Forest bathing at Clocaenog Forest, Bod Petryal

Clocaenog is a large conifer forest of about 100 square kilometres at the southern end of Hiraethog moor, first planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1930s and still a working forest. Bod Petryal, about eight miles south-west of Ruthin, is one of its gentlest entrances: a small lake, an old gamekeeper's cottage and some large trees, set well away from towns and main roads. Red squirrels live in the forest, though they are shy and hard to see.

From the free car park, the Keeper's Stroll is an easy kilometre past the big trees, the cottage and the lake, short enough to walk very slowly and stop at the water. The longer Bod Petryal Trot follows forest roads for about two miles and is shared with cyclists and horse riders. This is high, open country, so it can feel cold and exposed in winter; the trees give some shelter. Black grouse live on the forest edge. There are no staff or toilets listed, so come prepared.