Shugborough partnership opens new path to wellbeing

“This initiative aims to promote mental wellbeing, mindfulness and family connection through a peaceful outdoor experience,” says Javier González-Fritz, our Family Support Team Leader.

“Our goal is to provide a tranquil space where families and individuals can reconnect with themselves, each other, and spend time with their memories of loved ones who have died.

“We believe that spending time in nature combined with mindful practices can significantly enhance emotional resilience and overall wellbeing.

“We’d love visitors of all ages to explore the trail at their own pace, finding moments of calm and self-awareness in nature.”

How to explore the Contemplation Trail

Starting near the mansion, the trail offers two ways to explore:

• Shorter route: step-free and finishes at the tearoom, with four gentle written prompts to help visitors slow down and reflect.
• Extended route: continues past the boathouse, arboretum and Chinese House, with four additional prompts. This path includes uneven ground and takes around an hour to complete.

Inspired by Shugborough’s gardens and woodland, the prompts encourage simple moments of mindfulness – like listening to the wind, noticing the rustle of leaves, or pausing by the river.

The idea for the Contemplation Trail grew from the success of Walk to Remember, our annual event at Shugborough.

The second walk took place last month and once again showed how powerful it is for the community to come together in nature to honour loved ones and support hospice care.

“Working with the hospice at Shugborough, we see how gardens become more than places of beauty – they are quiet medicine for the mind,” says Hayley Mival, General Manager of Shugborough National Trust.

Hospice care is more than you think

The trail coincides with World Mental Health Day (10 October) and Hospice Care Week (6-12 October) a national campaign by Hospice UK.

This year’s theme “Hospice care is more than you think” highlights the full scope of hospice care from diagnosis through to death and bereavement.

Much of our care happens outside hospice buildings – in homes, communities, and now, through projects like this trail, in nature.