Forest bathing at Glenmore Forest Park

Glenmore Forest Park lies around Loch Morlich, six miles from Aviemore on the road to the Cairngorms. The forest is a mix of ancient pine and birch, with tall pine over heather and blaeberry in places, and red squirrels are often seen. Outside the visitor centre stands a memorial to the Norwegian resistance fighters who trained here during the Second World War. Loch Morlich has the highest beach in Britain.

The visitor centre, now run by the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust, is the usual start. The Ryvoan Trail heads through ancient pine and birch to An Lochan Uaine, the Green Lochan, on mostly smooth gravel with a few short steep bits; allow a couple of hours or more if you are stopping on the way. Hayfield, nearby, has ancient pines, dragonflies and wood ants. Parts of the forest were hit by wildfire, so check the closure map before you go. Fires are not allowed.