The Herald - The Herald Magazine
If you go down in the woods From wildlife to fairy folk, Scotland’s forests are full of surprises
SCOTLAND’S woods and forests are glorious at this time of year with the trees in full leaf, creating a peaceful cocoon away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here, we list some of our favourite spots to visit for a joy-filled daunder.
ARDKINGLAS WOODLAND GARDEN, CAIRNDOW, ARGYLL
Set at the head of Loch Fyne, Ardkinglas Woodland Garden has a majestic collection of champion trees, among them “the mightiest conifer in Europe”, a silver fir with an almost 10-metre (33ft) girth.
The impressive arboretum also contains Patagonian cypress, hinoki cypress, western red cedar and mountain hemlock, not to forget a former holder of the tallest tree in Britain title, a grand fir planted in 1875 that measures 64.28m (211ft).
Meanwhile, the rhododendrons at Ardkinglas date from the 1920s when a clutch of unusual hybrids were created using specimens sourced from the intrepid globetrotting plant hunters of the era. Visit ardkinglas.com
DEVILLA FOREST, CLACKMANNANSHIRE
This spellbinding forest has lofty Scots pine, winding paths and a quartet of lochs, the latter home to otters and several species of dragonflies.
Nature lovers will enjoy the Red Squirrel Trail, a pleasant 1.5-mile
(2.4 km) route around Bordie Loch. It passes by the intriguing Standard Stone which, according to legend, is said to mark the site of an 11th-century battle (although other sources cite it as a parish boundary marker).
One of the best places to see dragonflies is along the north edge of Bordie Loch where four-spotted chasers gather in numbers through June and July, followed by black darters and common hawkers later in the summer.
Visit forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/devilla
DECHMONT UFO TRAIL, NEAR LIVINGSTON, WEST LOTHIAN
Forestry worker Robert Taylor found himself at the centre of one of Scotland’s most famous UFO mysteries when he stumbled across a “flying dome” in a woodland clearing near Dechmont Law in Livingston on November 9, 1979. Today, you can visit the site of the alleged encounter in Deans Wood. There is a plaque and information boards that detail Taylor’s account of events and how a police investigation found unexplained “indentations” and “40 small, circular holes” in the ground.
Located on the northern fringe of Livingston, the woods were once part of the grounds of Old Dechmont House, owned by the 19th-century chemist Edward Meldrum. Foxes, roe deer, rabbits, hedgehogs and stoats all reside here, as well as a mix of broadleaf trees and eye-catching fungi. Visit westlothian.gov.uk/dechmontlaw and woodlandtrust.org.uk
OLAV’S WOOD, SOUTH RONALDSAY, ORKNEY
There are famously very few trees growing across Orkney, yet bucking that trend is this magical little corner of South Ronaldsay.
Olav’s Wood has been slowly developed on the banks of Oback Burn since the 1970s. A formerly sparse area of hillside has been transformed, thanks to the vision and planning of the late Olav Dennison, as well as Helen and Stephen Manson from nearby Cellardyke. Sycamore, elder, rowan, monkey puzzle, larch, Korean fir and several varieties of alder, pine, spruce and cypress can all be found growing on the 4.5-acre site. There are tinkling waterfalls and freshwater pools, pretty sections of boardwalk to traverse and a small, fun “maze” to test your wits.
Visit olavswood.org.uk
DOON HILL, ABERFOYLE, TROSSACHS
Reverend Robert Kirk wrote the book The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns And Fairies in 1691, drawn from his belief that Doon Hill in Aberfoyle held a gateway to a world of mystical beings. Kirk died in strange circumstances after collapsing on the hill, also known as “Fairy Knowe” or “Dun Sithean”. It is likely he suffered a heart attack, yet rumours swirled that he had been “carried away” by the fairies for revealing their secrets.
A four-mile (6.5km) circular route from Aberfoyle passes through native woodland, open countryside and along riverbank paths. Look out for a lone Scots pine in the middle of a clearing, reputed to be where Kirk’s soul remains captive to this day.
DUNNET FOREST, CAITHNESS
The horseshoe-shaped sandy beach at Dunnet Bay is a popular stop-off for anyone doing the North Coast 500, with nearby Dunnet Forest also well worth exploring on a leisurely stroll. Choose from a red waymarked trail of around one mile (1.6km) or a 2.2-mile (3.6km) yellow route.
The forest has a fascinating history and is packed with interesting things to see, such as the Hut Circle, a low mound that forms the remains of several prehistoric dwellings.
As the path meanders through the trees, other landmarks to look out for include a giant wooden xylophone and carved sculptures. Should you wish to rest your legs, there are benches, seats and picnic tables at regular intervals. Visit facebook.com/ dunnetcommunityforest
FASKALLY WOOD, PERTHSHIRE
With no fewer than 23 tree species, Faskally Wood is a delight to explore. Part of the Tay Forest Park, some of
the magnificent specimens that grow here are more than 200 years old.
The layout of the woodland is largely man-made, created in the 19th century in the grounds of Faskally House, which was used as a Forestry Commission school. Loch Dunmore has a boathouse and timber footbridge, both of which are very photogenic. Keep your eyes peeled for herons standing stock still among the reeds or a distinctive flash of electric blue as kingfishers flit across the lily pad-covered water. Don’t forget to look up too: you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of red squirrels and tree-nesting goldeneye ducks.
Visit forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forestparks
MAULDSLIE WOOD, NEAR DALSERF, LANARKSHIRE
One of six woods which form the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve, this picturesque location, which sits on the site of a former royal hunting forest and orchard, is as enchanting as anything you would find in a storybook fairy tale.
A riverside path, part of the Clyde Walkway running from Glasgow to New Lanark, leads to a series of treelined trails. Among the bounty of seasonal delights are thick carpets of wild garlic and bluebells. Another treat is seeing the clutch of giant and coastal redwoods which grow here.
Wildlife includes otters and kingfishers, as well as badgers, roe deer, peregrine falcons, buzzards and dippers. Listen for the sound of woodpeckers as you wander round. Visit nature.scot
KINLOCH FOREST, SKYE
This tranquil woodland walk – populated with oak, hazel and birch – can be found on Skye’s Sleat peninsula, passing along a forestry track that leads to the abandoned township of Leitir Fura, along a route covering four-and-a-half miles (7.2km).
A once-bustling settlement, the name comes from Fura Mhor, a great oak tree that grew on the hillside and was reputed to be so big that 40 cattle could gather within the shade of its branches.
Within the ruins of Leitir Fura, the stone outlines of houses, barns and enclosures are still visible.
Its erstwhile inhabitants made their living from farming and fishing, with the last residents leaving in the early 19th century.
Visit forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/Kinloch
DALBEATTIE FOREST, DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
A scenic gateway from the town of Dalbeattie to the nearby Solway Coast, there are hours of fun to be had walking through this deciduous woodland and conifer forest.
Highlights include stunning views, an ancient hill fort and plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities.
Choose from the “easy” Birch Trail (one mile/1.6km), the Plantain Loch Trail (1¾ mile/2.9 km) or Quarry Trail (2¼ mile/3.7km), the latter two described as “strenuous”.
As part of the world-class 7stanes mountain biking network, the area is renowned for its excellent cycling if you fancy tackling it on two wheels.
Visit forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/ dalbeattie