Forest bathing at Breen Forest

Breen Forest covers about 600 hectares in Glenshesk, south of Ballycastle. Most of it is maturing spruce, larch and pine, but tucked inside is a small National Nature Reserve of native oak, with ridges of ancient oak wood along the access road. Higher up the forest road you get views across to Knocklayd. There is some archaeology too: a standing stone opposite the reserve entrance and McQuillan's Grave on the eastern boundary.

Park in the small car park beside the B15 Glenshesk Road, about three miles east of Armoy, and walk up the lane, hedged with hawthorn and ash, into the forest. There are no facilities and the oak reserve has no clearly defined paths, so this suits people who are happy to wander slowly and pick their way. The Moyle Way crosses the forest if you want a marked line. Expect wet ground and uneven footing; parts may close for forestry work.