On a clear, crisp winter’s day, there is nothing better than wrapping up warm and escaping to the great outdoors.
And that’s exactly what my family and I did last weekend when we headed out to the woods at Tyrebagger.
Located just a few miles out of Aberdeen along the A96, sitting between the roundabouts at Dyce and Blackburn, the woods here offer a veritable playground for all ages and abilities, with two marked trails that can be enjoyed by walkers, runners or cyclists.
But the main attraction for us at this time of year is choosing our Christmas tree at the woods, which has become a family tradition since we first ventured out there five years ago.
Run by Forestry and Land Scotland (recently changed from Forestry Commission Scotland), the Christmas tree centre sells trees cut from sustainable sources.
You can choose from fir, spruce and pine of varying sizes, and there are tree stands, kindling and firewood at the site too should you need them.
We always go for the Nordmann fir as its needles are soft and it doesn’t drop too much – and my six-year-old daughter excitedly chose our tree this year.
After loading the car, we enjoyed some food before heading to the woods for a few games of hide and seek. Tyrebagger is a great spot for such a game.
Then, it was time for some more exploring, so we crossed the road from the Christmas tree car park and climbed the little hill to the woods opposite.
The first thing we spotted was a large frozen puddle with the most beautiful latticed ice formations. I have never seen such a thing before – outwith the Disney Frozen films my daughter loves so much – and am unsure how they formed in such a way, but they were magical and the children spent a long time looking at them and trying to snap off a little bit to take home (despite our explanations of how they probably wouldn’t last the car journey).
We continued up the small bank until we came across a good path that follows the road back along to the A96 and the other car park. There is a sign here with some information and maps explaining the available trails.
I’ve always found the name Tyrebagger slightly unusual, so I was pleased to find it explained on this sign. It reads: the woodland gets its name from Tir a’ Bhalgaire – Gaelic for “the land of the fox”. And visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for foxes, along with roe deer, red squirrels, mice and voles when they walk in the woods.
From this car park, two walking trails are signposted: the Beech Tree Trail and the Robbers’ Trail.
The Beech Tree Trail has a firm but uneven surface with some short, fairly steep hills.
Parts may be slightly muddy and rooty. The route passes some of the forest’s beech and giant Douglas fir trees, is three-quarters of a mile long and should take about 30 minutes to walk.
The Robbers’ Trail allows you to explore the towering trees of Tyrebagger Wood and look out for the Robbers’ Cave, said to be a hideaway for 17th Century outlaws. It has an uneven gravel surface with some exposed tree roots and potentially muddy parts, as well as some fairly steep slopes. This route is 1.5 miles in length and will take about an hour.
Both routes are circular so you can return to your starting point to collect your car if you drive to the wood.
My favourite part of our adventure was taking in the different colours of the forest, the vibrant shades looking resplendent on such a beautiful, sunny day. Underfoot was crisp with frost, and the views across fields to Bennachie – bathed in winter sunshine – were striking.
All in all, Tyrebagger is a fantastic location for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. And at this time of year, it might just put a festive spring in your step too.
Visit
forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/tyrebagger
for more information.
The walk
- Location: Tyrebagger Wood
- Directions: From Aberdeen, take the A96 towards the airport. Continue on the A96 past the airport towards Inverurie. Turn off at the signpost for Tyrebagger. The closest postcode for satnav is AB21 9TE
- Distance: 0.75 miles to 1.5 miles
- Time: 30 minutes to one hour
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Dog bins: Yes
- Christmas trees: Yes
- Santa spotting: Yes
- Festive feel: Yes