Five best bluebell woodland walks with great cafes nearby

The Herald Scotland

27-04-2025

Dalkeith Country Park, Midlothian
This gorgeous, nature-packed park is home to deer, badgers, foxes, rabbits, hares and, if you're very lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive otters on the River Esk.
To witness the bluebells in all their majesty, take a meander along the Red Trail. According to a recent post on the Dalkeith Country Park website: 'Our bluebells have appeared earlier than usual this year, with the first wave now beginning to bloom.'
After your walk head to Restoration Yard, a stylish and contemporary shopping, dining and wellness space housed in a converted 18th-century stables block, where eating areas include The Kitchen restaurant, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea.
The Coffee Bar offers a more casual alternative, with hot drinks, sweet treats, gourmet sandwiches and soups. The Larder is open seasonally on weekends for takeaways.
Keil's Den, near Lower Largo, Fife
At this time of year, the floor of the ancient woodland at Keil's Den typically looks like it has been draped in a thick blanket of bluebells.
Highlights include views towards the Firth of Forth, Pitcruvie Castle and Largo Law. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife, such as wagtails, great-spotted woodpeckers and soaring buzzards.
Although there isn't an on-site eatery, there are some wonderful places in the surrounding locality. Pop along to The Aurrie, a cafe, arts and events space in a former Baptist hall beside the beach slipway in Lower Largo.
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Glen Finglas, near Brig o'Turk, Trossachs
There is a choice of routes for a bluebell-themed daunder, depending on your fitness level and inclination. Little Druim Wood is a family-friendly amble, with natural play features and a sculpture trail, covering around ¾ of a mile (1.5km).
The Drippan Loop, meanwhile, is a short-and-steep climb of roughly half-a-mile (900m) that rewards with spellbinding vistas of Loch Venachar.
A short drive along the A821 is the Brig o' Turk Tearoom, a quaint, green-painted wooden building dating from the 1920s. Fun fact: it enjoyed a cameo in the 1959 remake of The 39 Steps, a film shot largely on location in Scotland.
Today it is a vegetarian cafe, with a stellar reputation for homemade scones, cakes, traybakes and soda bread. Locally grown, seasonal produce feature highly on the menu, with vegan and gluten-free options also available.
A view from Luss (Image: PA)Luss, Loch Lomond, Argyll
The hillside above this pretty village comes alive with bluebells. One of the best ways to see them at close quarters is via the Quarry Path, a 30-minute walk taking its name from the slate extracted here in the 19th century, bound for the roofs of Glasgow tenements.
Luss will be familiar to most, thanks to its long-running, starring role in the now-defunct STV soap opera High Road. It has a couple of decent cafes to refuel post-stroll: The Village Rest and Coach House Coffee Shop.
Other idyllic spots for bluebells around Loch Lomond include Inchcailloch Island and the picturesque stretch between Rowardennan and Inversnaid. Cruise Loch Lomond runs water bus services that link well with all three locations.
If you're over that eastern side of the loch, swing by the ever-excellent St Mocha at Balmaha for coffee or an ice cream. The Oak Tree Inn next door has a top-notch bar menu.
Mauldslie Woods, near Dalserf, Lanarkshire
The paths around Mauldslie Woods are renowned for their magnificent bluebell displays. Not only are these violet-hued flowers a delight for the eyes, but the nostrils too, as the fragrance mixes with the heady smell of neighbouring wild garlic to create an instantly memorable aroma.
Occupying a tranquil setting beside the Clyde, the land here was formerly a royal hunting forest and orchard. It is ideally placed in proximity to the many superb coffee shops along the Clyde Valley, including one of my favourite haunts: Silverbirch Garden Centre at Crossford.
Susan Swarbrick is a columnist and freelance writer who loves history and the outdoors. Follow her on X @SusanSwarbrick and Bluesky @susanswarbrick.bsky.social