Wild Forage and Canoe Experience

  • foraging

  • 6 hrs

  • Up to 7 people
  • pin

    Strontian, GB

  • ticket-price
    From
    £150.00
    / adult
  • ticket-price
    From
    £95.00
    / child
  • user-group

    Group discount available

  • Description

    Reconnect with nature on land and water as you journey in open canoes and forage for lunch under the guidance of our experienced and enthusiastic local guides. The more senses you use during an experience, the more potent the memories! Touching, tasting and smelling foraged produce for your lunch combines perfectly with sounds, smells and sights during a short canoe journey.


    This exciting collaboration between Lucy Cooke (The Wild Cooke) and Karl (owner of Otter Adventures), will draw you deeper into understanding both the macro and micro landscapes around us helping you see them from truly unique perspectives.

    For six years Lucy has educated herself in the wonderous world of foraging and enjoys nothing more than to introduce others to the benefits, enjoyment and tastes of wildfood. As a local and a member of the Association of Foragers, you will be treated to the best seasonal delights the Peninsula has to offer and perhaps you'll learn a thing or two about foraging along the way!

    Karl has over 30 years experience of introducing complete novices to canoeing and helping them enjoy new adventures on land as well as on water. With a 100% success rate of bringing everyone back again - even absolute beginners - you can be assured of a safe adventure.

    Between them you will be guided in exploring the margins between land and sea as your journey takes you from one to another and back again. You will hear stories and folklore from across Ardnamurchan, journey away from other visitors immersing yourself in natural landscapes, getting closer to wildlife and tasting some delicious wild food.

    When the day is over, you will be left with unique memories of your experience and a newfound appreciation for and connection with nature.


    NB: The winds can have a dramatic effect on canoes and it may be necessary to reduce or even remove this part of the day for safety reasons. If this happens, and it is safe on land, the land based aspects may be extended as best we can. Please be flexible and we will do everything we can to give you the best, and safest, foraging experience.



    Requirements

    The requirements for a canoe experience are minimal. You should:

    1. be at least 12 years old
    2. have an average level of fitness
    3. be prepared to have fun exploring on the water and land
    4. want to learn about the world around us and try wild foods
    5. enjoy being outdoors and working, generally, at a leisurely pace

    For all our activities:

    1. under-18's must be accompanied on the activity by their parent or legal guardian.

    Don't worry if:

    1. your height or weight are above average
    2. lack experience in canoeing
    3. have a specific medical or dietary need.

    If any of these do apply, please do contact us before booking and we will do our best to accommodate you on an adventure.


    Some specific dietary allergies may make it difficult for you to participate. Please be open with us before booking and we will advise as best we can so you can make an informed decision as to whether to participate or not.


    What to bring
    1. Reusable water bottle or flask of hot drink
    2. Waterproof jacket and trousers (avoid bringing your best Goretex for water-based activities)
    3. General outdoor or fitness clothing to wear under your waterproofs (please avoid jeans and cotton clothes)
    4. Extra jumper (especially for children) as it may be cooler on the water
    5. Shoes to wear during the activity - these will get wet, so old trainers are fine
    6. Sunhat or beanie (depending upon conditions)
    7. Sunglasses (with retainer cord)
    8. Suncream and midge repellant
    9. Spare clothes and towel (just in case)
    10. Personal medication
    11. Personal accident and possessions insurance

    If you don't have all these items or forget something on the day, please let your guide know when you arrive and we may be able to lend you something appropriate.

    Itinerary

    After introductions, your guide will ensure you have a buoyancy aid and paddle in an appropriate size.

    If you have forgotten anything or need to borrow anything, please do let them know at this point and they will do their best to source something appropriate for you.

    You may be asked to help load boats onto a trailer, please only do so if this is not likely to aggravate an existing injury. 

    Once packed you will travel to the most suitable location for the day and enjoy exploring on the water.

    This will probably be on Loch Sunart but may be Loch Linnhe or other location if winds and tides dictate. Your guide will negotiate this with you before departing.

    You may be asked to travel in your own vehicle(s) for social distancing purposes or meet your guide at the agreed location. Once on the water, you will spend about 1-1.5 hours journeying to meet Lucy, our local foraging expert. She will introduce you to the wonders of foraging for around 2 hours on land by exploring the local environment and sharing a wildfood inspired lunch.

    Back in the canoes, another 1-1.5 hour return journey will complete your day of exploring and leave you with new found knowledge and memories of wonderful experiences.


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