Forest bathing in Somerset

Somerset has some of the finest old oak woodland in England. On Exmoor, Horner Wood on the National Trust's Holnicote estate is a national nature reserve of ancient sessile oak draped in lichen, and the Barle valley at Tarr Steps is similar. The Quantock Hills hold steep combes of oak and holly, with Great Wood above Nether Stowey and the National Trust's Fyne Court at Broomfield on their southern edge. On the Mendips, Ebbor Gorge near Wookey Hole is ash and yew in a limestone ravine.

A session is slow by design: a small group, a guide, two to three hours, and most of it spent still. You'll be offered a few gentle invitations to notice the wood through your senses and then given time to follow them. The deep combes of the Quantocks and Exmoor are sheltered year round, while Fyne Court is a short drive from Taunton. Each guide's profile gives their dates and prices.

Horner Wood is the place to start, with a National Trust car park, tea room and toilets in Horner village and riverside paths straight into the oaks. Fyne Court has free entry, a cafe and gentle woodland walks for a less remote option.