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PRICE

£995

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

£200

PRICE INCLUDES

PRICE EXCLUDES

ITINERARY

Please note, the exact itinerary may change slightly according to local factors, including the weather. 

Day 1:

Following arrival and introductions in Dunoon, we head west, traversing the Cowal Peninsula until we reach our destination, Auchgoyle Farm, our home-from-home for the next three nights. If time allows, we explore our immediate surroundings before settling down for a pre-dinner presentation that will set the scene for our weekend adventure. Afterwards, we gather together around the farmhouse dining table to enjoy our first evening meal, prepared by a local catering team.

Day 2:

After a hearty breakfast, we begin our journey right outside the door, with Auchgoyle owners, Katharine and David – a couple who once ran the entire length of South America. They bought this former dairy farm with plans for an ambitious rewilding project, and are now transforming the land into a rich mosaic of grassland, woodland and scrub. The property is home to Shetland cattle and native breed ponies, used for mob grazing to enhance habitat diversity, alongside an immersive eco-tourism business. We take a walk around the property, with ecologist Katharine, sharing information on the birds, animals and plants found here. 

Early afternoon, we head north to Evanachan Farm overlooking Loch Fyne for a scrumptious home-made picnic lunch, followed by a guided tour. This family livestock farm is moving towards sustainably harnessing and regenerating the land. Sheep densities have been significantly reduced over the years and income streams diversified. Here, we hear the story of their transformation, before enjoying some time in their loch-side sauna and taking a dip in the ocean – the perfect way to slow down, relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. 

Day 3:

After a restful night's sleep, we start the day with an inspiring visit to Glenan Wood, a community-owned atlantic rainforest, covering 365 acres. It’s a perfect example of Atlantic oak woodland – the temperate (and now rare) rainforest habitat that once covered much of Scotland’s west coast. We’ll see firsthand how bringing back Scotland’s lost rainforests demands active engagement from the communities who live in and around them.

After a bite to eat at a local eatery, we venture further south to an idyllic coastal site: Carry Farm. Once a mixed farm, it’s now a vibrant business with holiday cottages, coffee shop, gallery and sailing school. Primarily coastal heath, the site also features ancient hazel and oak woodland, and is home to red squirrels, badgers and hedgehogs, as well as its resident donkeys and Hebridean sheep. We spend time exploring the site with the owners, learning about their restoration efforts, before relaxing on the shore, taking in the views and looking out for otters, herons, oystercatchers and curlews.

Our evening is spent at Auchgoyle’s timber-framed roundhouse – an impressive structure offering a unique dining experience for our final night together. 

Day 4:

After a late breakfast, we enjoy our final moments in this special place before departing for Dunoon.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Where do we stay?

Guests will be split between two properties (the eco-lodge and farmhouse) just a few minutes walk from one another at Auchgoyle Farm. The eco-lodge is a contemporary timber-framed property with two bedrooms and a shower room, while the original farmhouse has been fully renovated and has four bedrooms with two bathrooms. All solo travelers will have their own room. Both properties have communal spaces for relaxing and the group will have breakfasts and dinners in the farmhouse dining room. 

Which meals are served?

Breakfast and evening meals are taken within the accommodation and prepared by either the owners of Auchgoyle or a local caterer. Home-cooked, wholesome food is prepared with fresh, local ingredients. In the field, we will have lunch at local eateries along with some home-bakes. We might also squeeze in coffee and cake stops along the way!

A range of dietary requirements can be catered for, including allergies and health conditions, as well as ethics, faiths and cultures. Please indicate your requirements on the booking form and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

How do I get there?

Public transport is generally reliable and for this itinerary we offer free transfers from the town of Dunoon. 

Train & Ferry: There are direct trains from Glasgow Central to Gourock (approx. 40 mins). From Gourock train station it’s a few minutes walk to the passenger ferry dock for crossings to Dunoon (approx. 25 mins). Ferry crossings generally depart every 15-20 minutes after a train arrival. The timetable can be viewed here. Direct trains to Glasgow from London Euston take approx. 4.30hrs. The Caledonian Sleeper provides another option for travelling overnight from London to Glasgow.

Car: If you prefer to travel by car, aim to arrive at the Auchgoyle Farm by 4pm. There is safe parking available as well as an EV charging point (50p/kWh). You can take the Western car ferry from Gourock to Sandbank Dunoon or drive to the peninsula. We can provide detailed instructions. 

What time are the free transfers from Dunoon?

We collect at 2.30pm on arrival day and drop off by 12pm on departure day. The ferry service from Dunoon to Gourock aligns with the train times to Glasgow. 

How do we get around during our stay?

We use a comfortable 9-seater minibus. 

Who are your guides?

We work with knowledgeable and friendly guides familiar with the location and Scotland’s rewilding narrative.

What size are your groups?

We generally work with small groups of between 6 and 8 guests (a trip is confirmed once 6 guests book). 

Do I need to be fit?

Our walks are mostly on established paths and tracks but the terrain can be uneven, steep and sometimes wet and/or slippery. Ideally, you will be able to walk at a leisurely pace for up to 5-7km and will be able to manage your footing on uneven terrain. Talking with rewilding practitioners or waiting for wildlife can sometimes involve standing still for extended periods. We advise bringing walking poles, if required. 

If you have mobility issues or need to take things slowly, please let us know and we will be happy to discuss alternative activities.

What wildlife will we see?

Our Argyll Explorer is not focused on wildlife sightings. During our walks, however, 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 are around during the summer months. They aren’t usually an issue during the day  but can be irritating on calm, mild evenings in late summer. We suggest you bring a suitable repellent and midge net if you are usually bothered by insect bites. 

What will the weather be like?

Weather in the West Highlands is 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 20c in late summer. If you’re unsure what to pack, we’ll be pleased to advise.

READ OUR FAQS FOR MORE INFO

AUCHGOYLE FARM

Located on the southern tip of the Cowal Peninsula, Auchgoyle Farm is a family-run wildlife haven perfectly located for exploring the nearby regenerating landscapes. As part of the Northwoods Rewilding Network, the owners of this 80 acre site – featuring meadows, wetlands and woodlands – are fully committed to restoring the land and creating a space for people to embrace the natural world. 

There are two properties for guests to enjoy: the contemporary eco-lodge, with two bedrooms and one bathroom, and the renovated farmhouse, with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Both overlook Ostel Valley and provide a comfortable base from which to explore. 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT AUCHGOYLE FARM