The fascinating world of fermentation has been part of the human story for millenia leading from a need to preserve to the creation of a cornucopia of food, drink and flavour.
Please note some fermented products that may be available on this course will contain allergens (ie Milk Kefir contains dairy, Sourdough starter contains wheat, etc) which means this workshop may not be suited to those with severe allergies. Please bear this in mind when booking.
Relaxed walks on mainly flat or graded paths and tracks within easy access of a road/parking with little or no steep ground. These walks are designed to take in a specific tourist site or experience - perhaps to visit a ruined Scottish castle, wildlife centre or ancient carved stones - and are suitable for a wide range of abilities, typically never more than 3 miles or 2 hours of walking.
Leisurely walking on paths and tracks with occasional steep or uneven sections or steps. Designed to offer an immersive and relaxing experience connecting with nature and the outdoors these walks help promote wellbeing and may include walks around lochs, along beaches, through woodland and glens, to visit a specific historic or geological site, to learn about foraging for wild plants or to reach viewpoint. These are suitable for a wide range of abilities and are typically 3 to 6 miles with up to 5 hours of walking and 300m of ascent and descent.
Expect a full day of walking using a mixture of paths, tracks and over mixed terrain. There are likely to be some steep or uneven sections or steps. These walks are suited to those used to being active and may include easier hill summits, coastal walks, sections of long distance trails such as the Kintyre Way, visiting sites off the beaten track and sunset walks. Walks are typically 6 to 8 miles with 4 to 6 hours of walking and no more than 600m of ascent and descent.
An active day of walking using a mixture of paths, tracks and over mixed terrain which is likely to have steep rough sections. These walks are suited to those used to being active and may include hill summits, coastal sections with a lot of ascent and descent, remoter areas, longer sections of trails such as the Kintyre Way, visiting sites off the beaten track, trig point hunters and Wainwright baggers. Walks are typically 7 to 12 miles with 5 to 8 hours of walking and up to 800m of ascent and descent.
A full day of walking over varied ground, which may incorporate a mixture of tracks and paths but is likely to include rugged steep pathless terrain, requiring advanced skills, good fitness and stamina. Walks at this level are usually either long distance, which may or may not incorporate good paths, or in remote and mountainous areas. Typical walks include the easier Munros and Corbetts, the higher Lakeland and Welsh fells, challenges such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks and long distance backpacks such as the Coast to Coast or Pennine Way. Distances vary but are typically 10-25 miles with ascents of up to 1600m. A full days walking may take anything from 6 to12 hours.
A full day of walking over varied ground, which may incorporate a mixture of tracks and paths, rugged steep and rough pathless terrain, exposed ridges and non-technical scrambles requiring advanced skills, good fitness and stamina. Walks at this level are usually either long distance, which may or may not incorporate good paths, or in remote and mountainous areas. Typical walks include the harder or more remote Munros and Corbetts, routes such as Striding Edge in the Lake District, high level or remote long distance backpacks or ultra long distance events. Distances vary but are often over 15 miles with ascents often exceeding 1000m. An example is the Patterdale Round which takes in 17 Wainwrights, is 30 miles and has over 3000m of ascent. A full days walking may take anything from 8 to16 or more hours.
The world of fermentation has always fascinated me, from watching my parents create wild wines and a family friend make vast quantities of Sauerkraut when I was a child, to experimenting with my own ferments for my kitchen cabinet. The possibilities are endless!
Fermentation through the ages.
Explore the world of fermentation, the varied processes that have developed through time as a means of preservation, key health benefits and our modern understanding of how fermented products may help our microbiome. The history of fermentation has so many facets across the globe and we will explore several on this journey together. We will also look at how to use wild foods in ferments to add flavour and variety, make a wild inspired sauerkraut to take home and try a selection of tasters that have been made using different processes.
All guided walks include the following:
Your friendly qualified guide for the duration of your walk, group safety equipment (if required), emergency first aid kit, walk joining information, kit-list, friendly advice.
All our activities can be booked for private groups as bespoke experiences.
Prices and terms & conditions for bespoke experiences apply.
It is worth bringing an apron for the workshop to protect your clothes although we can provide disposable ones if required (although we prefer not to do this to minimise waste). You will be sent an Emergency Contact/ Health form which needs to be completed prior to attending this event - please ensure you tell us as soon as you book if you have any food allergies, you can do this on the form.
Access and parking:
Parking is available at the museum and there is a lift down to the Learning Centre if required.
The museum is in the centre of the village of Kilmartin, 8 miles north of Lochgilphead and 29 miles south of Oban, adjacent to the A816.
