Forest bathing at Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean is one of England's largest ancient forests. It was a royal forest before 1066, supplied timber for Tudor warships and, in the Victorian era, was busy with coal mines, ironworks and tramways. In 1938 it became the country's first National Forest Park. It is a big, varied place, and once you are a short walk from a car park you can usually find a stretch of path to yourself.

Beechenhurst is the usual starting point, with parking, a café and toilets. It is also the home of the Sculpture Trail and a large play area, so the paths near the lodge are busy at weekends and in school holidays; walk on along the trail and it thins out quickly. There is an easy access trail if you want level going; elsewhere you are on forest tracks and paths that can be soft after rain. Autumn colour is a good reason to come, and early mornings are quieter. Wild boar live in the forest, so give them space if you meet one.