“The twisted pines and golden birches that flank Glen Affric, fire the imagination and conjure an evocative image of what much more of the Scottish Highlands could look like.”

Dan Puplett, Guide

Day 1: After arrival and introductions, we enjoy our first meal together before an after-dinner presentation setting the scene for our adventure.

Day 2-4: We like to retain some flexibility around the exact itinerary to take account of weather and local wildlife opportunities. Here is a taste of what you can expect.

We visit one of Scotland’s most spectacular glens, home to a wild forest that would once have stretched across much of Scotland. Glen Affric has been on a rewilding journey for longer than almost any other Scottish landscape. Pioneering work to protect and restore the Caledonian Pine Forest, took hold here three decades ago and today, the result is an emerging mosaic of woodland, peatland, loch and river – the foundation for East West Wild.

“The potential for East West Wild to make a major contribution to both nature recovery and revitalised communities, is hugely exciting.”

This ambitious coalition of landowners and communities covers Glens Cannich, Affric, Moriston and Shiel and is founded upon a vision to restore a wild landscape alongside vibrant communities. The pinewoods of East West Wild are home to specialists like crested tit and Scottish crossbill, while golden eagles breed on the crags above the glens. We spend time walking in the heartland of East West Wild and while enjoying the rich autumn forest, cascading waterfalls and the distant roar of rutting red deer, we meet with local experts who are driving this pioneering project forward.

Bunloit Estate covers 1,000 acres perched high above Loch Ness and was recently converted to rewilding. Part of East West Wild from its inception, we meet Bunloit’s rangers to learn about their exciting plans and to see evidence of returning wildlife, such as wild boar.

After a short drive, we take lunch beside a tumultuous river where if conditions are right, leaping salmon will be undertaking their epic upstream journey in one of nature’s most demanding migrations. We walk among the meandering channels of the River Enrick, which flows into Loch Ness at Urquhart Bay. This area is one of the best examples of ancient wet woodland in Europe and is reminiscent of the great salmon rivers of North America.

We visit the Forest of the Future! Local charity Trees for Life, owns the 10,000-acre Dundreggan Estate and has been working to rewild this part of Scotland for over 25 years. A key part of their work is growing young trees that will form part of the expanding forest across the East West Wild area. We talk to the nursery team before enjoying a leisurely walk through the ancient birch woodland at Dundreggan.

Against the backdrop of spectacular autumnal scenery, this Wild Weekend will provide a fascinating introduction into one of the UK's most exciting nature recovery projects.

Day 5: We say our farewells after breakfast on Tuesday morning.