Loch Lomond: Guided Wild Food Forage & Feast

Loch Lomond’s serene waters and enchanting woodlands set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Led by Emma, a qualified countryside ranger, the "Guided Wild Food Forage & Feast" invites participants to explore ancient landscapes and uncover the hidden bounty of nature. From identifying edible plants and fungi to preparing a delightful wild picnic, this 3.5-hour experience promises to ignite the senses and deepen one’s connection to the natural world. Enjoy the art of sustainable foraging, as Emma shares her expertise and captivating insights. What secrets will the wilderness reveal during this captivating journey?

Good To Know

• Guided 3.5-hour foraging experience in Loch Lomond’s ancient woodlands, meadows, and hedgerows, led by a qualified countryside ranger and foraging expert.
• Guests learn to identify and prepare edible plants and fungi, followed by a wild picnic featuring seasonal wild-food plates and foraged light bites.
• Exploration of the local ecosystem’s edible flora, with tasting notes and folklore snippets, enhances the sensory experience and understanding of sustainable foraging practices.
• The experience is accessible, suitable for adults and youth aged 12+, with mobility accommodations available and a total walking distance of less than 2 miles.
• Personalized guidance and feedback from the expert guide equip guests with practical skills for future foraging endeavors in various settings.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

What better way to explore the bounty of nature than a guided wild food forage and feast?

This 3.5-hour experience in Loch Lomond invites you to explore the ancient woodlands, hedgerows, and wildflower meadows with an expert forager.

For just €359.44 per group (up to 12 participants), you’ll learn to identify and prepare edible plants and fungi, while enjoying a wild picnic featuring seasonal wild-food plates and foraged light bites.

Enhance your senses with wild herbal tea or cordial as you discover captivating folklore.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this immersive adventure is a must-try for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Experience and Highlights

Guided by Emma, a qualified countryside ranger and expert in foraging, you will embark on an immersive exploration of the ancient woodlands, hedgerows, and wildflower meadows surrounding Loch Lomond. Engaging the senses, they’ll learn to identify and prepare edible plants and fungi, savoring a wild picnic featuring seasonal wild-food plates and foraged light bites. Sipping on wild herbal tea or cordial, they’ll explore captivating folklore snippets to enhance their foraging knowledge. The experience promises to be a true celebration of nature’s bounty, leaving participants with personalized guidance to develop their foraging skills for any wild area.

Explore	Forage	Feast
Ancient woodlands	Edible plants	Wild picnic
Hedgerows	Mushrooms & fungi	Seasonal plates
Wildflower meadows	Wild tea & cordial	Foraged bites

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The guided foraging adventure begins at the Cashel Forest Visitor Centre, located just 10 minutes north of the charming town of Balmaha.

Accessible parking and facilities are available on-site from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, ensuring a seamless start to the experience.

Whether you’re an adult or a youth aged 12 and up, this outing caters to all.

Accommodations can be made upon request to accommodate any mobility needs, allowing everyone to enjoy the exploration of the ancient woodlands, hedgerows, and wildflower meadows.

With the meeting point easily accessible, the stage is set for an unforgettable journey of wild food discovery.

What to Bring and Not Allowed

Comfortable, sturdy shoes and hiking attire are a must for this wild foraging adventure. The terrain can be uneven, so you’ll want to wear shoes that provide good traction and ankle support.

Bringing a water bottle is also highly recommended to stay hydrated during the excursion. While the activity is suitable for all ages, it’s best suited for adults and youth aged 12 and up.

Visitors are advised to avoid high-heeled shoes, as they can be unsafe on the rugged paths. Pets, except for assistance dogs, aren’t permitted, and intoxication is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

Recording devices are also not allowed to preserve the natural ambiance of the experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Guided Foraging and Preparation

Qualified countryside ranger Emma leads participants on an immersive expedition through ancient woodlands, hedgerows, and wildflower meadows. Along the way, she shares her expertise on identifying and preparing edible plants and fungi. Guests engage their senses by sipping wild herbal tea or cordial as Emma weaves in captivating folklore to enhance their foraging knowledge.

