Guided Forest-Bathing Walk with Meditation and Cacao Tea

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku as it’s known in Japan where the practice originated in the 1980s is far more than a walk in the woods. It's a mindful and immersive exploration of nature designed to soothe the mind, restore the body and rejuventate the spirit.

The benefits of Forest-bathing:

Research has shown that forest-bathing can offer a wide range of physical and mental health benefits, including:

• Reduced stress – lowers adrenaline and cortisol, helping you to unwind
• Improved mood – alleviates anxiety and depression, promoting a sense of calm
• Enhanced cognitive function – boosts focus, memory, and concentration
• Increased energy – combats fatigue, leaving you feeling revitalised
• Better sleep – improves sleep quality and duration by 20%
• Balanced nervous system – helps to calm the body and mind
• Reduced blood pressure – supports heart health and metabolic function
• Strengthened immune system – increases the production of ‘natural killer’ cells that fight illness
• Combats social isolation – promotes a sense of connection and community

Please Note: This experience is focused on bathing in the atmosphere of nature—there is no swimming involved!

About the morning

Guided by Amanda, a certified nature therapy guide, this sensory walk is thoughtfully curated to help you slow down, become present and unplug from the demands of daily life. Which in turn allows you to awaken your senses and embrace the healing power of nature.

Inspired by the seasons you’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery in semi-ancient woods, where the gentle rhythm of nature will nurture your wellbeing and bring you back into balance. As a group we’ll flow through the trees, pausing to explore and share together. Towards the end we’ll gather for a guided nature meditation and cacao tea circle to awaken the sense of taste and bring a gentle touch of ceremony into the day.

You will leave feeling relaxed, restored and re-connected. Taking away with you nature-based practices you can continue to incorporate into your life to support your wellbeing.

Hear from others who have joined a forest-bathing walk

I often walk in nature but rarely do I immerse myself in nature. Amanda's guided session allowed me to really slow down and feel part of the forest. Noticing the tiniest of details and just being present in it was fantastic. No destination in mind, nowhere to be, no clock watching - just you and nature. Paul, Manchester

We all lead such busy lives, often filled with lots of 'noise' and 'stuff' which we never switch off from. Forest-bathing with Amanda provided some much needed time to be silent, to decompress and to allow nature to restore you. Georgina, Staffordshire

What a wonderful experience Forest Bathing with Amanda is. It helped me to slow down, connect to nature and notice things around me. I highly recommend this relaxing stroll through the woodlands. Anon

Loved this, so relaxing. Thank you for releasing the stress and tension I carry around on my shoulders every day. Even returning to work on Monday to a manic week, I approached it a lot calmer than I usually do. The usual stress didn’t seem to get to me. Definitely the best medicine ever! Laura, Manchester

I loved forest-bathing with Amanda. She gave the group some useful prompts that really made the group appreciate nature. I took a lot from the session that I now incorporate into my daily walks. I would recommend anyone to give it a go. Rebecca, Yorkshire

This is for you if

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, are curious to explore your connection with nature, a regular at forest-bathing, looking for wellbeing support, or are in need of a break to focus on you... forest-bathing offers something for everyone. No prior experience or fitness level is required.

Ticket information:

Includes: guided practice, cup of cacao tea

Excludes: car parking (free to National Trust members please bring your membership card for scanning).

As this is an outdoor event please read disclaimer here

Further information available in FAQs

More about Forest-Bathing

What to expect?

At the start Amanda will introduce you to the practice and its history along with easy tips to help you get the most out of this gentle morning. As we walk through the woods a series of nature invitations will be shared with you, specially curated to support you with shifting your awareness from the busy mind to becoming in-tune with the natural environment around you. Helping you to experience each moment with your senses what you hear, see, smell and feel. You'll notice things you don't normally notice when you're walking in the woods. Amanda is on hand for support throughout the morning.

Where did forest-bathing originate?

Although our connection with nature goes back as long as time this practice originated in Japan in the 1980s where it's known as Shinrin-Yoku, meaning 'to bathe in the forest atmosphere'. Hence the slightly funny name "Forest Bathing" here in the West.

About Cacao Tea

Cacao tea is made from the husk of the cacao beans and has many wellbeing benefits. It is high in antioxidants and flavonoids, helps to reduce inflammation in the body and stabilises blood pressure. It contains the happy hormone serotonin and theobromine which boosts energy and supports the mood. It supports heart health and cognitive function. Cacao tea has no contraindications so is a great alternative for those who can't drink Ceremonial Grade Cacao. It is optional to drink cacao tea but highly recommend trying it as it’s delicious!

About Your Guide

Amanda is a certified advanced coach, forest therapy guide,cacao facilitator and meditation teacher. Passionate about bringing nature into everyday modern life to nourish wellbeing and deepen self-connection so you live in harmony with yourself and the natural world that you are apart of.

Find out more about Amanda at www.letsstepin.com

About Alderley Edge National Trust

'The Edge' is a beautiful woodlands filled with history, legends and mystery. Named after the dramatic red sandstone escarpment which gives views over the Cheshire Plain. This was once an active metal-mine dating back to prehistoric times. The woodlands are predominately Beech, Oak and Scots Pine, a magical nature spot cared for by the National Trust. Amanda shares the practice of forest Bathing here under license to the National Trust.

Address: Macclesfield Road, Nether Alderley, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4UB

Nearest Train Station: Alderley Edge

Parking: National Trust Car Park free to members, with parking fee payable for non-members.

Facilities: Toilets and cafe are on site (no cash payments)