FIVE "magnificent" forests in Scotland have been named among the best in the UK for nature lovers to visit.

Looking at spots across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, sustainable living magazine Pebble said that a visit to one of these forests can help us "slow down, revel in their beauty and find a greater appreciation for nature."

The publication also noted how walking through woodlands can bring with it improvements to our "mental and physical health".

The five 'magnificent' forests in Scotland named among the best in the UK

Border Telegraph:  Loch Ard Forest in Stirlingshire was praised for its variety of wildlife including the red squirrel. Loch Ard Forest in Stirlingshire was praised for its variety of wildlife including the red squirrel. (Image: Getty)

Here are the forests across Scotland named among the best in the UK for nature lovers to visit, according to Pebble.

  • Loch Ard Forest, Stirlingshire
  • Coille na Glas Letire, Wester Ross 
  • Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries & Galloway 
  • Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve, Lochaber 
  • Glen Affric, The Highlands

The highest-ranked Scottish woodland on the list was Loch Ard Forest in Stirlingshire, which is "tucked between Aberfoyle and the foothills of Loch Lomond".

The publication said: "There is a network of trails for walking, cycling and horse riding around the loch, some of which are decorated with sculptures created by the local environmental artist Rob Mulholland.

"Wildlife to spot here include deer, red squirrel, woodpecker, osprey and capercaillie. You can make the most of wildlife hides dotted throughout the forest to get a closer look without disturbing them."

Border Telegraph: Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands is said to contain one of the largest ancient Caledonian pinewoods.Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands is said to contain one of the largest ancient Caledonian pinewoods. (Image: Getty)

Galloway Forest Park was also featured on the list with the experts deeming it a "magnificent" place to visit.

Pebble said: "The forest park’s incredible wild landscape made it an internationally recognised Dark Sky Park in 2009. It was the first designated dark sky area in the UK and it’s one of over 100 Dark Sky Places in the world. 

"At night, the skies above the forest are free from light pollution and you can see over 7,000 stars, including the Milky Way."

Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands was featured at number 21 on the list, and praised for its "variety of landscapes" as well as for containing "one of largest ancient Caledonian pinewoods in Scotland".