Wild coast wanders is a privately guided outdoor education experience for anyone that would benefit from escaping the stresses of modern life and immerse in an environment that will allow for a deeper connection with nature and each other. We are open to hosting any types of group; families, work groups, or friends. We welcome diversity!
We offer 4 nights week and 3 night weekend sessions at our accommodation. Well behaved dogs welcome!*
Wild Coast Wanders provides an opportunity for a full digital detox , away from distractions and stresses that clutter modern life; tablets, T.V , internet , phones and the noise of traffic ………
Once separated from the technology that dominates our everyday lives, our beautiful location and slower pace will allow you to focus on the natural beauty we fail to notice and promote bonding with your fellows.
You will have a personal guide Bernie Lundie whose goal is to help you explore the natural wonders of our world through various activities that will engage every sense. Activities will be tailored according to group type and composition so that everyone can connect with nature in the way best for them regardless of age of or background.
The Wild Coast Wanders experience has been structured in guidance of the latest research on “the three-day effect”. This is the time needed for the brain to be immersed in nature in order to reap the benefits of relaxation and a boost in creativity and problem solving.
This course will engage the senses of taste and smell as we savour unique flavours of the countryside
Bernie has been foraging since knee high and is eager to give an introduction to the bountiful wild larder. Armed with baskets and bags we will gather our harvest in a respectful and sustainable manner. Which edibles are available will depend on the season but with Scotland’s wealth of hedgerows and coastline, there is always a plethora on offer. Whether it be Spring greens, Summer seaweeds or Autumn berries, Bernie will teach you how to safely identify different wild foods and discuss their traditional use throughout Scottish history.
Recipes will be also be provided at your accommodation to allow families the opportunity to transform your hard earned efforts into delicious, traditional fare!
Once your eyes and ears are tuned to nature’s rhythms your daily life will be transformed
Dedicating a full day to Kintyre’s remote, boulder strewn and beautiful coastline will present us the opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna first-hand. It will take us to secluded parts of the shore where we can take advantage of the pristine soundscape and tune our minds to the sounds of nature. The goal of this activity is not just to watch wildlife but to learn how. In the company of your experienced guide, you will be assisted in crafting tools of identification and appreciation for the wild inhabitants of earth and sea.
Seals ,peregrine falcon, kestrel, ravens , brown hare and deer are regularly spotted. Golden eagles, bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoise minke whales and otters have been seen also.
Guests will have two pairs of high quality binoculars to borrow per group , free of charge.
(Gannet Week only) To the beachcomber the seashore is like an encyclopaedia to life itself. With keen eyes we will read its pages …..
The trash and treasures of the strandline, both natural and otherwise, are a source of boundless fascination. As we explore, we will identify our discoveries and discuss the varied impacts ocean debris has for ourselves and the wider world.
As well as beachcombing we will take advantage of South ends soft sand which provides a great medium for identifying animal tracks. We will discuss how and why other creatures other than holiday makers visit the beach! If we find prints of suitable quality we will learn how to make plaster of Paris casts, as a memento for you to take away.
Amongst countless other objects mermaid’s purses, seal skulls, sea glass, hurling balls and even a message in a bottle have been found on past sessions.
This classic seaside activity will be transformed into an eye opening session exercising our reflexes and sense of touch
Grappling crabs, netting gobies, by getting hands on with net and bucket we explore a world rich in texture, colour and hidden secrets. All those open to exploring the margin of land and sea will leave with a much deeper sense of this diverse and complex habitat. Along with the thrill of the hunt through the seaweed and rocks, we will talk about the general ecology of the rock pool. Findings will then be transported into clear tanks for a detailed viewing and Bernie will discuss the individual survival strategies each species employs in this perilous ecosystem.
The handling of all animals will be done with careful consideration and all will be released, unharmed, at the end of the session.
(Gannet Week only)
Camera traps (Remote Automatic Cameras) have revolutionised how we observe animals in their natural environment. On this course you will learn how, through their use of infrared sensitive camera equipment, scientists employ these devices to delve into the private lives of rare and seldom seen animals. Bernie has a wealth of experience, from sub-Arctic tundra to dense tropical rainforests, with these devices and will teach you how to set up and operate them for the most effective results. The cameras will be arranged to capture film and photographs over the course of your stay, and all findings sent to the group after their trip.
On receiving the results, the anticipation that follows has been likened to “feeling like Christmas day”. We hope with this enriching experience, you come to share in this sentiment.
“An excellent and enthusiastic naturalist with a great passion for the outdoors and wildlife. Bernard Lundie has worked with us at Skalanes nature and heritage centre in the eastern fjord region of Iceland on several occasions. He worked in research on avian subjects, assisting other students and professionals alike, as well and also informing and guiding visitors around the site. His passion and drive for the natural world is exemplary.”
Ólafur Pétursson
The static caravan that will host your group is hosted in the family friendly Kilmashenachan caravan site. Nestled at the end of Kintyre peninsula, the golden sands of south end are seconds walk. On our horizon is the low- lying island of Sanda. Behind it the unmistakable outline of the famous Ailsa Craig, steep sided and steeped in history. Buzzards and raven soar above while flocks of waders feed on the sandy beach and the blue seas are home to seabirds, seals, whales and dolphins. Due to our open maritme location we are relatively midge free!
Roughly two miles away is the wee village of Southend, with a local pub, village shop and the award winning Muneroy tearoom, The town of Campbeltown is close at hand (10 miles, 20 minute drive) with two supermarkets and anything else you may need.
On the drive down before Campbeltown we can recommend the Bellochantuy farm shop for the best eggs and local produce. (https://www.facebook.com/kintyreeggs/)
Your self-catering board will be in one of our homely static caravans
Driving
The journey here is an adventure in itself. If coming from Glasgow(about 3 and a half hours drive ) the drive from Glasgow will take you on the A82 past the beautiful Loch Lomond and the drive down the Kintyre peninsula on the A83 that run parallel to the Atlantic ocean is one of the most scenic drives in the UK. We are roughly ten miles from Campbeltown and 2 miles from Southend village.
Bus
West Coast Motors provides regular services from Glasgow to Campbeltown and also from Campbeltown to Southend. Details on timetables and fares can be found at www.westcoastmotors.co.uk
The bus drops you near, but not at our exact location however we are often able to arrange pickups from Southend or come meet you to make sure you find us.
Booking can be done via PayPal or as a BACS (Bank transfer).
Click the ‘Book Now’ links below for PayPal.
Wild Coast Wanders will be open in 2018 April until November 1st .
For 2019 bookings contact us.
4 night stay arriving Monday any time after 2pm leaving Friday before 10 am.
Price: £420 plus £130 for accommodation (to be paid separately on arrival).
Both prices are PER GROUP.
3 night stay arriving Friday any time after 2pm leaving Monday before 10 am.
Price: £320 plus £130 for accommodation (to be paid separately on arrival) .
Both prices are PER GROUP.
We offer 3 hour (or longer) day tours. Departing from Southend Village we will explore the surrounding coast and countryside, in search of natures bounty and learn how to safely identify edible species . Although aimed primarily at tasting the hedgerow and coastal delights we will take the time, feeling the wind sculpted stones, hear natures sounds and keep an eye out for our local otters. Natures beauty provides more than a postcard view!
For larger parties (Scout groups etc ) the option of camping is possible, please contact us to find out more.
Wild Coast Wanders will be open in 2018 late spring till November 1st .
Contact us for 2018 bookings.
Telephone: 07907 526266
Signal can be hard to get out here, but if you phone leave a message and we will get back to you.
