Forest bathing at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

Allen Banks and Staward Gorge covers about 250 hectares of the River Allen's deep gorge near Bardon Mill, and the National Trust says it holds the largest area of ancient, mostly natural woodland in the county. The Victorian owner Susan Davidson did much to shape its character, and the Trust is now removing rhododendron and replacing non-native conifers. Roe deer, dormice, otters and red squirrels live here, and over 70 bird species have been recorded.

Most visits start at the car park near Ridley Hall. The Morralee Tarn walk is about 2.5 miles and takes in an ornamental tarn and a reconstructed Victorian summerhouse with views; further upstream, the ruins of medieval Staward Peel stand on a promontory above the gorge. Paths are mostly uneven and steep in places, with some level stretches. Autumn colour is strong here. You can also walk in from Bardon Mill station, about 1.5 miles away.