The Forest of Deer comprises Drinnies Wood, Louden Wood and White Cow Wood. There are many enjoyable walks to be had in all, with picnicing facilities and monuments along the way.

Drinnie's Wood boasts the Observatory, which offers spectacular views for miles in every direction, as well as walks through the trees offering a first hand look at Buchan nature.  Drinnies Wood Observatory was built in 1845 by Admiral George Ferguson of the Pitfour Estate. Folklore says that the Admiral erected the tower to watch the horses on the race course he had made 

Louden Wood is home to one of Buchan's many stone circles, At the Car park there is a map of the area showing where to find the stone circle.  White Cow Wood has the remains of a cairn, of which little now remains and is often mistaken for a stone circle.

How to get there:

From Peterhead, head west to Mintlaw and go straight on at Mintlaw roundabout then :

Drinnie's Wood - At the junction for Fetterangus (just after Aden Park as you leave Mintlaw) turn right and follow the road. At the cross road just before Fetterangus grave yard turn left (sharp turn) and proceed up the hill

White Cow Wood and Louden Wood - Carry on the A950 out of Mintlaw and turn right to wards Strichen. There are also signs to White Cow Wood Cairn and Louden Wood Stone Circle.  There is a car park and picnic area at the top of the hill on the left

Stone circles - more info