We offer you the opportunity to live alongside nature on our expanding range of expeditions to explore and discover wild places and become part the natural world. We travel lightly, supplementing our diet with wild foods. We will give you the chance to learn new skills such as fly fishing and stalking wild game. Not just for food, but for the joy of observing unspoilt nature in all of its glory.

We look forward to your company on our veritable wilderness experiences.

Our trips are all inclusive; once you are in our care we will strive to offer you the best natural wilderness opportunity we possibly can.

www.wildernessnatureguides.com
01496 850010/0845 8387062

Fishing and Bushcraft on the Isle of Islay

Cuiart Breac *
A Wild Trout Odyssey
19th - 24th May 2009

In May 2009, anglers who want to take their sight/fly-fishing to a different level – or people who enjoy being in the wild and like the idea of catching and eating their own food - can  follow in the footsteps of those who have journeyed across the Hebrides for thousands of years.  Like those who have gone before, from the Mesolithic peoples to 20th Century shepherds, these modern travellers will have to find themselves food and shelter en route. 

This unique combination of Sight/Fly-Fishing and Bushcraft is the idea of Jeremy Hastings (whose company Islay Birding & Bushcraft was awarded VisitScotland's first and only 5 Star Wildlife Experience in March 2007) and Roger Harrington of Bison Bushcraft.

As Hastings explains, “Being in the Wilderness gives a whole new dimension to the fishing experience.  What could be more satisfying than catching brown trout in a remote burn or hill loch, sea fishing from a deserted shore or foraging for shellfish - and then cooking the catch immediately on an open fire?  Beat that for food miles!”

The five day and night experience will cost  £715 per person and places are strictly limited.  
Booking through the Islay Bushcraft website www.islaybushcraft.co.uk

* Gaelic, pronounced 'COO-arch BRAY-urk' meaning “a wee walk round a speckled (trout)”!

‘Footing the Druim’
25-30 May 2009

Walking, nature watching and wilderness expedition along the remote west coast of Jura
5 Nights all inclusive(ex Islay)

The expedition will start traversing the west coast of the remote isle of Jura, exploring the sea lochs and moving gently across the rugged landscape, you will truly become at one with nature; food for the soul indeed!

The Nature is at its wildest here on this remote Isle, Golden Eagles and Otters thrive undisturbed, and a plethora of nature’s secrets and jewels are just waiting to be discovered by you on this true wildlife adventure!

It is the time of year for the majestic Red Deer stags to be casting their antlers so we hope to collect them. In the past these were a useful currency and still today they are traded to give keepers an additional income.

Spending time nature watching in such a remote environment will test all your skills and with WNG experts to help guide you, you will experience new and fascinating insights to this marvellous environment and wilderness.

Leaving no trace as we traverse the uninhabited west coast we will be met by local boats that will re-supply us and take the waste we come across as we make our daily progress along the coast. This small part of the day cleaning up the beach will help to pay Mother Nature back for the glory she shares with us

Following our Less is More philosophy we will take as little as possible to be able to gain as much as possible. We will bivvi up each evening either in caves or under bashas. It will be hard, very hard, and it will also be rewarding – so rewarding. You will definitely be able to put you past experiences into action and challenge all that you have learnt. This expedition is not for the faint hearted only true Wilderness Warriors need apply!

We will work together and share skills; learning from each other and from the landscape too. We will be foraging, fishing and nature watching, trying new things daily. You will have the experience of being lead by some of the country’s leading (and most enthusiastic!) wilderness and wildlife experts who will enable you to realise your dreams. You may be able to gain a John Muir Award from this expedition.

The last evening will be spent cleaning up and debriefing in a local hostelry and staying in the fabulous local accommodation on Jura.

‘’Reach for the opportunity to experience nature’s wonders and beauty! It’s all too easy to forget that we are a part of nature. Isn’t it time for you to give something back to nature and to make a difference? This life is not a test run; it’s now - so take that risk!’’

The price of this expedition is £790 per-person excluding your travel to and from Islay. We can also offer a discounted rate of £1375 should you wish to join us on The Cuiart Breac trip as well and do both trips back to back.