Forest bathing at Hartshill Hayes Country Park

Hartshill Hayes is a Warwickshire County Council country park on a hilltop just west of Hartshill, between Nuneaton and Atherstone. Most of its 55 hectares is made up of two areas of ancient, hilly woodland, with a meadow and play area near the car park. On a clear day the views from the hillside reach across four counties, and in spring the woodland floor is known for its bluebells.

Start from the car park off Oldbury Road, where the toilets, picnic shelter and a small kiosk are. A short circular route through the meadow suits wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters, though it is uneven in places. The woodland itself is steep throughout and most of its paths are unsurfaced, so expect to climb and to find mud after rain. An audio trail is available if you want a guided woodland walk. The play area and meadow draw families; the woods beyond are usually much quieter.