Start time: 10am
Finish time: 12.30pm
Meeting location: Dalfaber, Aviemore; more details provided on booking.
Join an outdoor storytelling walk to put stories back where they belong in the landscape, ‘restorying’ the land and restoring ourselves through connection to places and each other.
The walk creates space for forgotten or silenced voices and histories which are a part of the land – exploring the systematic destruction of Gaelic culture, so-called witches and ‘witchcraft,’ convict transport, and how this rural Highland strath is inextricably linked with settler colonialism, from Australia to Canada to other corners of empire.
Through beautiful woodland and across moor in the Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore, we will purposely slow down to share local folktales, lore of plants, trees and nature, explore ruins, and do some foraging, together with a cup of wild seasonal foraged tea.
Most suited to older children and adults.
Description of walk
The walk starts from Aviemore (location will be shared on booking), and is around 2.2 miles (3.5km) long. It goes along informal, narrow woodland footpaths which are uneven underfoot (tree roots, mud) including a couple of stiles and wider, well-surfaced trails. A reasonable level of fitness is required, though we do go slowly.
It is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs; however I can adapt the route of the walk to make it fully accessible. Please let me know in advance.
Dogs are allowed but only if others booked onto the same walk are okay with this. If you want to bring a dog please let me know ahead of booking.
What to wear/bring
Please dress appropriately for the weather! In Scotland this usually means warm, waterproof clothing. The weather can change quickly, so please bring waterproofs with you just in case. We will stop frequently on the walk so make sure you will be warm enough. Please wear strong, sturdy shoes suitable for uneven paths (no flip-flops!) and a sit pad/mat is a good idea for when we stop for drinks.
Please bring your own cup if you’d like to try the wild tea.
What I will bring
I will bring wild tea, a bag of tricks, and a smile. I will also have hand sanitiser and a First Aid kit with me just in case!