Forest bathing at Berriedale Wood, Hoy

Berriedale Wood lies in a glen at the heart of the RSPB's Hoy reserve and is described as the most northerly native woodland in the UK. It is a small patch of downy birch, rowan, aspen and willow, with the Burn of Berriedale running through it, set among moorland and hills. Pollen records suggest woods like this once grew more widely across Orkney and Shetland, around 7,000 years ago. Reaching it takes some effort, and the reward is real stillness.

There are no facilities at the wood. The passenger ferry from Stromness lands at Moaness, and there is basic parking near Sandy Loch just inside the reserve entrance. From there you can walk around Sandy Loch or through the glen towards Rackwick to reach the wood. There is no marked path into it, and the ground includes rough terrain and a burn crossing. The weather on Hoy changes quickly, so take waterproofs, stout boots and a map.