Biosphere Guides

Biosphere Guides are local people who are passionate about Biosphere life and want to share their knowledge of our culture, nature and heritage with others. They are trained activity providers and tour leaders who all have different specialities, from gravel cycling to wildlife watching; from bushcraft adventures to storytelling in Galloway Dark Sky Park. While each one works independently as a freelance guide they all have intimate knowledge of the region and many have completed our own Biosphere Guide Training course. All of them offer accessible, informative and sustainable visitor experiences.

A guided experience is a fantastic away to explore Galloway and Southern Ayrshire. It provides the reassurance of having local knowledge close at hand, and the opportunity to connect more deeply with the wonders of our UNESCO Biosphere.

Let us know if you need any further information or help

Yoga Venture Scotland Yoga - holistic adventure guide

Justine is a yoga teacher, holistic adventure guide, nomad at heart and nature lover.
She is based in Galloway and offers inclusive group indoor and outdoor yoga classes throughout the area, one-to-one sessions, wellness workshops, nature retreats, guided walks, forest bathing, team building days and bespoke experiences.
Justine is an active member of the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team and has been guiding people in the hills in Scotland and around the world for over 7 years.
She has a passion for the flora and fauna of Scotland and takes the time within all of her experiences to explore all that Mother Nature has to offer. She encourages responsible wilderness practices and promotes sustainability and a love for all living things and the landscapes we all call home.
For more information please see the <a href="https://yogaventurescotland.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Website HERE  </a>or get in touch directly through the Contact Form below.
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Gillian’s Walks Walking in Ayrshire

Discover new walking routes in and around Ayrshire, in the southwest of Scotland, with an experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly guide. Forget the hassle of navigating or the worry of getting lost. Learn about the history of the region, and the local flora and fauna. Meet new people and see new places.
Gillian also offers a range of skills sessions, delivered in the great outdoors, to enhance your walking adventures. Why not try Nordic walking or learn digital navigation skills!
Born and raised in Ayrshire, Gillian is considered an ambassador for walking in the region. With over 7 years of experience leading groups, you’ll be in safe hands. There are a selection of guided walk options to suit all tastes and abilities, with a special focus on the Ayrshire Coastal Path.
Experience the beauty of Ayrshire with Gillian’s Walks!
For more information please see the <a href="https://gillianswalks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Website HERE</a> or get in touch directly through the Contact Form below.
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Galloway Activity Center Water sports - Climbing - Night activities

Home Cook School Cooking lessons & Catering - local dishes - local produce

Adventure Carrick Various outdoor adventures on land & water

Kitchen Coos and Ewes Farm Tours and Cream Teas

Gledpark Deer Safaris Deer Farm Tours

Galloway Cycling Holidays Leisure Road Cycling - Gravel Cycling - Guiding

For many years we have had a shed full of bikes from the exotic to the practical, and have pedalled well over 100,000 miles. We did all sorts of endurance events and  a 4 year 32,000 mile adventure on loaded touring bikes before we settled in Galloway.
We love the place where we live, its people, landscape and wildlife and we know where to get the best coffee and cake and which way the wind blows. Over the last 6 years we have enjoyed showing visitors around our bit of Scotland and creating amazing cycling experiences. We love doing the unusual, and we love to guide you to special place through wonderful landscapes.
We won ‘ Best Outdoor Experience ‘ in the West of Scotland from Visit Scotland and went through to the national finals in 2020.
<a style="color: #1b4164;" href="https://www.gallowaycycling.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More details on the WEBSITE</a>, or get in touch directly through the Contact Form below.
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Galloway Wild Foods Foraging - Identification - Preservation

I am Mark Williams and through Galloway Wild Foods I hope to share my passion for foraging and the delicious and nutritious food that you can gather for free in the wild. All my work seeks to restore connections between humans and nature, increasing our intimacy with the natural world in ways that are beneficial our own physical and mental wellbeing, and the health of the ecosystems of which we are part.
I teach about the full range and depth of wild food and foraging including plants, fungi, seaweed, and shellfish. I do this across a diverse range of habitats – from high mountains, through forests, hedgerows, urban settings and down to the coast. I cover all areas of foraging including traditional and modern food uses, health and nutrition, traditional and modern medicinal uses, survival and bushcraft, wild booze and lots more.
<a style="color: #1b4164;" href="https://gallowaywildfoods.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More details on the WEBSITE</a>, or get in touch directly through the Contact Form below.
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Write South West Scotland Writers' Retreats - Creative Writing Courses - Accommodation

