Join Christy Miles, an official trained Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Guide and a member of the Association of Foragers for a leisurely three hour guided walk from the beautiful coastal village of Garlieston to Cruggleton Castle, returning to The Hive in Garlieston for one of their delicious Afternoon Teas.

Along the way Christy will share her knowledge of this beautiful area of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. You will learn about the history of the area, the flora and fauna particularly wild edibles, find out which famous Scotsman was turned away from Galloway House by the Earl of Galloway and some legend and folklore associated with the area.

The walk will take approximately three hours at a leisurely pace, with stops throughout.

Fitness level

Ideally, participants will have done some walking previously and have a reasonable level of fitness. The ground will be rough and muddy in places, with no defined paths, we will be out for between 3-4 hours.

Minimum Age

10 years. (Anyone aged 17 or under must be accompanied by a paying legal guardian)

Equipment

To make your day as comfortable as possible, the following list is a suggestion of what you should bring with you. Any items with a star next to them are essential. Please ask your course provider if you have any queries about any of these items:

1. *Comfortable walking clothing – personal base layers and trousers (not jeans)
2. *Waterproof jacket with hood
3. *Waterproof trousers (separate to your walking trousers)
4. *Walking boots
5. Gaiters
6. *Comfortable walking socks
7. *Warm hat and gloves or sun hat and sun screen (weather dependent)
8. *Vacuum flask for hot drink and/or re-usable water bottle
9. Personal medication (I will be carrying a group first aid kit)
10. *Day walk rucksack
11. Snacks
12. Camera
13. Notebook and pen
14. Insect repellent (Smidge is good) /Suncream

I would suggest that even if it is warm you wear a cool long sleeve top and trousers, this is due to the risk of ticks in the area, stinging flora and horseflies are prevalent throughout certain times of the year.

Insurance

Way of the Wild has full public liability insurance, but the advice is for you to take out your own personal accident/cancellation insurance. If you already have insurance cover, check that it covers you for the activity you are undertaking.

Covid 19

As we navigate our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic, managing COVID-19 transmission is everyone’s responsibility. The safety of all candidates and our staff are paramount. Please be aware that everyone has different comfort levels due to the pandemic and what you now may be comfortable with others may still be wary.

We are all responsible for ensuring that we limit the spread of the virus.

As national guidance changes, we will review information regarding the measures and we will continually review our practices relating to course delivery and this guidance is subject to change at short notice.

Responsibilities

-Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has a positive LFT, or has been in contact with anyone with symptoms within 14 days of the experience starting will not be allowed to attend

Anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19 during the course will be asked to leave.

-Where possible please supply your own hand sanitiser.

-Finally, if you have any concerns in relation to coronavirus then please raise these with Way of the Wild at the earliest opportunity.

We will meet ready to start at 11am prompt.

After a brief look around the Visitor's centre we will begin our walk. The walk will take between 3-4 hours.

We will then return to The Hive for Afternoon Tea.