Scotland’s most popular forest park has trails and outdoor adventures for all.
Made up of seven forests dotted around the valley of the River Tweed, Tweed Valley Forest Park is Scotland’s most popular forested area and just an hour’s drive from Edinburgh. Glentress Forest is the park’s hub and known for its mountain bike routes, walking trails and exciting tree-top scramble. Cardrona is the perfect place for taking peaceful long-distance walks and cross-country horse rides. Caberston offers a climb to an Iron Age hill fort. Yair offers a Biodiversity Trail and river views, Traquair has the best downhill biking and the trails at Cademuir, and Thornielee lead you through wildlife-filled woodland and away from crowds.
April through September is the best time to visit the Tweed Valley Forest Park, but the height of the summer season does bring crowds and booked-up campsites. If planning to visit in the summer months, it’s a good idea to at least avoid school holidays and weekends—if unavoidable, be sure to book sites well in advance. Spring and summer is also the best time for viewing wildlife, including ospreys.