Intro to Foraging & Hiking, Lake District

A long weekend of hiking, foraging, camp life and shared meals in one of the wildest valleys in the Lakes.

This trip is for women who want to spend a few days properly outdoors – walking, learning, eating well, and slowing the pace. We’ll hike through classic Lake District terrain, learn how to forage responsibly in spring, and build practical backpacking skills you can take into future adventures.

It’s active but supportive, skill-based without being intense, and designed for people who want to learn by doing.

Good news: this trip has now reached the minimum group size and is confirmed to go ahead.

Itinerary

Friday 22 May - Arrival & settling in

• Arrive at the campsite in Buttermere, Lake District.
• Meet the group and your guides
• Set up tents and get comfortable in camp
• Welcome and overview of the weekend
• Simple shared dinner together
• Relaxed evening around the fire
• Overnight camping

Saturday 23 May - Foraging workshop & guided hike

     10-12km & 100m

• Camp breakfast
• Full-day foraging workshop woven into a guided hike
• Learn how to identify, harvest, and use seasonal spring plants responsibly
• Discussion of safety, ethics, and what to look for at this time of year
• Lunch provided, with some foraged finds added in where appropriate
• Afternoon guided hike back to camp
• Relax at camp
• Dinner together
• Campfire evening
• Overnight camping

Sunday 24 May - Hiking & backpacking skills day

     12-15km & 4-600m

• Camp breakfast
• Full-day hiking and backpacking workshop woven into a guided hike, covering:
  • What to pack
  • Navigation basics
  • Route planning
  • Weather considerations
  • Building confidence for future trips, including international adventures
• Tasty packed lunch
• Steady return to camp
• Evening visit to a local pub for Sunday night dinner (not included)
• Final night camping under the stars

Monday 25 May - Final hike & farewells

     7km & 400m

• Breakfast at camp
• Pack up tents and camp gear
• Final guided hike
• Return to camp
• Goodbyes and departure by around 12pm

Group size

• Group size: Maximum 20 women
• Minimum to run: 8 participants
  

What’s included?

Two experienced guides

• One qualified Mountain Leader
• One expert foraging guide

You’ll always be supported, safe, and learning at a relaxed pace.

Food included

• Camp breakfasts and dinners
• Picnic lunch
• Packed lunch
• Sweet treats and trail snacks along the way

Accommodation

• 3 nights’ camping in the heart of the Lake District
• Plenty of time to settle in and slow down

Workshops and guided days

• One full-day foraging workshop, learning how to confidently identify, harvest, and use seasonal plants
• One full-day hiking and backpacking workshop, covering what to pack, navigation basics, route planning, weather, and how to take these skills into future (including international) trips
• Three guided hikes, chosen for beauty rather than bravado

Extras

• A small goodie bag with activities to encourage you to get off your phone

What’s not included?

• Travel to and from the Lake District
• Personal insurance
• Sunday night pub dinner (mains from around £15)

Facilities

• Toilets and hot showers available at the campsite
• Showers cost 50p for 5 minutes - please bring cash

Your guides

India – Mountain Leader
India is a qualified Mountain Leader and has spent the last four years working as a Trip Leader in the Swiss Alps and Patagonia. She set up ZORA to get more city women outdoors in ways that feel supportive, well-led, and genuinely enjoyable.

Lisa Cutcliffe – Foraging guide
Lisa has been foraging for wild food since childhood and has spent over 25 years building deep knowledge of plants and fungi. With a degree in biology and a lifelong fascination with the natural world, her approach blends science, experience, and careful observation.

For Lisa, foraging is about paying attention – slowing down, noticing what’s around you, and understanding how to work with the seasons.

Foraging: What to Expect

What is foraging?

Foraging is the practice of learning how to identify, harvest, and use wild plants and fungi in a responsible way.

On this trip, foraging is about slowing down and paying attention to the landscape – noticing what’s growing, learning what’s edible (and what isn’t), understanding seasonality, and how to take only what’s appropriate. It’s as much about awareness and connection as it is about food.

What’s the attraction or benefit of foraging?

Foraging helps you see familiar landscapes differently.

It builds confidence outdoors, deepens your understanding of nature, and encourages a slower, more mindful way of moving through the world. Many people find it grounding and calming, while also enjoying the practical skill of learning how to use wild ingredients safely and respectfully.

It’s not about survival skills – it’s about curiosity, knowledge, and connection.

Do we eat what we forage?

Sometimes, yes – but it’s not the main source of food. Where appropriate, we may add some foraged ingredients into lunches or meals as a supplement, but foraging will never be relied on to feed the group.

Any tasting is optional, and we won’t encourage eating anything uncertain.

Will our findings make up the main part of the meal?

No. Foraging is about learning, not about collecting large quantities of food. Gathering enough wild ingredients to feed a whole group would take a long time and have an impact on the land, which we actively avoid.

Think of foraged finds as an addition to meals, not the foundation.

What if we don’t find enough of the “right” things?

You will still eat well!

