HIGHLIGHTS:
- Immerse yourself in Perthshire’s stunning wild landscapes.
- Visit transformational rewilding initiatives, to discover how they are fighting back for nature.
- Meet inspiring specialists who are making rewilding happen.
- Relax in a cosy boutique hotel in the foothills of the Scottish Highlands.
- Enjoy outstanding, locally sourced food in the relaxed on-site restaurant.
- Spend time looking for amazing wildlife, such as red kites and beavers.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group Rewilding Journeys are a carefully crafted blend of discovery and inspiration, in the company of expert guides and like-minded fellow travellers.
Immerse yourself in Perthshire’s beautiful wild places, where increasingly, rewilding is creating a more dynamic and ecologically rich environment. Along the way, meet the inspiring people behind pioneering rewilding projects, witness landscapes of hope and seek out enriching encounters with wild animals.
DATES
DATES | GUIDE | STATUS | |
---|---|---|---|
DATES: 5-8 Jun 2025 | GUIDES: Malcolm O'Reilly | STATUS: Open | BOOK NOW |
DATES: 16-19 Oct 2025 | GUIDES: Stef Lauer | STATUS: Open | BOOK NOW |
PRICE
£1395
Rewilding Impact Donation
If your finances allow, please consider making a donation of £200 or £500 to our Rewilding Fund, which supports the creation of new native woodlands, restores degraded peatlands and revitalises rivers and wetlands. This first-of-its-kind impact fund is dedicated to the delivery of projects across Scotland that will lock away carbon, boost nature and support thriving communities. A Rewilding Impact Donation can be made on booking.
DEPOSIT
£300
PRICE INCLUDES
- 3-nights accommodation in a room with private facilities
- All meals (breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner)
- All guiding, excursions and presentations
PRICE EXCLUDES
- Travel to/from Perth
- Travel insurance (it is a condition of booking that a suitable policy is in place)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses
ITINERARY
Our exact itinerary varies according to local factors, including the weather and season. Here, we present a sample of the experiences we enjoy on our Rewilding Journeys.
Day 1: After meeting in Perth, we head to our accommodation and settle in. Over a pre-dinner drink, we set the scene for our adventure, before gathering to enjoy our first evening meal together.
Day 2: We start the day with a hearty breakfast, before meeting our first rewilding practitioners near the historic town of Aberfeldy on the banks of the River Tay. Having ceased active farming over a decade ago, Glassie Farm is a member of our Northwoods Rewilding Network and commercial activity now focuses on self-catering accommodation. We’ll learn about techniques such as ‘leaky dams’ and ‘tree corridors’ which are creating joined up habitats across the site.
We then meet with a local ecologist to explore the river catchment, strolling through mature woodland to a picturesque loch. We stop here for a breather and take a moment to enjoy the scenery. As we meander around the loch, we search for signs of beaver activity before seeking out the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
Later, we return to our accommodation for a fascinating discussion around the will to explore what a reintroduction of lynx in Scotland might look like, what challenges we might face and how we might manage coexistence. To end, we enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the talented in-house chefs, before retiring for the night.
Day 3: Today we head west to Comrie Croft. Previously a livestock farm and commercial conifer plantation, the site is now a model for rural regeneration, supporting a variety of businesses and community enterprises.
Prior to a well-earned lunch at the on-site cafe, we take a walk through a mosaic of heather, woodland and rough pasture, to a regenerating birch forest, looking out over the Strathearn landscape as we go.
In the afternoon we head to another member of the Northwoods Rewilding Network. Argaty is focused on regenerative livestock farming and eco-tourism, and we enjoy a red kite experience, watching and learning about the history of these magnificent birds and their reintroduction to Scotland.
We visit a local restaurant for dinner, before settling down alongside Argaty’s beaver ponds (June dates only). We learn about the complexities of reintroducing two families of beavers to the farm, and the positive impact their ecosystem engineering is having on the surrounding land. Evidence of beaver activity is obvious and this one of Scotland's most reliable sites for seeing beavers in action.
Day 4: After a leisurely breakfast, we make our way to Denmarkfield, a 90-acre arable farm that has recently chosen to pursue a wilder, more nature-centric approach to benefit both wildlife and people. Here, we learn about urban rewilding and the importance of community involvement.
Just before lunchtime, we head to Perth and say our final farewells.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
How do I get there?
We meet at Perth train station and encourage guests to travel by public transport, which is generally reliable.
Train: Services to Perth are regular and can be booked here.
Bus: Services to Perth are regular and can be booked here.
Car: There are several parking facilities close to the station which can be viewed here. Please note that the Park & Ride shuttle services do not run on Sundays.
Air: Edinburgh Airport is the closest option and from there you can take the tram to connect to rail links direct to Perth Train Station. Booking options here.
How do we get around during our stay?
We use a modern, comfortable 9-seater minibus. For larger groups, we use an additional 9-seater minibus.
What size are your groups?
We generally work with small groups of between 5 and 8 guests (a trip is confirmed once 5 guests book). For private journeys, 12 guests is our maximum group size (no minimum).
Who are your guides?
We work with knowledgeable and friendly guides who are all familiar with Scotland’s rewilding narrative.
What meals are served?
A hearty breakfast is taken within the accommodation, while in the field, we take a packed lunch prepared by our hotel or eat in a local cafe. The emphasis is on local and sustainable produce. Dinner is either taken at our hotel or a local restaurant.
A range of dietary requirements can be catered for, taking into consideration allergies and health conditions, as well as ethics, faiths and cultures. Please indicate your requirements on the booking form and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.
Do I need to be fit?
Our walks are mostly on established paths and tracks but the terrain can be uneven and sometimes wet and/or slippery. Ideally, you will be able to walk at a leisurely pace for up to 5-7km. Waiting for wildlife can sometimes involve staying quiet and still for extended periods.
If you have mobility issues or need to take things slow, please let us know and we will be happy to discuss alternative activities.
What wildlife will we see?
Our Rewilding Journeys are not focused on wildlife sightings, however, during our walks, we will keep an eye out for any interesting wildlife and where appropriate, spend time enjoying the sighting.
Will biting insects be an issue?
Midges aren’t usually an issue but can be irritating on calm, mild evenings in summer. If you’re travelling with us during this period, we suggest you bring a suitable repellent.
What will the weather be like?
Weather can be very changeable and at any time of year, you should expect anything from warm, calm conditions to wintry squalls. Temperatures are likely to range from 10c to 22c in the spring/summer to 0c to 10c in autumn. If you’re unsure what to pack, we’ll be pleased to advise.
THE COORIE INN
The Coorie Inn is an independent boutique hotel nestled in the foothills of the Scottish Highlands. Situated in the ancient village of Muthill, it offers comfortable, stylish accommodation with ensuite facilities. The cosy on-site restaurant offers outstanding modern Scottish cuisine with a creative twist, sourcing only the freshest, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create their dishes.
Facilities:
- Stylishly decorated rooms with comfortable beds and modern en-suite facilities.
- All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities, mineral water, Arran Aromatics toiletries, towels, and hair dryers.
- Complimentary WiFi and Freeview TV available in all rooms.
- Enjoy pre-dinner aperitifs or a ‘dram’ in the warm and inviting bar and lounge.
- Drying room for outdoor gear.
WHAT OUR GUESTS THINK
"Remarkable guide - one of the best, most highly informed and greatly motivated guides I have ever experienced. 5 stars!"
Robert, 2023