Forest bathing in East Ayrshire

East Ayrshire's woods run along its rivers. Dean Castle Country Park on the north side of Kilmarnock has mature woodland along the Fenwick and Craufurdland Waters, with a visitor centre and cafe. South at Cumnock, the Dumfries House estate opens its parkland and riverside woods along the Lugar Water to walkers free of charge. Further south again the Doon valley narrows into the Ness Glen below Loch Doon, a deep gorge of oak and birch on the Craigengillan estate with a path along the river, and Dalmellington sits on the edge of the Galloway Forest.

A session in woods like these is slow and short on distance: two to three hours in a small group, a few hundred yards of path, and plenty of time still beside the water. The river glens are sheltered enough for winter dates. Check each guide's profile for their venues, dates and prices.

Dean Castle Country Park is the simple start: free parking, a visitor centre and cafe, and about twenty minutes' walk from Kilmarnock station. Dumfries House has a car park and cafe too, with wide estate paths.