Led by award-winning author and Biosphere Guide Anstey Spraggan (Harris), Write South West Scotland offers three kinds of writing retreat: guided & taught retreats that use the incredible natural surroundings and the bounty of the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere for inspiration; self-led catered retreats that give you the peace to work while Anstey and team cook for you using fresh local produce; and self-catering accommodation for writers and/or families.
Fully accessible by public transport as well as very easy to find by road, the accommodation has been specifically designed for writers: desks & chairs in each room; reading lamps; and a luxurious bath.
Up to six writers can be accommodated in the retreat itself but there are six more rooms in two local B&Bs, both within eyesight of the house.
<a style="color: #1b4164;" href="https://writesouthwestscotland.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More details on the WEBSITE</a>, or get in touch directly through the Contact Form below.
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Dumfries Tours Driving Tours – Castles & Distilleries – Family History

Welcome to Dumfries Tours. Your guides are Mark Donald and his partner, Joyce Dowling. Using our local knowledge, we provide a tailor-made, friendly, and exclusive guided touring service in southwest Scotland.
Based in the historic Royal Burgh of Dumfries we follow in the footsteps of Robert Burns, Robert the Bruce, J.M. Barrie, and John Paul Jones. We also explore Dumfries & Galloway’s iconic castles and abbeys, and of course, its stunning scenery. On our tours we visit some of Scotland’s most southerly gin and whisky distilleries. We also stop at the best establishments for locally sourced food and refreshments on route. If you want to explore your family history then we will do the research and plan a route to show how your Scottish ancestors lived.
<a style="color: #1b4164;" href="https://www.dumfriestours.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More details on the WEBSITE</a>, or get in touch directly through the Contact Form below.
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Foot Luce Walking Tours Historical Sites - Magical Places – The Adventurer Within

Way of the Wild Forests – Mountains - Foraging

Whether it is a walk in nature or a day spent in the forest, there is no denial that spending time outdoors in nature is good for the soul. Christy of Way of the Wild offers reconnection experiences suitable for all. A 2019 study found that just two-hour ‘dose’ of nature a week is enough to significantly boost health and wellbeing.
Whether it’s a gentle stroll in the outdoors foraging or a full day on the mountain, a relaxing morning in the forest or a day learning the art of survival, Way of the Wild can cater for your individual skill level and needs. Bespoke corporate teambuilding events are available on request, just get in touch.
<a style="color: #1b4164;" href="https://www.wayofthewild.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More details on the WEBSITE</a>, or get in touch directly through the Contact Form below.
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Alouette Nature Tours Flora & Fauna Identification - Nature in Folklore - Reconnect with Nature

Alouette Nature Tours offers walking tours with a difference. Experienced nature watcher Antoine will introduce us to a whole world of natural curiosities. Using all our senses, plant and animal life large and small will be revealed. We will learn how to read the signs of their presence in the environment and listen to the stories and legends that connect them to our culture. We will learn to read the landscape and discover the impact of human presence over thousands of years.
 Alouette Nature Tours offers ready-made itineraries as well as tailor-made walks for all ages and abilities, from half-day walks to multi-day adventures, walks-and-talks and other events.
<a style="color: #1b4164;" href="http://alouettenaturetours.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More details on the WEBSITE</a>, or get in touch directly through the Contact Form below.
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Matthew McFadzean Biosphere Dark Sky Ranger

Elizabeth Tindal Biosphere Dark Sky Ranger

I specialise in memorable Stargazing and Darkness Experiences. I love being outside at night, it is so dark and the stars shine brightly. I like it even better if I can share it with other people. We can talk about the stories of the stars, both the myths and the science. You can feel the texture of the darkness and hear the silence. You can smell the smoke from our fire and taste the toasted marshmallows. You will make special memories with your family or friends.
Do you want to build dens or make art on the beach? When the sun is up I do lots more exciting outdoor experiences. You can mix and match my activities with the other Biosphere Experiences too.
<a style="color: #1b4164;" href="https://www.freelanceranger.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More details on the WEBSITE</a>, or get in touch directly through the Contact Form below.
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Biosphere Guides

Let us know if you need any further information or help

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