Forest bathing at Downs Banks

Downs Banks is a small National Trust site at Oulton Heath, just outside Stone, described by the Trust as a little wilderness of woodland and heath in the heart of the Midlands. A brook runs down through the woodland, and the heath above opens out the views. It is a modest place, local rather than famous, which is part of the appeal: you can walk a short loop and stop for a long time.

The car park on Washdale Lane holds about 30 cars and is unsurfaced. The main trail is about a mile and a half, with benches at regular intervals, which makes it easy to pause. Paths are narrow, with some steep, uneven climbs, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs. There are no toilets on site. The woods along the brook are the most sheltered part on a cold or windy day.