Forest bathing in North Somerset

North Somerset's woodland is mostly on its limestone ridges. Leigh Woods, on the west side of the Avon Gorge opposite Clifton, is a national nature reserve of ancient oak, ash and small-leaved lime, shared between the National Trust and Forestry England. South of it, Tyntesfield at Wraxall has mixed estate woodland around the Victorian house. Goblin Combe near Cleeve is a steep limestone valley of yew, ash and oak run by Avon Wildlife Trust, and Weston Woods covers Worlebury Hill above Weston-super-Mare, with a hillfort among the trees.

Forest bathing is not about covering ground. Over two to three hours a guide helps a small group settle, slow down and pay attention, using short invitations and long pauses, often ending with a hot drink. The Avon Gorge woods are minutes from Bristol over the Clifton bridge, which makes a weekday evening session practical, while Goblin Combe is the quieter choice. Each guide's profile shows their dates and prices.

Leigh Woods is the natural starting point, with a Forestry England car park on Abbots Leigh Road and an easy-access trail through the oaks. Tyntesfield has a large National Trust car park and cafe if you'd rather have facilities on hand.