What to Forage	How to Prepare	Tasting Notes
Nettle	Blanching	Earthy, nutrient-dense
Wild Garlic	Sautéing	Pungent, garlicky aroma
Chanterelle Mushrooms	Sautéing	Velvety texture, apricot flavor
Sorrel	Raw in salad	Lemony, tangy finish

The guided foraging experience culminates in a wild picnic featuring seasonal wild-food plates and foraged light bites, allowing guests to savor the fruits of their labor.

Wild Picnic and Sensory Exploration

After the guided foraging expedition, guests convene for a delightful wild picnic.

Nestled in the heart of the ancient woodlands, they savor a selection of seasonal wild-food plates and foraged light bites. The aroma of freshly brewed wild herbal tea or wild cordial tantalizes the senses, inviting participants to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.

Folklore snippets shared by the expert guide enhance the experience, providing deeper insights into the history and significance of the foraged ingredients.

This sensory exploration awakens the palate and broadens one’s appreciation for the bounty of the land. Leaving with a newfound foraging knowledge, guests depart with a profound connection to the local ecosystem.

Developing Foraging Skills

The guided wild food foraging expedition empowers participants to develop practical skills for identifying and harvesting edible plants and fungi.

Under the expert guidance of Emma, a qualified countryside ranger, guests embark on an immersive journey through ancient woodlands, hedgerows, and wildflower meadows.

They learn to recognize the unique characteristics and seasonal availability of diverse wild edibles, from vibrant berries to flavorful mushrooms.

Through hands-on foraging and preparation, participants cultivate an intuitive understanding of sustainable and responsible wild food gathering.

The experience concludes with personalized feedback and advice, equipping guests with the confidence to continue their foraging odyssey in any wild setting.

Additional Information

Beyond the practical foraging skills imparted, the guided expedition offers a truly immersive sensory experience. Participants can look forward to:

1. A total walking distance of less than 2 miles, making it accessible for all.

2. Personalized guidance to develop foraging skills applicable in any wild area.

3. An end-of-session recap and advice for continuing the foraging journey at home.

4. Dietary needs catered to during the delectable wild picnic.

Dogs aren’t permitted at the events, ensuring a safe and relaxed atmosphere to fully connect with nature.

With a perfect balance of education and indulgence, this guided forage and feast promises an unforgettable exploration of Loch Lomond’s abundant natural bounty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Bathroom Available During the Activity?

Yes, accessible public restrooms are available during the activity. Visitors can utilize the facilities at the Cashel Forest Visitor Centre, located just 10 minutes from the meeting point for the foraging adventure.

What Are the Physical Fitness Requirements for Participants?

This wild foraging adventure is suitable for all fitness levels. Participants can expect to do light walking on uneven terrain, but at a relaxed pace with frequent stops. Mobility accommodations are available upon request for those with special needs.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks to the Event?

Participants may not bring their own food or drinks to the event. The guided foraging experience includes a delightful wild picnic featuring seasonal wild-food plates and foraged light bites, as well as wild herbal tea or cordial.

How Experienced Should I Be With Foraging to Attend?

This foraging adventure welcomes all experience levels. Beginners will gain expert guidance to safely identify edible plants, while experienced foragers can expand their knowledge. The host tailors the experience to each participant’s comfort and interests.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Activity?

There’s no option to extend the duration of the 3.5-hour guided wild food forage and feast, but participants can continue exploring the area on their own after the event concludes. The focused experience maximizes the foraging and culinary highlights.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the enchanting Loch Lomond as you forage for wild edibles with an expert guide. Savor the flavors of nature in a delightful picnic, enhanced by captivating folklore. This experience deepens your connection to the land, leaving you with newfound appreciation for sustainable foraging. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on this unforgettable adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: