Forest Bathing Under the Night Sky

Service Description

We can Forest Bathe all year round and during winter we can seek shelter under the vast Scots Pine canopy and with the chance of crisp, clear skies we’ll combine our forest bathing session with star gazing once our eyes have woken up to the darkness and tuned into our surroundings. About: Forest Bathing Walks, or Shinrin-yoku is the practice of immersing yourself in nature; ‘bathing’ in the awesome goodness that trees release into the atmosphere; reaping the benefits from magic little things called ‘phytoncides’ and receiving mental calmness from the fractal patterns, vibrant shades of green and calming blues around us – what better place to do this than the Cairngorms National Park. We shall aim to be out for 1 hour and I will guide you through a series of 'meditations' aimed at opening your senses and reconnecting you with yourself and the environment around you. My co-guide Pete, will spend time interpreting the night sky for us and allowing us time to explore the stars before we finish with tea, hot chocolate and snacks to bring our experience to a close and thank the land we have been supported by during the session. Location: Loch Garten, meet at Loch Mallachie Car Park. Directions: From Boat of Garten: Leave the village over the River Spey towards Nethybridge, turn left at the T-junction. Turn right towards RSPB Loch Garten. Continue on this road until you reach a signposted car park on the right for Loch Mallachie. If the car park is full continue along the road to the Loch Garten car park (on the left) and there is a narrow footpath that links to the two car parks. From Nethybridge: Follow the B970 out of Nethybridge towards Boat of Garten and Loch Garten. Take the left turn just after Mains of Garten, it is signposted for RSPB Loch Garten. Continue on this road until you reach a signposted car park on the right for Loch Mallachie. If the car park is full continue along the road to the Loch Garten car park (on the left) and there is a narrow footpath that links to the two car parks.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Cancellations: Once paid, bookings are non-refundable. Allergies and mobility: Please let me know by email or at time of booking about any mobility, allergy or health issues you have that might affect you during our walk. We shall end the walk with tea and snacks, you may prefer to bring your refreshments, this is absolutely fine or please let me know of any food allergies if necessary. What to Expect: A leisurely walk of less than a mile within woodland and on trails that can be slightly uneven in places but mostly OK and it might be wet underfoot. We shall stop along the way and gather as a group to sit or stand (please bring your own stool if you wish to sit, but I do have sit mats available too.) There is not a toilet available so please go before you arrive! During the session we shall be focusing on our different senses to develop a connection with the forest and ourselves. This is a very relaxed way of walking and the walk will last approx. 75 minutes or just under. Please do check the weather forecast and come prepared accordingly and bring lots of layers. What to Bring: Please wear comfortable clothing and good shoes for being outside according to the weather forecast. You may want to bring extra layers, gloves, hat and scarf etc. You will have the option to sit or stand during the group sections and please bring something to sit on if you would prefer a stool rather than a sit mat. Weather: The walk will still go ahead if it is raining, unless it appears to be a heavy storm of wind / rain / snow etc – if we need to cancel the walk I will text you an 1 ½ hours before the start time at the latest. If you have any queries at all please just contact me on highlandquietlife@outlook.com or 07910 441 633, please also let me know if you are running late.

Contact Details