Forest bathing in Midlothian

Midlothian's woods follow the North and South Esk down from the Pentlands and the Moorfoots. Roslin Glen Country Park, below Rosslyn Chapel, is a deep gorge of ancient oak, ash and elm along the North Esk, one of the best stretches of old woodland left in the Lothians. Dalkeith Country Park, where the two rivers meet, has centuries-old oaks in its former deer park and a restored courtyard with a cafe. Vogrie Country Park near Gorebridge has mixed woodland around a Victorian house, and Gore Glen Woodland Park nearby follows another wooded burn. Penicuik Estate adds parkland and riverside beech.

Expect two to three hours with a small group, very little walking, long pauses, and in the Esk gorges the sound of water as a constant. The deep glens stay sheltered in winter but their paths can be muddy. Dates, venues and prices are on each guide's profile.

Vogrie is the gentlest introduction: a car park, a cafe and level surfaced paths, with buses from Edinburgh to Gorebridge. Roslin Glen has a council car park by the river, but the paths are steep with steps.