Forest bathing at Simon’s Wood and Finchampstead Ridges

Simon's Wood and Finchampstead Ridges is a National Trust site near Crowthorne, on a sandy ridge in the far south of Berkshire. It mixes wet woodland, silver birch, lowland heath and small ponds, and there is an avenue of giant redwood sequoias nearby. From the ridges there are far-reaching views over Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey.

The free car park at Simon's Wood holds about fifty cars, and Crowthorne station is only around half a mile away, which makes this one of the easiest woods in the county to reach without a car. Paths are often sloped and uneven, vary in width and can get muddy, so wear proper shoes. The ponds are good for dragonflies and damselflies on summer days, and the heath is open and bright. There are no toilets on site. Dogs are welcome under close control.