Forest bathing at Glentrool, Galloway Forest Park

Glentrool sits at the heart of Galloway Forest Park beneath the Merrick, where the waters meet at Loch Trool. The walks from the visitor centre pass through conifer woodland, birch woods and, further up the glen, native oakwoods along the Water of Trool and around the loch. Bruce's Stone overlooks the site of the Battle of Glen Trool, and there is a monument to 17th-century Covenanters killed for their religious beliefs.

The Goldcrest Trail is the easy option, a smooth gravel loop of about two kilometres with a few short ramps. The Two Waters Trail runs through birch woods, and the Water of Trool Trail heads into the oakwoods on loose gravel with some steep sections and two bridges. The full Loch Trool Loop is strenuous and rolling, so allow half a day. The café, where birds come to the feeders, closes for the winter, and the toilets are only open when it is. Glentrool is also a mountain bike centre, so expect riders on some tracks.