Forest bathing in South Ayrshire

South Ayrshire's woods are on the coast and in the hills behind it. Culzean Castle and Country Park, owned by the National Trust for Scotland, has several hundred acres of mature woodland above the cliffs south of Maybole, with a deer park, swan pond and miles of paths. In Ayr, Rozelle Park and Belleisle Park have old parkland trees and small woods a mile from the beach, and the Auchincruive estate's oakwoods line the River Ayr Way east of the town. Inland, the Galloway Forest Park spills over the county boundary into Carrick Forest, where the Stinchar Falls walk from Stinchar Bridge runs through spruce to a waterfall.

A guided session lasts two or three hours, covers very little ground, and Culzean's mix of woodland and sea air gives it something inland sites lack. Rozelle is easy for a weekday. Each guide's profile shows dates, venues and prices.

Rozelle Park is free, with parking, a cafe at Rozelle House and level paths, and is a short bus ride from Ayr station. Culzean has large car parks and a cafe, charges admission for non-members, and its lower woodland paths are gentle.