9th – 15th May 2026, Ardrossan – Ardrossan, £1295
We are super excited to kick off our 2026 programme with a week of coastal foraging and learning about the plants and seaweeds which grow along our shores. As Spring unfolds across the west coast of Scotland, the seashore comes alive with an abundance of plants shooting towards the sunlight. This week we’ll be exploring the edible landscapes of Arran and the islands of the Clyde with Mark Williams of Galloway Wild Foods. We will explore rocky sea shores and calm lagoons for seaweeds and waterside meadows and woodlands for flowering coastal plants. We’ll learn how to identify different species, their place in ecology, and how to responsibly harvest and prepare them. Join us in the discovery of the wild delicacies springtime has to offer, both above and below the ocean waves.
And of course we’ll be sailing between islands, up lochs, and learning the ropes to work as a team. This is a unique opportunity to learn how to sail while also appreciating the surrounding landscape with new eyes – and taste buds! Mornings and evenings will be spent ashore on foraging trips or preparing our finds, with daytime spent harnessing the power of the wind with Sail Britain’s founder Oliver Beardon on hand to teach you the ropes. We’ll get everyone involved to experience the thrill of being at sea, and steering our expedition yacht Merlin through the waves.
This will at times be a physically active week, so a good level of fitness is an advantage, and with all the extra kit onboard for storing and preserving foraged ingredients, there will be close quarters for all. We will be cooking at eating to a very high level with wonderful wild ingredients, and participants should be willing to help prepare and cook what we find with a generous approach to team spirit. Learning to be part of the crew in this way is however a hugely rewarding experience. Also have a look at our FAQs page for an insight into life onboard
No prior experience of sailing or foraging is required and it’s open to all. Likewise no fancy kit is needed as the yacht is well equipped with everything you will need. A kit list will be sent to participants which contains a few sensible considerations.
Our Trip Leader, Mark Williams
Raised on the Island of Arran, Mark is deeply entwined with the coastal foodscapes of Western Scotland where he has worked as a fisherman, chef and wild food educator for over 30 years. Spring 2026 sees the launch of his book, The Coastal Forager, which serves as the core text for this trip. Under Mark’s guidance, you will learn about what nature provides, its ecological importance, how to harvest it responsibly, and how to prepare and eat it. Read more about Mark and Galloway Wild Foods here.
The Coastal Forager covers most of the species we will explore during the week. Order your copy here.
Practical information:
- Start point – Clyde Marina, Ardrossan (The crew will send details with exactly where to find Merlin on the day of arrival)
- Start time – Saturday 9th May, 6pm
- End point – Ardrossan
- End time – Friday 15th May, 12 noon
What’s included:
- Fully equipped yacht and professional crew
- Guided walks ashore with Mark
- 6 nights accommodation onboard
- All meals for the week
- All safety equipment and training
What’s not included
- Your travel to and from the start/end points of the voyage
- Travel insurance
- Any expenses ashore, although these tend to be very limited out in the wilds!
Dates don’t work for you? See our August Sailing and Foraging Week
For more info have a look at our FAQs page for an insight into life onboard.