Forest bathing at Hackfall

Hackfall is about 48 hectares of ancient semi-natural woodland in a steep, rocky gorge of the River Ure near Grewelthorpe, a few miles from Masham. William Aislabie turned it into a picturesque landscape in the eighteenth century, with grottos, glades, rustic temples, water features and mock ruins such as Mowbray Castle and Fisher's Hall. It fell into neglect after it was clear-felled in 1932, and since 1989 the Woodland Trust and the Hackfall Trust have been bringing it back.

The free car park is just outside Grewelthorpe, and the two main entrances at the top of the wood lead down by steep slopes or steps. That climb keeps numbers down, so it is a good wood for sitting quietly by a waterfall or in one of the glades. Bluebells carpet the slopes in spring, and you may see kingfisher or dipper by the river. Paths are compacted earth and can be very muddy in wet weather; there are no toilets and no wheelchair access.