Forest bathing at Hambleton Peninsula Woods

The Hambleton peninsula pushes out into Rutland Water, and its shores hold the remains of old woodland. Armley Wood on the northern shore is about six hectares of ancient ash and hazel wood with some well grown oaks, once part of the medieval Barnsdale deer park and much reduced when the reservoir was built. Hambleton Wood lies on the southern shore. Both are part of the Rutland Water nature reserve and SSSI.

Start in Upper Hambleton village, where parking is on street and limited, so be considerate of residents. An easy circuit of the peninsula follows the multi-use shore paths, partly on a tarmac lane, and passes through both woods, with only a gentle climb back into the village. The paths are shared with cyclists, so stepping off into the trees is the way to find stillness. Busy summer weekends are best avoided.