Meals are planned and provided regardless of what we find, so there’s no pressure on the foraging element. The value is in the learning and experience, not in guaranteeing specific finds.

FAQs

Where am I travelling to?
We’ll be based at a campsite in Buttermere. The exact location will be shared once your booking is confirmed.

How do I get there?
Driving is the simplest option. Parking is available at the campsite (£5 per night). Please let us know in advance if you’re driving so we can reserve a space.

If you’re travelling without a car, the nearest major train station is Penrith (around one hour’s drive). Taxis must be booked in advance.

Public transport beyond Penrith is limited. While there are buses from Penrith to Keswick, onward buses to Buttermere run once a day and don’t align well with our arrival time unless you stay overnight in Keswick first.

Car sharing
Once booked, you’ll be added to a WhatsApp group to ask questions, connect, and hopefully organise car shares.

Do I need previous foraging or hiking experience?

No. This trip is suitable for beginners, as well as people with some hiking experience who want to build confidence and learn new skills. Everything is taught step by step, with plenty of time to ask questions.

Can I come on my own?
Absolutely!

The weekend is designed so people naturally get to know each other through spending time outdoors together. There’s no pressure to be “on” socially – you can chat when you want and take space when you need.

How fit do I need to be?

You’ll need a basic level of fitness to join the walks – think steady hill climbs rather than scrambling or sprinting. The pace is supportive and we take breaks, but the Lake District is hilly by nature.

If you’re unsure whether this feels right for you, message us and we’re happy to chat it through.

What kind of walking will we be doing?

We’ll be hiking on uneven, sometimes muddy terrain, with stiles and hills. Walks are chosen for beauty rather than bravado, and the group stays together.

What happens if the weather is bad?

British weather is part of the deal. The trip will run rain or shine, and plans may be adapted if conditions are particularly wet or windy to keep things safe and enjoyable.

Are there toilets and showers?

Yes. The campsite has toilets and hot showers. Showers cost 50p for 5 minutes, so please bring cash.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes. A £50 deposit secures your place, with the remaining balance due on 1 March. Payment plans are available – just message us.

What is your cancellation policy?

Tickets are non-refundable. Please make sure you can attend before booking.

Who is welcome?

We welcome cis women, trans women, and non-binary people who feel that a women-centred space is right for them. Our aim is to create a kind, respectful environment where everyone feels comfortable learning and showing up as themselves.

Do I need my own tent and camping kit?

Yes, you’ll need your own camping kit. We’ll send guidance on what’s needed and what’s optional after booking, and we’re happy to help you think through your setup.

For now, the main things to be aware of are:

• A tent
• A sleeping mat
• A sleeping bag

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available, and we’ll ask about dietary requirements after booking.

Will alcohol be included?

Alcohol is not included. This isn’t a party trip, but you’re welcome to have a drink at the pub on Sunday night if you choose. Whether or not you drink is entirely up to you – there’s no pressure either way.

Questions before booking? 

Email india@zoratrips.com 

Instagram @zoratrips

Terms & Conditions

By booking a place on this event, you agree to the following terms and conditions.

Booking and payment

• Payment plans may be available by arrangement.
• If the remaining balance is not paid by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and offer your place to someone else.

Cancellations and refunds

• All payments are non-refundable.
• If you can no longer attend, you are welcome to transfer your place to another suitable person, subject to approval by the organiser.
• We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Minimum numbers and changes

• This event requires a minimum of 8 participants to run.
• If minimum numbers are not met, or if conditions make the event unsafe to run, we reserve the right to cancel or modify the event.
• In the unlikely event that we cancel the event, you will be offered a refund or a transfer to a future trip.

Weather and conditions

• Outdoor activities are weather-dependent.
• The event will run in rain or mixed weather, but plans may be adapted for safety and enjoyment.
• In the case of severe or unsafe conditions, activities may be altered or cancelled at the discretion of the guides.

Fitness, health, and responsibility

• You confirm that you have a suitable level of fitness for a multi-day outdoor trip involving hiking on hilly and uneven terrain.
• You are responsible for ensuring that you are medically fit to participate and for disclosing any relevant medical conditions, injuries, or allergies in advance.
• You agree to follow the guidance and instructions of the event leaders at all times.

Risk and participation

• Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including uneven terrain, weather exposure, and physical exertion.
• By booking, you acknowledge and accept these risks and agree to take responsibility for your own participation.
• You understand that a participation waiver will be required before the event begins.

Force majeure

• We are not responsible for cancellations or changes caused by events beyond our control, including but not limited to extreme weather, transport disruption, or changes to access permissions.

Insurance

• Personal travel insurance is not included and is your responsibility.
• We strongly recommend insurance that covers outdoor activities and trip cancellation.

Photography and media

• Photos and videos may be taken during the event for ZORA marketing and communications.
• If you prefer not to appear in photos or videos, please let us know in advance or during the event.

Behaviour

• We are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive environment.
• We reserve the right to remove anyone whose behaviour puts themselves or others at risk, or detracts from the safety and experience of the group. In such cases, no refund will be given.