FOREST BATHING SPOTS

SHINRIN YOKU IS the Japanese art of ‘forest bathing’. It doesn’t involve actual water, just disconnecting yourself and simply being immersed in woodland, enjoying the sensory bombardment of the natural world. Researchers at Japan’s Chiba University recently found that forest bathing can lower cortisol (sometimes called ‘the stress hormone’) as well as pulse rate and blood pressure. Here are some UK woodlands that are worth bathing in…

1 GLEN AFFRIC, Highland

Trees for Life is a charity that aims to restore Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest, and in the upper parts of Glen Affric you can see some of its best work. The ancient pine woods north of Loch Ness were intensively planted but are now seeing a return to natural process. There are great walks through the ‘new’ woodlands along either the northern or southern shores of Loch Affric. WALK HERE: From the car park at the end of the road from Cannich (grid ref NH200233), any walk into the woods around the head of Loch Affric will immerse you in near-silent forest.

2 WOOD OF THE WOLVES, Snowdonia This area of ancient oak woodland in the Vale of Ffestiniog is home to rare ferns, mosses, liverworts, lichen and fungi and is rumoured to be where the last wild wolf in Wales was killed. Known as Coed y Bleiddiau in Welsh and part of the Coedydd Maentwrog National Nature Reserve, it offers massive views down to the coast. Access it via the Ffestiniog Railway; www.festrail.co.uk WALK HERE: Download Ffestiniog Valley at www.lfto.com/cwroutes

3 PRIESTLEY WOOD, Suffolk

Orchids, bluebells, wild garlic and primrose are just some of the 130 plants found in this tiny Woodland Trust site just south of Needham Market. But it’s Britain’s rarest native tree, the wild pear, that makes it really unusual. And as it’s sequestered in the quiet farmland of mid-Suffolk, the sense of peace and seclusion is damn near absolute. WALK HERE: From Needham Market, follow the field paths south-west to the wood. At just 23 hectares, it’s small enough to wander around in an afternoon. Return by heading north to pick up a green lane (The Causeway) which returns you to Needham.

4 THE SCULPTURE TRAIL, Forest of Dean The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail brings artwork and wildlife together. Wild boar, goshawks and deer wander the woodland, while you’ll find a giant’s chair sculpted out of tree trunks and stained glass windows hanging between trees. Great walking all year round, and plenty of places to quietly bathe in woodland. WALK HERE: Start at the Beechenhurst picnic site (grid ref SO614120) and explore at your own pace.

5 STRID WOOD, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire Just north of Bolton Abbey itself, the River Wharfe flows through a tightly funnelled gorge, in places forced through narrow gaps where the river runs at exhilarating speed. On either side of the banks stand the largest remnants of sessile oak in the Yorkshire Dales. The wood is also known for wildlife such as otters, kingfishers and woodpeckers – so there’s plenty to look out for as you ‘bathe’. WALK HERE: You’ll pass through Strid Wood on our Bolton Abbey walk; download it at www.lfto.com/cwroutes