Forest bathing at Coombes Valley

Coombes Valley is an RSPB nature reserve near Leek, in north Staffordshire. It is a steep-sided valley filled with tall oak woodland. It feels secluded and enclosed, with the trees close around you, and the trails have eight benches with backrests along the way, which suits slow walking and long pauses.

Start at the car park and information centre, which has toilets, including an accessible toilet. The trails are largely unsurfaced, with changes in gradient, some very steep sections, steps without handrails in places and narrow footbridges, and they get muddy in wet weather. Spring, as the oaks come into leaf, is a good time to go. The car park holds about 25 cars. You do not need to walk the whole circuit to get a feel for the place: pick a bench in the oaks and stay a while.