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Visit the Forests of Scotland

Updated on January 9, 2014

Learn About The Forests Of Scotland

Scotland is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in all of the British Isles. Scotland is the northern part of the British Isles and is famous for its history steeped in clans and battles against the English and became world famous with the Hollywood blockbuster Braveheart.

The forests that grace the rugged hills and magnificent glens only add to the country's beauty and are a great place for anyone that loves the outdoors to visit.

Highland Lodges For Sale
Highland Lodges For Sale

The Many Forests Of Scotland

As famous as Scotland is for its acre upon acre of natural beauty, one part of the Scottish countryside that is sometimes overlooked is its magnificent forestry. Whilst just a mention of the nation conjures up bleak images of the wilderness of the highlands, seven of the ten largest forests in the UK can be found north of the border. Here are some firm Scottish favourites along with a few lesser known forest retreats, along with a few tips of where to say and what to do.

Galloway Forest Park is the largest, covering three hundred square miles of Galloway in southern Scotland. The ancient forests, rugged hillsides and glistening lochs attract almost a million visitors every year.

Often known as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Galloway Forest Park is Loch Trool, located in the Glen after which the water takes its name. Walking the woodland trails around the Loch and up onto the tops of the Lowlands highest mountain, Merrick, is a fantastic way to spend a day.

For a day out with the family, visit the Kirroughtree Visitor Centre for picnic sites, mountain bike trails and a fantastic adventure playground. For an afternoon stroll, the trail around the pond is perfectly suited for younger children.

Arguably the most picturesque glen in the highlands is Glen Affric. Home to the Affric Caledonian forest, its beauty is matched only by the wildlife’s fantastic diversity. The Glen, habitat to wild deer, wolves and spectacular golden eagles can be found 15km west of the shores of Loch Ness.

Superlatives only go part way to describe the scenes along the bank of the River Affric, which forms a major part of the many routes that wind through the Glen. As the paths climb the steep banks of Kintail and the trees thin out, breathtaking views across the Highlands are in abundance.

Argyll Forest Park, the first Forest Park in the UK and once home to the famous MacFarlane Clan, is a magnificent stretch of rugged woodland, lochs and hills. In the vicinity is the iconic Loch Lomond, the craggy Glen Croe and the historic settlement of Arrochar.

Adventure awaits anyone willing to try their hand at rock climbing, gorge walking and abseiling whilst the lochs offer more relaxed pass times like canoeing and fishing.

In terms of accommodation, the only way to truly experience the forests of Scotland is to stay in a lodge or log cabin. There are dozens of lodge parks across the country, so you’re almost certain find one perfectly suited to your needs.

If you, like so many, fall in love with the forests, have a look at some of the lodges for sale in Scotland and return as often as you like. They are often fantastic value, particularly in the Highlands. With the current economic climate, property prices are particularly low and lodges for sale in Scotland are certainly no exception.

So what are you waiting for? Pull on those hiking boots and experience the great outdoors in the wonderful forests of Scotland!

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