The UK’s biggest forest is a ‘real gem’ with beautiful scenery and few crowds
The UK's largest forest is a Scottish gem with Dark Sky Park status.
Spending time in a forest is thought to have huge benefits for people’s mental and emotional health. Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a popular Japanese practice which encourages people to be still and calm among trees.
Nature can help people to relax, indulge the senses and give weary workers a break from screens and daily stresses.
Just under 15 percent of the UK’s land is forest and sadly it’s actually one of Europe’s least wooded countries.
However, there are still a few pretty spots and there’s nowhere better than the UK’s largest forest, Galloway Forest in Scotland, which stretches for 297 square miles.
The beautiful forested spot was also Scotland’s first ever designated Dark Sky Park, making it the ideal winter walking destination.
There’s a huge range of walking trails with a mix of routes suitable for experienced hikers and beginners.
Tourists ‘Chris&Janey’ wrote on Tripadvisor: “Beautiful dark sky park and a real gem. Lots of walks through different terrains. Beautiful scenery and woodlands, small lochs and plentiful wildlife.”
‘Bob50M’ wrote: “This park is huge, with so many walks and great views. Too much to cover in one holiday but it’s a walker’s heaven.”
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Forests are cities for wildlife and tourists who visit Galloway have a fantastic chance of spotting some animals out and about.
Red squirrels, otters, nightjar and black grouse are regularly sighted in the forest while tourists should also keep an eye out for deer.
Tourists will also find Bruce’s Stone inside Galloway Forest park. The memorial stone marks where Robert Bruce defeated a larger English army in battle.
Can’t get enough forest? Check out which country in Europe has the highest percentage of forest coverage.
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Prefer city life to nature? One of England’s coolest city breaks is also one of its easiest to explore on foot.