Forest bathing in Falkirk

Falkirk's woods are estate woods and river valleys. Callendar Wood, behind Callendar House on the edge of the town centre, is old mixed woodland on a ridge with the Antonine Wall running through it. Muiravonside Country Park, east of the town near Whitecross, has woodland along the River Avon gorge and a sculpture trail. At Bo'ness the Kinneil Estate has woodland around the house and the Roman fortlet, and at Torwood the Tor Wood is a remnant of old forest, now beech and oak, with a ruined castle in it. The Helix, home of the Kelpies, is mostly young planting and water.

A session takes two to three hours in a small group and covers very little ground, with long pauses to listen and look. Callendar Wood is sheltered enough for winter, and Muiravonside's riverside is at its best in spring. Each guide's profile sets out dates and prices.

Callendar Park is a good first visit: free parking at the house, a tearoom, and about fifteen minutes' walk from Falkirk High station. Muiravonside has a pay car park, toilets and a cafe, with paths that start level before dropping to the river.