Engaging with nature is a profoundly rewarding experience, offering a deep connection to the world around us and a pathway to a calmer, healthier, and happier state of mind. Taking time to immerse oneself in the natural world is not merely a pastime but a transformative journey that nurtures both body and soul.

Guests staying at Broughton Sanctuary have the unique opportunity to explore the Odyssey Trail, a sensory path across our 3,000-acre landscape designed to inspire and rejuvenate. This expansive trail, consisting of five interconnected loops, invites you to engage with the natural world in a mindful and meaningful way. A printed map of the route is provided with each stay in our Holiday Homes.

The Odyssey Trail: A Highlight of Your Stay

A stay at Broughton Sanctuary would not be complete without experiencing the Odyssey Trail, a breathtaking 30km walking route that winds through the Sanctuary’s stunning 3,000-acre rewilding landscape. Designed to connect you with the beauty and tranquillity of the natural world, the trail is a key guest experience to Broughton’s rewilding offering – a journey of discovery and rejuvenation.

Over several days, explore the five interconnected loops of the Odyssey Trail, each showcasing a unique aspect of the Sanctuary’s landscape. Meander through flourishing woodlands that hum with life, admire sweeping hill views across the Yorkshire Dales, and pause at historical landmarks that tell the story of this extraordinary destination. Along the way, witness the results of Broughton’s transformational nature restoration project, which nurtures biodiversity and supports the flourishing of local ecosystems.

The Odyssey Trail also features immersive opportunities to engage with Broughton Sanctuary’s signature wellbeing elements. Encounter the Fire Temple, a space for reflection and connection; traverse the Labyrinth, a meditative walk designed to centre the mind; take a refreshing dip in the Wild Swimming Reservoir; or unwind in the Woodland Sauna and adjacent Tree Nets, where the serenity of the surroundings amplifies your relaxation.

Whether you explore the trail all at once or immerse yourself in it loop by loop, the Odyssey Trail promises an memorable experience that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit, while immersing you in the restorative power of nature.

A Journey for the Senses

The Odyssey Trail is a celebration of movement, inviting you to focus your mind on the dynamic beauty of nature. Pause to notice the delicate rustling of leaves in the breeze, the graceful flight of birds across the fields, or the intricate web woven by a spider. As you observe these moments, you may feel a profound sense of belonging to the natural world—a simple yet powerful experience.

Over time, your senses begin to sharpen, and you become attuned to more than just the sights around you. Sound becomes a gateway to connection, whether it is the melodic call of a bird, the subtle shifting of the wind, or the gentle trickle of a brook. Try an exercise to enhance this connection: stand with your back to a stream, cup your ears forward, and let the sound surround you without looking at it’s source. This simple act can deepen your awareness and appreciation of nature’s symphony.

Awakening Smell and Touch

The natural world is rich with scents and textures, each offering its own form of connection. Lean in close to plants and flowers to appreciate their diverse fragrances, from delicate and subtle to bold and invigorating. Touch the variety of textures that nature provides, from soft moss to the rough bark of ancient trees.

This tactile engagement reminds us of the extraordinary role plants play in sustaining life on Earth through photosynthesis—the miraculous process of converting sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into the food that supports all living beings.

Nature as Nurture

As you explore the Odyssey Trail and connect with nature’s rhythms, you may discover an undeniable truth: by caring for the natural world, you also nurture your inner wellbeing. The connection between outer and inner nature is profound, and at Broughton Sanctuary, every moment spent immersed in this tranquil environment is an opportunity to embrace harmony and renewal.

Take time to experience the transformative power of nature at Broughton Sanctuary, where the beauty of the landscape and the serenity of the Odyssey Trail await to enrich your mind, body, and spirit. Enjoy this experience by booking one of Broughton Sanctuary’s charming Holiday Homes, where you can relax in comfort and wake up to the beauty of the nature on your doorstep.