Forest bathing at Styal Estate, Quarry Bank

The Styal estate wraps around Quarry Bank, the Georgian cotton mill now run by the National Trust. The mill sits in about 400 acres of woodland and countryside along the River Bollin, in a wooded river valley. The woods are split into the Southern, Northern and Western Woods, with Arthur's Wood beyond, so there is more space for wandering than people expect from a heritage site.

The Southern Woods walk, about a mile or so, follows the river and is known for bluebells in spring. The Kingfisher walk loops past the Apprentice House and Styal village through the Northern Woods, and a longer route through the Western Woods climbs to the Giant's Castle viewpoint. Away from the mill yard the riverside is quiet, especially on weekday mornings. Expect a mix of tracks, earth paths and steps, muddy near the water after rain. Styal station is a short walk away.