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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Sean Murphy

The beautiful all-ability forest trails in Scotland to explore this bank holiday

With the bank holiday and hotter weather approaching, getting out and exploring the outdoors is ever more appealing.

Should you be looking to spot some of Scotland's fabulous array of native wildlife, reconnect with nature or just get out of the house, then heading to your local woods or forests could be ideal.

With that in mind, we spoke to Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) to create a handy guide to some of the incredible and accessible forest trails you'll find across Scotland.

FLS has a range of all-abilities trails that generally have a uniform surface, are wider, and are marked with easy-to-follow signage.

Some destinations provide toilet facilities and Blue badge holders can park for free in any of their car parks.

They do say you should check their websites before you go to make sure all trails are open (some FLS trails had to be closed recently due to storm damage).

Mabie Forest, Dumfries

Mabie Forest in Dumfries (FSL)

The FLS team said: "There’s something here for everyone – open space to play, picnic and barbecue, lots of trails with spectacular views, and plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching. This now quiet forest was also once bustling with industry.

The Romans used the area to make charcoal and iron smelting, while forestry has been in operation here since the 40s as part of the wartime tree-planting scheme.

"The area has a range of trails, Orchard Trail is the main all-abilities trail that runs through a set of stunning redwoods and sequoia to a sensory garden with wildlife sculptures."

You can find out more here

Callendar Wood, Falkirk

Callendar Wood, Falkirk (FSL)

The FLS team said: "Explore historical paths and estate carriageways to find panoramic viewpoints, majestic old oaks, yew groves and tree-lined avenues.

"The forest is part of Callendar House, home to a great Roman-themed play area and range of walking trails.

"The Yew Trail is the all-abilities trail, with views of native oakwood, a peaceful pine woodland, and the Callendar Loch. It's a great place to take a stroll."

You can find out more here

Glencoe Lochan

Glencoe Lochan (FSL)

The FLS team said: "This lovely forest is just outside Glencoe Village. The landscape was planted with iconic North American trees by Lord Strathcona in the 1890s, as he hoped the trees would comfort his homesick Canadian wife.

"Take the Lochan Trail, a short all-abilities trail that takes you through the Canadian inspired woodland planted over 130-years-ago."

You can find out more here

Torrieston, Elgin

Torrieston, Elgin (FSL)

The FLS team said: "Discover great trails through peaceful mixed woodland that includes statuesque, 100-year-old Douglas firs nearly 165 feet tall.

"While here, look out for red squirrels and roe deer as you wander the all-abilities trail, the Black Burn Trail.

"The route takes you through a stunning pine woodland alongside a burn. With plenty of areas to stop and picnic, it’s a great place to enjoy a day out."

You can find out more here

Aldie Burn, Easter Ross

Aldie Burn, Easter Ross (FSL)

The FLS team said: "The burn moves slowly through this tranquil pine forest as it makes its way to the sea. The water is used to power many watermills and powered the nearby town of Tain.

"There are two all-abilities trails here. The Pond Trail takes you to a salmon-shaped pond. Here you can try pond dipping or enjoy a picnic by the burn. The second trail is the Aldie Burn Trail, which takes you up Glen Aldie through a Scots Pine forest and a heather bed."

You can find out more here

You can find a full-list of their all-abilities trails here

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