The best way to experience the Caledonian Forest is to see it for yourself.

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If you want the chance to see red squirrels, stroll through ancient pinewoods carpeted with heather and blaeberry, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a golden eagle soaring overhead, the Caledonian Forest is the place to go. Details on some of the best remnants can be found below.

Athnamulloch bothy – Glen Affric

Athnamulloch bothy is a warm and comfortable base in the remote and wild heart of Glen Affric – often described as the most beautiful glen in Scotland and designated as a National Nature Reserve.

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Glen Affric

Often described as one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland, Glen Affric is the site of one of the largest remaining fragments of Caledonian Forest. It is a paradise of shimmering lochs, ancient woodland and dramatic mountains.

Glen Strathfarrar

Glen Strathfarrar is a hidden gem that is clothed in ancient pine forest and mixed woodland, with glorious views of snow-capped mountains.

Beinn Eighe

Beinn Eighe was Scotland’s first National Nature Reserve. Jagged mountain peaks rise from ancient pine forests and golden eagles soar overhead.

Abernethy

Abernethy Reserve extends from lowland pine forests up to the windswept Cairngorm plateau. It is the site of the RSPB’s world famous osprey-viewing site at Loch Garten and is also a great place to watch red squirrels and capercaillie.

Rothiemurchus

Rothiemurchus is a forest estate set in the heart of the Cairngorms. With activities such as river kayaking, mountain biking and pony trekking, it is the ideal holiday destination for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts.

Glenmore

Glenmore is a magnificent landscape of ancient pine forests where capercaillie still roam, set in the heart of the Cairngorms National park and surrounding beautiful Loch Morlich.

Glen Tanar

Situated in Royal Deeside, Glen Tanar is the third largest pinewood in the UK and is a haven for rare capercaillie and black grouse.

Mar lodge

As well as some excellent remnants of ancient Caledonian Forest, Mar Lodge Estate contains four of the five highest mountains in the UK.