Mid-spring means the start of bluebell season in Scotland, and there are plenty of lovely walks in which to enjoy these seasonal beauties.
This delicate bluebell flower creates a colourful blanket from April, with the season reaching its peak in May.
Around half of all the world’s bluebells are found in the UK, and our native species is protected. This means that walkers are urged to take care when passing through a crop of the flowers, especially within woodland as these blooms will have been there for a long time.
The Woodland Trust has a campaign to record the UK’s bluebells in the Big Bluebell Watch, and anyone can get involved.
As we’re heading for nicer weather, we’ve listed our favourite woods and walks in Scotland to see bluebells.
9. Loch of the Lowes, Perth & Kinross
This visitor centre and wildlife reserve consists of 98 hectares near the popular town of Dunkeld. Since April 2015 the star attraction at the reserve is a pair of breeding Ospreys, making this a great day out for keen wildlife enthusiasts. | Matt Cardy/Getty Images
10. Keil’s Den, Leven, Fife
Keil’s Den is one of the best places to spot bluebells in Fife as this ancient gorge woodland is blanketed with the delicate flowers, which bloom alongside dog’s mercury and wild garlic. There’s a good network for paths for exploring the woodland, as well as a small parking area with benches by the Keil Burn. | Shen Stone-adobe stock
11. Carstramon Wood, Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries & Galloway
This ancient oak wood, which is one of the largest semi-natural broadleaved woodlands in Galloway, is renowned for its spectacular springtime bluebell display. There’s a a number of marked routes that offer roe deer and red squirrel sightings. | James Johnstone/geograph
12. Aldouran Glen, Dumfries & Galloway
Kids will love this ancient woodland as it has a magical feel to it thanks to features such as bubbling streams and the remains of an Iron Age hill fort. From April there are carpets of bluebells and ramson in May. There is also a rich variety of other woodland plants and abundant wildlife, including chaffinch, treecreeper and wren. | Andrew - stock.adobe.com