Forest bathing at Lathkill Dale

Lathkill Dale is part of the Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve, a few kilometres south west of Bakewell between Over Haddon, Monyash and Youlgreave. Natural England lists valley woodland among its main habitats, and the Woodland Trust's listing notes the fine woods, the river with its dippers, and Jacob's ladder flowering in June. The river is the thing: you can follow it for hours and stop wherever the water and trees suit you.

The lower half of the dale is the gentlest part, reached from Over Haddon along a level track that Natural England describes as suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Further up, paths are uneven and the limestone gets slippery when wet, and there are steep slopes and old mine workings to stay clear of. Mobile signal is poor in the valley bottom, which some will count as a plus. There is also a car park at Moor Lane above Youlgreave.