Forest bathing at Gibside

Gibside is a National Trust estate near Rowlands Gill: about 600 acres of woodland around a Georgian landscape garden laid out by George Bowes on land with an industrial past. Fifteen miles of paths run through the woods, meadows and wetland and down to the River Derwent. The long, straight Avenue, with oaks that turn orange in autumn, is the spine of the garden. Otters, kingfishers, roe deer and red kites all live here.

There are four waymarked trails. The Liberty trail, about 2.4 miles, takes in the landscape garden; the Wonders of Nature trail, about 5.5 miles, goes further through the woods and along the river. Some paths have steps and uneven ground, and there is an accessible route map at reception. Autumn is the season for colour. Parking is free for everyone, and the entrance is reached over a small bridge across the Derwent. Forest bathing sessions have been held here.