Forest named one of nation’s peaceful places

GALLOWAY Forest Park has been named as one of Scotland’s most peaceful places. New data from VisitScotland has revealed that more quarter of visitors, 26 per cent, choose to holiday here simply to ‘get away from it all’, leading many visitors planning a trip to Scotland this autumn and winter. Additionally four in ten, 38 per cent, come to connect with nature, creating a growing trend of wellness holidays. From lowering stress to improving sleep, the simple act of being still in nature can help us feel more balanced and restored. With wellness and nature remaining one of the top reasons for travel, VisitScotland has teamed up with Public Health Scotland to share some inspiration of where to find the perfect peaceful escape this time of year. Among them is Galloway Forest Park, highlighted for its glens, lochs, hills and its prefect conditions to watch the night sky. Ruairi O’Brien, Senior Health Improvement Officer at Public Health Scotland said: “There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that nature-based activities have therapeutic benefits to our health and well-being. Nature can help alleviate and protect mental health and wellbeing by providing individuals with a refuge from the built environment and noise pollution that impact our daily urban lives. They can offer places of tranquillity and natural beauty that can nurture mental health, foster connections between people, with nature, and increase physical activity. “Spending time in Scotland’s amazing green and blue places is a fantastic way to regenerate and enjoy life fully.”