Nature Tales & Trails
Guided hikes & nature walks, geology CPD for hike leaders
Writing, journalism and science communication
Upcoming Hikes & Walks
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![Anthea looks at moss, Kamila writes in a notebook in the forest]()
Forest Pages
06 May, 10.30am, Vale of Clara
Sometimes getting words down on the page is the best way of letting go of the old and embracing the new.
By combining the relaxing effects of forest bathing with the creative process of writing and journaling in nature, we can set intentions and goals, and let go of what no longer serves us.
We invite you to join us for 'Forest Pages - forest bathing and journaling in nature'.
You don't need to be a writer to attend, just bring an open mind and a pen and paper. We will guide you through the rest. From poetry, to drawing, and to journaling, to nature writing, let creativity take hold.
Led by a science writer (Anthea) and a forest bathing guide (Kamila), Forest Pages invites you to take some time for you. By connecting with nature and creating, we can reconnect with ourselves to unearth hidden meaning.
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![fossils in a limestone boulder]()
Fossil Walk
26 May 11.00am-12.30pm, Dublin (Portmarnock area)
This Biodiversity Week, join us for a walk through millions of years along Dublin's coastline. Together we will go fossil hunting!
Guided by Anthea, an experienced science communicator with a PhD in Irish fossils (all about ammonoids, extinct relatives of squid and cuttlefish).
This event is open to children and adults - please note there will be some slippy, uneven surfaces to walk over.
Booking essential! Spaces limited. Book early to avoid disappointment.
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![People standing in front of Glendalough landscape]()
Summer Mindful Hike
1 June, Derrybawn & Glendalough
This hike is all about relaxing and unwinding in nature, as we celebrate summer together.
On the day we combine forest bathing, a calm and largely silent practice, designed to help you relax and restore your inner peace, with a slow, mindful hike, where we will notice flora, fauna and geology, and hopefully be treated to fabulous views over Glendalough.
Led by qualified and insured guides Anthea (Nature Tales & Trails) and Kamila (Nature To Go)
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![people hiking down Croagh Patrick]()
Geology & landscape hike
9 June - 10.00am, Wicklow Mountains
A day of outdoor learning for anyone who spends time on the hills. As we walk, we will pay attention to the rocks under our feet, and go on a geological journey, millions of years in the making. From geological time, to mountain building, fossils, volcanoes, rock types and glaciation, we will learn about how the landscapes we enjoy are shaped over Ireland's turbulent geological history. We will cover some of the key geological features that you will encounter while out hiking in Ireland.
This event should be especially useful for those instructing and leading others on the hills or working towards leadership assessments.
Come away with lots of information and fun facts to bring to your groups and feel more confident describing rocks and landscapes.
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![Connemara hills with sheep]()
Geology & landscape hike
22 June 10.00am, location TBC
A day of outdoor learning for anyone who spends time on the hills. As we walk, we will pay attention to the rocks under our feet, and go on a geological journey, millions of years in the making. From geological time, to mountain building, fossils, volcanoes, rock types and glaciation, we will learn about how the landscapes we enjoy are shaped over Ireland's turbulent geological history. We will cover some of the key geological features that you will encounter while out hiking in Ireland.
This event should be especially useful for those instructing and leading others on the hills or working towards leadership assessments.
Come away with lots of information and fun facts to bring to your groups and feel more confident describing rocks and landscapes.
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![A hill side, Derrybawn, co. Wicklow]()
Summer Mindful Hike
10 August, Derrybawn & Glendalough
This hike is all about relaxing and unwinding in nature, while enjoying a hill walk up to Derrybawn Mountain.
On the day we combine forest bathing, a calm and largely silent practice, designed to help you relax and restore your inner peace, with a slow, mindful hike, where we will notice flora, fauna and geology, and hopefully be treated to fabulous views over Glendalough.
Led by qualified and insured guides Anthea (Nature Tales & Trails) and Kamila (Nature To Go) - level is moderate to medium grade, as there will be some rough and steep ground. Hiking boots/boots with good ankle support essential!
Upcoming event -
Upcoming event -
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Forest Pages -
6 May, Vale of Clara, Wicklow
On the May bank holiday weekend, we invite you to experience the relaxing benefits of forest bathing, and reawaken creativity through mindful writing and journaling in nature.
This event, carefully designed by a certified forest bathing guide and an experienced writer, offers a unique blend of nature connection, journaling and creative writing.
Forests are naturally restorative places. Forest bathing, a calm and largely silent practice, is designed to help you relax and restore your inner peace. Through a guided session in the forest, we will invite you to pay attention to your senses and notice nature from a new perspective, allowing creativity to flourish. Through this practice, we will also invite you to let go of any expectations you might hold towards the creative process. Through the writing session, you can set intentions on the page, letting go of what no longer serves you and moving forward with intention.
You don't need to be a writer to attend, just bring an open mind and a pen and paper. We will do the rest.
What to expect?
