Forest bathing at Da Gairdins i Sand

Da Gairdins i Sand is a 60-acre site of woodland and gardens at Sand, about four miles north of Skeld on Shetland's West Mainland. Thousands of trees and plants have been grown here in the lee of conifer shelter belts, with woodland, rhododendron beds and pampas plantings, wildflower meadows and grassland, and three large ponds. For somewhere this exposed, the shelter is the remarkable thing, and it lets you settle under trees in a way that is rare in Shetland.

Take the side road to Sand. A leaflet describing the walks is available at the entrance, and the site is laid out in three areas, so you can choose how far to go; the first area alone is enough for a slow visit. There are plenty of picnic spots, the ponds hold frogs, and there are views out to sea. Dogs are welcome on a lead. The site is open all year for everyone to visit.