TWO Scottish forests have been named among the most "lush" in the UK in a new list released by The Times.

Introducing the list, the publication said: "Transform your springtime stomps by taking the path less travelled and choosing a new route from the 173,000 acres of UK woodland, which are, in fact, vestiges of temperate rainforest.

"As well as being hotspots for thriving biodiversity, they are enchanting places to visit where you’ll stumble across secret gorges and spot rare birdlife.

"Here are the ones worth pulling on your wellies for — with lovely places to put your feet up afterwards."

The Two Scottish woodlands named among the most 'lush' in the UK

Irvine Times: Ariundle Oakwood was dubbed 'one of the richest rainforests on the west Atlantic seaboard.' Ariundle Oakwood was dubbed 'one of the richest rainforests on the west Atlantic seaboard.' (Image: Getty)

The two Scottish forests named among the most "lush" in the UK were Ariundle Oakwood in the Scottish Highlands and Taynish National Nature Reserve in Argyll and Bute.

Ariundle Oakwood near Strontian was said to be one of "richest rainforests on the West Atlantic seaboard" with The Times recommending the location for those wanting to see the "ultra-rare chequered skipper butterfly."

The newspaper said: "This extraordinary forest at the foot of the Ardnamurchan peninsula is a national nature reserve and its sessile oak and birch forest represents one of the richest rainforests on the west Atlantic seaboard.

"Consistent rainfall produces boughs bearded with moss and spattered with lichen, and in late spring entomologists come here to spot the ultra-rare chequered skipper butterfly.

"Allow three hours to stop and stare along a three-mile circuit and then check in at Mingary Castle, a luxury castle stay that’s within easy strolling distance of Loch Sunart."

Irvine Times: Taynish National Nature Reserve has 'been sensitively regenerated by Nature Scotland.'Taynish National Nature Reserve has 'been sensitively regenerated by Nature Scotland.' (Image: Getty)

Recommended Reading: 

Scottish city among the best 'alternative' places to see the cherry blossom bloom

The best Scottish hotels to stay at for under £150 a night revealed in new list

Commenting on the Taynish National Nature Reserve, the publication added: "Scotland has about 75,000 acres of temperate rainforest yet none feels as gloriously remote as this spot, where walkers can easily spend a full day exploring the peninsula.

"It’s been sensitively regenerated by Nature Scotland, so deer that nibble saplings are controlled and grazing cattle promote a diversity of wildflowers.

"Otters tumble along the shoreline of Loch Sween, birdlife is abundant and four trails explore diverse ecosystems; try the Barr Mor trail for Hebridean views that rouse the soul. You could say the same of the loch views from the foodie stay Crinan Hotel, which hosts boat trips to Jura."