Forest bathing at Den o’ Mains and Caird Park

Den o' Mains is a sheltered valley in Caird Park, on the north side of Dundee, where two ponds are linked by the Gelly Burn. The park was given to the city by the jute baron Sir James Caird. The den's woodland has sessile oak, elm, birch, rowan, pine and ash, with grey alder and willow in the damper ground, and kingfishers, orchids and red squirrels have all been recorded. Elsewhere in the park there is an oak avenue and some large copper beeches.

Caird Park is a busy sports park, with golf courses and an athletics track, so head straight for the den, where the trees and water close in. The historic Mains Castle stands in the park. Across Claverhouse Road, Trottick Ponds Local Nature Reserve has black poplars and is worth adding to a walk. Paths in the den can be soft after rain.