Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most sessions take place in and around Highland Perthshire, within easy reach of Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Blair Atholl, or Aberfeldy. Locations vary seasonally and are chosen for plant diversity, safety, and access.

    All event locations, including parking and public transport links, will be emailed 7 days prior to the event.

    Find out more about the hub of Pitlochry, local holiday accommodation and travel links here.

  • Not at all. All of our classes are designed for beginners or those who are simply curious, as well as those expanding their herbal knowledge.

    Unlock a new skill today with wild medicine!

  • We hold our walks and workshops in all weathers (except for storms and high winds). Therefore it is advised to come to our workshops prepared for the weather of the Scottish Highlands, which can often feature all four seasons in one day!

    • Appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear, such as waterproofs and layers

    • A notebook and pen, if you like to take notes.

    • A drink, snack or packed lunch: our workshops often last 2-2 ½ hours so bring any snacks if needed.

    • Sunscreen and midge repellant if needed

    The Useful Plant Company will provide any specialist materials or tools needed for apothecary sessions.

  • Most sessions last two and a half hours, unless otherwise stated.

    1 hour, ½-day, full-day and bespoke group nature-based experiences are also available.

  • Full details of parking and public transport links to event locations are provided in your Invitation email, which we send out 7 days before your event.

  • Outdoor sessions will continue in rain or light mist, but in cases of severe weather, such as high winds or storms, you’ll be contacted to reschedule or offered a refund.

    On these rare occasions this happens, please understand that we do this because the safety of our customers is paramount.

  • We are currently updating our website and hope to be able to take live bookings soon.

    In the meantime, to book, simply email us to confirm the workshop you wish to book and we will arrange to take payment. Payment confirms your walk or workshop space immediately and you will receive confirmation by email.

    7 days before the event, you will receive a more detailed Walk or Workshop Guide.

    We look forward to meeting you soon!

  • Yes. Please refer to our Refund & Cancellation Policy for full details.
    In summary:

    • Full refund for cancellations made more than 30 days before the event.

    • 75% refund for cancellations made between 8–30 days before the event.

    • No refund for cancellations within 7 days of the event.

    Simply reply to your confirmation email (which includes your order details) to discuss the changes you require and we will do our best to help.

  • Yes, in our indoor apothecary classes.

    What you create will vary depending on the workshop. Find out more on each workshop page.

  • The majority of our routes are easy to moderate, which include well-made paths where possible.

    We are currently grading our walks to make accessibility easier to understand. Here is our grading system for our outdoor walks and workshops:

    Easy

    • Terrain: Mostly level ground, well-defined paths, no steps.

    • Access: Suitable for most abilities and disabled-access friendly.

    • Distance: Up to 2 km (1.25 miles).

    • Notes: Perfect for beginners, families, or those wanting a gentle pace.

    Moderate

    • Terrain: Some uneven ground, gentle slopes, or a few steps.

    • Access: May include grass, gravel, or woodland tracks.

    • Distance: Up to 4 km (2.5 miles).

    • Notes: A good choice for guests with a reasonable level of fitness.

    • Extras: May include a few steps , tree roots on the path, or short inclines. Some activities may take guests off path.

    Challenging

    • Terrain: Uneven or mixed surfaces, with inclines or steeper hills.

    • Access: Not suitable for those with limited mobility.

    • Distance: Up to 6 km (3.75 miles).

    • Notes: Ideal for adventurous guests comfortable with varied terrain and Scottish weather.

    If you have mobility concerns, please contact us before booking to discuss suitable options.

  • The majority of our walks are designed for adults aged 18 or over, unless explicitly stated.

    We organise education programmes with local charities as part of our community outreach programme. These are designed specifically for children so look out for these in the local Perthshire community.

  • Unfortunately, we only allow service dogs at our workshops and classes. We understand dogs are often lovely and well behaved, however they can be a distraction in a group forage setting.

    Alas, all is not lost! Ask us about a bespoke walk or workshop if you would like a walk tailored to you and your furry friend. There are many herbs that are both human and dog friendly that can be foraged together.