dunmore Trail is one of our all-abilities trails trails that takes you through a scenic autumn woodland, while the Forester’s Trail loops you along Loch Faskally, where you can see the autumn colours in full force. You might want to head along the road to Queen’s View Visitor Centre for incredible views over Loch Tummel.

Plan your next trip to: Faskally

 

Two women sitting along the river bank with their dog, a stone bridge in the background, Little Garve

Little Garve

This stunning riverside walk takes you through a gentle woodland stretching along the Black Water river. This now quiet forest was once bustling with the sounds of cattle and soldiers as its distinctive stone bridges were built by the army and cattle herders.

The Silverbridge and Wade’s Bridge sit along the Two Bridges Trail, a 3.3 km strenuous hike that takes you through peaty ponds, rapids, and between these historic bridges.

Plan your next trip to: Little Garve

 

A white sand beach with sand dunes, Roseisle

Roseisle

This great woodland is complete with a beach, historic structures, and an excellent place for spotting seabirds this autumn. Take a stroll along the white sandy beach while you explore the historic defence structures built during WW2. These concrete remnants were once used as anti-tank blockades and pillboxes.

Roseisle is also home to some wonderful walking trails. Take a stroll down the Millie Bothy trail through a lovely coastal pine forest to an old fishermen's bothy and the sparkling Millie Burn. Or, wander along the Wildlife Walk Trail. You might be lucky enough to spot a red squirrel or seal.

Plan your next trip to: Roseisle

A picnic table overlooking a loch

Carron Valley

Take a scenic waterside walk around the Carron Valley Reservoir. This moderate trail has many play features, picnic spots, and spectacular autumn views.

Carron Valley is also home to the Red Route mountain bike trail. This single-track course is fast and fun all year round. Make sure to stop at the top and admire the stunning autumn views of the great Eas Dubh or Black Waterfall.

Plan your next trip to: Carron Valley

 

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Falls of Shin

Ancient woodland, Atlantic salmon and thundering falls, this woodland is a great spot to spend the day exploring with the whole family.

Near the Visitor Centre, you will find a short easy access route suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. From here, you can explore some of the longer trails that weave through towering spruce trees and native riverside woodlands.

The Falls of Shin gets its name from the River Shin. Though stunning any time of the year, it comes alive with vibrant colours and the crisp autumn air in the autumn.

Plan your next trip to: Falls of Shin

Ash tree Nairnshire

 

Galloway Forest Park

Galloway Forest Park is made up of a number of forests, each with its own unique features and attractions. No matter where you go, Galloway has something exciting for you.

Galloway Forest Park is a great place to visit all year long. However, autumn is one of the best times to visit Scotland’s first Dark Sky Park. With the days getting shorter, our stars become more visible, making this a trip you won’t soon forget.

Galloway's Dark Sky Park is easily accessible from Kirroughtree Visitor Centre.

Plan your next trip to: Galloway Forest Park

More Autumn Adventures