Forest bathing at Stinchar Falls, Carrick Forest

Stinchar Falls are on the Stinchar Burn east of Barr, in Carrick Forest, the working forest on the Ayrshire side of Galloway Forest Park. From the Stinchar Bridge car park on the forest drive, a path crosses a wooden bridge over the falls and heads towards Cornish Hill. Two Rosnes Benches along the way are placed so you can sit and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.

This is remote country, with no facilities at the falls; Straiton and Dalmellington, at either end of the forest drive, have places to eat and shop. Vehicles pay a small charge to use the forest drive, which is generally open to cars from May to October, so bring change; walkers and cyclists are welcome all year. The strenuous Cornish Hill walk starts here too, but for slow time the benches by the burn are the place to stop. Expect forestry work in places.