Forest bathing at Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills

Oldbury Court Estate and Snuff Mills sit together on the River Frome in east Bristol. Broadleaved woodland lines the river gorge, including ancient trees such as small-leaved lime, and the whole valley is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest of more than 80 hectares. Dippers work the river, and otters live here too, though you would be lucky to see one.

There are two ways in. The Oldbury Court car park on the Fishponds side is by the play park and café, and the paths there are smooth and fairly level. The Snuff Mills car park at the end of River View in Stapleton puts you straight onto the riverside path, with a tea hut and toilets. The Frome Valley Walkway links the two through the woods, and the stretches between them, away from the play area, are the quietest. Riverside paths can be muddy after rain.