Forest bathing at Carron Valley Forest

Carron Valley Forest covers more than 3,000 hectares of mixed woodland in the hills south west of Stirling, around a large loch. Red squirrels and crossbills live in the trees, and from the lochside hide you can watch ospreys and waterbirds. The forest also holds standing stones, old drove roads and a reconstructed Iron Age fort, and a path climbs to the top of Meikle Bin for wide views over central Scotland.

There is an easy waterside walk, a boardwalk path and longer forest paths, as well as a family cycle route. Carron Valley is also well known for its mountain bike trails, so on busy days expect bikes on the forest roads; the waterside walk and the paths around the hide are the quieter options. Recent storms have affected parts of the forest, so check local alerts before you go and follow signs on site.