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Best summer walks for the whole family

a family of four standing at a lookout over a loch

There is no better time to get out and explore Scotland. We're home to stunning landscapes, great picnic locations, and outdoor playgrounds fit for the whole family.  

So, grab your suncream and hat and check out some of our favourite places to explore this summer.

 A white sand beach next to a forest

Culbin

A vast and varied forest that's perfect for a family day out.

Culbin has a range of activities. Take the Gravel Pit Ponds Trail through a scenic forest with tranquil ponds or head out on the longer Hill 99 Trail along the pine-covered dunes to the iconic viewing tower for a view over the forest and Moray Firth. With forests stretching for over 8½ miles along an ever-shifting coastline, there is lots to discover.

Visit our website for our favourite things to explore at Culbin.

Plan your next visit to Culbin

 

Man in green jacket carrying young girl in blue jacket on his shoulders walks alongside woman in blue jacket holding hands with young girl, on smooth woodland path with forest of tall trees beside, Faskally, near Pitlochry

Faskally

Gentle paths and fine trees around lovely Loch Dunmore.

This site was once a school for young foresters. It is home to a rich mixed forest and a calm loch where you can often find kingfishers and herons.  

The Dunmore Trail is one of our all-ability walks. It takes you through a scenic woodland, head down the Forester’s Trail loop towards the beautiful shores of Loch Faskally.

While in town, you might want to head over to Queen’s View Visitor Centre for incredible views over Loch Tummel.

Plan your next visit to Faskally

 

Boy in wellies lying on an rope hammock strung between two trees in a forest

Waterfall trail at the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre 

The gateway to Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

From tree-top adventures to family-friendly strolls and a great café, this forest has it all.  

We recommend the Waterfall Trail. This all-abilities path takes you through peaceful trees past a monument to the Women’s Timber Corps and a dramatic waterfall.

While you are there, why not tackle the award-winning Go Ape canopy adventure or grab a free orienteering map from reception. This truly is a great spot to spend a day.

Plan your next visit to the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre 

 

Riverside trail Ardgartan 

Endless trails through an area of vast natural beauty.

Ardgartan mean’s ‘High Garden’ in Gaelic and is home to a range of wildlife. You can find red squirrels, roe deer, buzzards and owls amidst the forests' pine woodlands. The mixed woodlands near the rivers and burns are also home to otters, kingfishers and bats. 

We recommend the Riverside Trail. This 1-hour walk takes you through the wonderful beach and oak woodlands that run alongside Croe Water.

Plan your next visit to Ardgartan

 

A lochan in broadleaf trees

Aros Park

Ferns, waterfalls and views of scenic Tobermory.

Aros Park is a stunning woodland with picturesque views of Tobermory and the craggy face of Ardnamurchan over the Sound of Mull. 

Make sure to stop by the play trail, located near the beautiful picnic area, or check out our new disc golf course located next to the car park.

The forest is home to three trails. the shorter Lochan Trail goes around Lochan a Ghurrabain and has a beautiful beach. The Waterfalls Trail follows the Aros Burn through a charming woodland to a pair of spectacular waterfalls. While the longer Coastal Trail links Aros Park to Tobermory along a dramatic coastline with views of Calve Island.

Plan your next visit to Aros Park

 

Rear view of young man in black jacket and young woman in blue jacket walking on path along banks of Glencoe Lochan after the rain, with tall conifers flanking the path and misty mountain range in the background

Glencoe Lochan

Towering redwoods surround this tranquil lochan.

Glencoe Lochan is home to three lovely trails, beautiful North American trees and a quiet lochan.  

The Lochan Trail is an all-abilities path that takes you along the lochan and the woodland created by Lord Strathcona in the 1890s for his homesick Canadian wife.  

The short but strenuous walk up Mountain Trail rewards you with a superb view of Stac a’Chlamhain. 

Glencoe Lochan is also a great starting point to explore Scotland’s most famous glen via the Glencoe orbital route.

Plan your next visit to Glencoe Lochan

 

Mature man walks beside elderly man riding in mobility scooter on tree lined path, Dalbeattie Forest, near Dumfries

Dalbeattie

A mountain biking classic with gorgeous lochside trails.

Dalbeattie is home to not only some fabulous walking trails but 7stanes mountain biking as well, making this a great spot for everyone.  

The Birch Trail takes you through mossy pines and has granite sculptures for you to keep your eye out for. Learn about the history of the area on the longer Quarry Trail. The quarry was once the main source of granite for the local community and was used across Britain. Today it mostly provides shelter for wildlife.

Plan your next visit to Dalbeattie