East Lothian

Forest bathing in East Lothian

East Lothian is farmland and coast more than forest, but its woods are good ones. Pressmennan Wood, near Stenton below the Lammermuirs, is a Woodland Trust oakwood along a narrow loch, and Woodhall Dean nearby is a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve of old oak in a steep burn valley. Butterdean Wood at Gladsmuir is a flatter Woodland Trust wood of mixed broadleaves close to the A1. On the coast, John Muir Country Park at Dunbar and Yellowcraig near Dirleton have Scots pine and sycamore behind the dunes, with the sea a few steps away.

Sessions here are small-group affairs of two to three hours, slow on their feet and long in their pauses, and the mix of pinewood and shoreline gives them a different feel from most inland woods. The county's sheltered dens suit winter. Dates and prices are listed on each guide's profile.

Yellowcraig is easy for a first time, with a large car park, toilets and level paths through the pines to the beach. Pressmennan has a small Woodland Trust car park and is much quieter, with a gentle path along the loch.

Birch woodland in Glen Affric
Birch woodland in Glen Affric. Photograph: Mike Pennington, CC BY-SA 2.0

Guides in East Lothian

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Common questions

Forest bathing in East Lothian: your questions

How much does forest bathing cost in East Lothian?

Public group sessions usually cost about £20 to £45 a person for two to three hours. Private sessions for a couple or small group start at around £120 and go up with group size and length. Prices are set by each guide and shown on their profile.

Do I need to book?

Yes. Groups are small and most sessions fill up in good weather. Book through the guide's own website or send them an enquiry from their profile.

What should I wear?

Layers, a waterproof, and shoes you're happy to stand still in on damp ground. Sessions are slow, so you'll feel the cold more than on a walk. In summer bring water and something for insects.

Is it suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

It depends on the guide and the wood. Some guides run family sessions in the school holidays, and many choose woods with level paths. Look for the Accessible sessions filter, or ask the guide directly.

Are there sessions in winter?

Fewer, but yes. Woods are quieter in winter and often more atmospheric, and some guides run sessions all year round. Check individual profiles for dates.

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