Gaelic Experience
Ever wondered how to pronounce the name of a Scottish mountain? Or wondered what that name might actually mean? Ever wanted to see what placenames have to tell us about the plants and the people, the birds and the animals who have gone before us in our landscapes? Or perhaps you’re intrigued by the connections between Gaelic and rewilding? If so, this weekend is made for you!
What you can expect
Join us for an immersive experience of walks and activities which will open your eyes to Dundreggan’s Gaelic landscape, with a traditional Highland Cèilidh thrown in as well: bidh craic math ann, agus bidh fàilte mhòr ron a h-uile duine!
This residential will be led in English, but you will come away from it knowing more Gaelic than you did at the start, and with a deeper appreciation of the significance Gaelic language and culture plays in Scotland’s landscapes, past, present and future!
Gaelic is the oldest surviving language in Scotland and for many centuries it has been spoken throughout these glens. For Gaels, their sense of being part of their homeland is summed up perfectly in the word dùthchas which encapsulates belonging, tradition, and an attachment to landscape and all living things.
Who is our Gaelic Experience for?
Adults wishing to learn more about Gaelic language and culture, and its connections to our landscapes, nature and rewilding. No previous knowledge of Gaelic is necessary.
Most of the activities are suitable for all audiences, including those with additional accessibility needs. However, some of the planned walks may include occasionally steep, pathless terrain. If you have questions about accessibility please get in touch.
We will also host a traditional Highland Cèilidh, with storytelling and music – feel free to bring your own instruments.
Gaelic Experience Dates
Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 April 2026
Single occupancy double room: £875
Shared occupancy twin or double room: £1250 (£625pp)
Maximum 12 participants
Gaelic Experience Itinerary
You will receive a finalised itinerary and kit list via email in the fortnight ahead of the residential. All meals are included and will be served in our An Nead café or as a packed lunch to take with you. Please note: activities, locations, and timings may be subject to change.
| Day One – Gaelic Experience – Arrivals and welcome: fàilte! (2pm) – Introductory guided walk: Gaelic and Dundreggan – Check in to rooms, and free time to settle and unpack – Dinner – Fire lighting and lichen dying |
| Day Two – Gaelic Experience – Breakfast (8 – 9am) – Gaelic and the community session with our own Trees for Life Oifigear Gàidhlig (Gaelic Officer) – Lunch – Guided walk: plants and placenames – Free time – Dinner – A night walk exploring Dundreggan by dark (bat detectors supplied) |
| Day Three – Gaelic Experience – Breakfast (8 – 9am) – Guided hill walk: exploring sites of old shielings and new areas of planting and regeneration – Lunch – Gaelic awareness session – Gaelic singing with Brian Ó hEadhra, celebrated Gaelic singer-songwriter and musician based in the Scottish Highlands – Free time – Dinner – Highland Cèilidh! Dancing and songs in Scottish Gaelic and English, led by Brian Ó hEadhra |
| Day Four – Gaelic Experience – Breakfast (8 – 9am) – Check out of rooms and return keys – Dundreggan placenames session – Guided walk: Gaelic and the future – Lunch – Departures (2pm) |
Accommodation
Immerse yourself in the Caledonian forest with three nights in our accommodation, An Spiris. Stay in the double or twin en-suite rooms and relax in the comfortable and cosy communal space. Towels and bed linen are provided, and a boot room is available for drying outdoor gear.
Please get in touch if you would like to extend your stay (arriving sooner or staying extra nights) in An Spiris. The residentials have been scheduled to align with public bus timetables.