We will guide you on a mindful walk in the forest, off the beaten track. There will be meditation and journaling prompts along the way.
Why choose us?
Our qualifications and our enthusiasm. This gentle walk in nature is led by a science & nature writer and hike leader (Anthea) and a forest bathing guide, botanist and hike leader (Kamila). We are both first aid trained (REC3 qualified). We both have used writing in many forms throughout our careers, from more scientific writing (papers, reports etc) to nature writing, journalism, journaling and creative writing. We are passionate about what we do, and can’t wait to share this event with you!
“We had a wonderful hike today with Kamila and Anthea, on a less trodden path from Laragh to Glendalough. What a great way to spend a Sunday morning. A workout for your heart and soul.”
Recent writing project -
Recent writing project -
Worked as a consultant on the earth chapter of this book: DK Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Everything is jam packed full of fun facts and in-depth knowledge about everything space, earth, life, culture, and history.
Targeted at children 9+ it has lots of geology inspiration in its pages, from mountains, to fossils, volcanoes, weather, climate emergency, plus a rocks quiz and a dinosaur quiz!
About Nature Tales & Trails
Nature Tales & Trails was founded by Dr Anthea Lacchia, a geologist, writer and qualified mountain leader and lowland leader, to help connect people to nature and the environment. Anthea has a PhD on Ireland's fossils, and decades of experience hiking in Ireland, the UK and her native Italian Alps. Her background is in research, journalism, writing and science communication. If you are looking for a qualified leader to take you on an environment, geology, or nature-themed walk or hike that is tailored to your interests, please get in touch. Anthea also volunteers as Assistant Regional Coordinator for Ireland for the Mountain Training Association. For communications and writing services, visit the Portfolio section of the website.
Hiking & nature walks testimonials
“I have hiked with Anthea on lots of occasions. Every single time she planned everything meticulously and organised everything, from trails to accommodation. All I needed to do was show up. Anthea possesses a wealth of knowledge about the natural world, always teaching and disseminating insights on plants, birds and of course, geology. The paces of her hikes are tailored to the needs and ability of the group she is guiding. Always proactive, her ability to replan in no time at all due to changes in weather adds to her already fantastic attributes as a guide. She even had extra waterproof pants for all of us! I cannot recommend Anthea highly enough. Book with her for an experience of a lifetime.”
-Halleluya Ekandjo
“An unforgettable adventure is waiting for you - book a nature walk or a geology walk with Anthea. She is an excellent guide!”
-Maja Es
“We had a wonderful hike today with Kamila and Anthea, on a less trodden path from Laragh to Glendalough. What a great way to spend a Sunday morning. A workout for your heart and soul.”
— David D. August 2023
“[…] OMG what an amazing day. Thank you so much Kamila and Anthea. It was a mindful, forest/nature bathing hike. Just amazing and so beautiful. I loved every minute of it. I highly recommend this experience to everyone to do. Thank you again Kamila and Anthea. You will see me again. Ann x"
— Ann F. October 2023”
Let's go for a hike
Tired of the busy city life? Want to try something different? Walks and hikes are tailored to suit your level of ability and interests. In general, we adopt a relaxed pace and enjoy our surroundings. Adventure calls…
Notice the small things
Connecting to nature can mean different things to different people. At Nature Tales & Trails, we believe in stopping to notice the small things: this could be a quartzite rock hit by sunrise on a summit, a raindrop clinging on to moss in the forest, or a tiny, blue jay feather glistening between fallen leaves. By immersing ourselves in nature and respecting our environment, we can start to feel more hopeful about the world, given the climate and biodiversity emergency we are in.
Learn in nature
Nature walks are an opportunity to discover something new. Something new about nature, and perhaps something new about ourselves as well. Want to learn more about Ireland's wonderful geology, flora and fauna? From heather, to birdsong, to rock types and bryophytes, nature is the best classroom!
Some of our specialist services
Geology walk or talk
Are you curious about what lies beneath your feet? Learn about geology and Ireland's billion-year-old geological history in a talk or walk which can be tailored to suit adults or children.
Fabulous fossils walk or talk
From dinosaurs to ammonites, what are fossils and where can you see them in Ireland? Become a fossil hunter for the day and learn about Ireland's wonderful fossils hidden inside its rocks. This walk or talk can be tailored to suit an audience of adults or children.
This is a virtual consultation lasting 50 minutes.
The call is about science communication/science writing career options and resources. I can also discuss what it is like to get started in and work in science journalism. Bring your questions and receive advice and tailored notes afterwards.
Geology and landscape course for hikers, guides, mountain leaders and providers, and mountain leader trainees
Are you a hiker or a hike leader curious to learn more about how landscapes form? Maybe you would like to add geology and landscape knowledge to your hikes or instruction. Learn the basics of geology in this one-day course delivered outdoors. From geological history, to mountain building events, volcanoes, rock types and glaciation, learn about what shapes the landscapes we enjoy.