Forest bathing at Muddisdale Woodland

Muddisdale is a woodland of more than four hectares on the western edge of Kirkwall, planted by Orkney Islands Council in 2000. It is a mix of trees chosen to cope with island weather: sycamore, Swedish whitebeam, common and Sitka alder, ash, wych elm, hawthorn, willow and downy birch. The trees are still young, but it is a proper wood, and it is within walking distance of the town.

Go in through the kissing gate at the far end of Muddisdale Road. The paths are easy and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. A short circuit takes in the wood itself, or you can walk on to Sunnybank Road, or much further to the top of Wideford Hill if you want a longer day. Because it is so close to town, it suits a short visit on a day when you cannot get further afield.