Welcome Wild Mocktail
A relaxed introduction to some edible plants found in the Castle grounds
Wild Foragers' Tasting Picnic with local wild ingredients
Cool infusion and a Wild Tea
Wild Cocktails and Mocktails (available to buy)
Castle Gardens and Pool
Sometimes we will create dishes with what we find on the day but often dishes have to be made in advance so please ensure health forms are filled in with dietary needs and allergies. Due to the nature of foraged foods we can not guarantee they are allergen free but do our best where practical/possible.
This product must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance. Many of the creations with wild ingredients take time to collect and prepare and we are mindful to ensure we minimise waste.
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 flavours of wild food are often so different to what we can buy in any supermarket or even grow at home - so varied, interesting and mostly(!) delicious. Learning how to use such ingredients is key to creating lovely food rich in nutrients that is interesting and varied from one month (or day) to the next. Varying our diet and including wild foods is a huge step in the right direction when trying to improve gut health and overall wellbeing.
A wild tasting picnic using an array of wild ingredients that can be easily found in Argyll and may even be in your own garden or backyard.
We will explore different flavours and textures in a range of tasters which include a wild soup, pakoras and pastries, ferments and pickles, salads and dressings, wild drinks and a range of sweet treats. Past dishes have included Miso Noodle and Seaweed Dashi Broth, Hogweed Tart, Wild Garlic and Spring Green Pakora, Sweet Cicely Raita, Wild Seeded Flatbreads or Sourdough, Seaweed and Wild Garlic Capers, Fermented Wild Greens, Sea Kelp and Sesame Crackers, Vegan and Gluten free Chocolate Cake with Wild Raspberries and Meadowsweet, Japanese Knotweed Cake and Yarrow and Rose Cordial to name but a few. It is always an adventure as we only create dishes with wild ingredients that are readily available and in season unless part of a wild ferment or pickle!
Wild cocktails and mocktails will also be available to purchase on a cash only basis.
The Castle have given permission for those that wish to take a dip or cool their toes to use their plunge pool (at their own risk). Bring your own towel, bathers and a rug to sit out and enjoy this lovely spot.
Join us at noon for a Wild Mocktail and relaxed walk looking at some wild edibles in the Castle's grounds before exploring some of the wild ingredients we will be using in our picnic
The Wild Food Picnic will be served at 1pm in the greenhouse or outside if the weather allows (bring a rug!)
Further Mocktails and Wild Cocktails will be available to buy on a cash only basis
Relax in the grounds, cool your toes or have a dip in the Castle's plunge pool (at your own risk)
Parking is available at the Castle or in Kilmartin village just a short walk away.
Kilmartin is just 8 miles north of Lochgilphead on the A816 towards Oban or, 29 miles south of Oban.
On reaching Kilmartin from Lochgilphead turn right immediately after Kilmartin Hotel or, if coming from Oban, take the left hand turn just before the Hotel (opposite the old Church car park). Continue through the houses on a small lane right to the end where you will reach the gravel drive into Kilmartin Castle. Please take care driving through the village and this quiet residential area.
Kilmartin Castle, Kilmartin, Argyll, PA31 8RQ
