Celebrate Heritage Week with a guided morning hike through the beautiful Glen of the Downs, one of Wicklow's most treasured native woodlands.
Join Anthea, a qualified mountain leader and geologist with a PhD in palaeontology, and Kamila, a botanist, lowland leader, and forest bathing guide, for an immersive walk through the glen in summer bloom.
This is an opportunity to slow down, observe closely, and deepen your understanding of Ireland's native woodland. As we wander the trails, you'll discover the stories behind our native species - from holly, to witch hazel - and learn how they support the wider ecosystem. We'll also uncover the fascinating geological story of how this dramatic valley was formed, and explore the landscape that shapes the Glen and Wicklow today.
What to Expect:
Seasonal wonders – wildflowers and native woodland plants in bloom
Native tree knowledge – learn to recognise and understand Ireland's woodland species
Geological stories – how the valley formed and what the landscape reveals
Slow exploration – a relaxed pace with plenty of time to observe and connect
Details:
Location: Glen of the Downs, Co. Wicklow
Date: Saturday 15 August
Start Time: 10:00am
Duration: ~2.5-3 hours (weather and group pace dependent)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – forest trails with some gentle inclines
Exact meeting point and details of what to bring will be emailed to participants one week before the event.
What previous participants are saying about our walks:
“A truly wonderful experience. I joined the Nature Tales and Trials biodiversity walk today and it was absolutely brilliant. Anthea and Kamila were both exceptional guides. knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the natural world. Highly recommend it 😊” Ananya S. Biodiversity Hike Google Review (2026)
“Lovely hike with engaging and knowledgeable guides in a beautiful setting- great vibes all around! Highly recommend :)” - Biodiversity Hike Google Review, Valerie G. (2026)
“I have been on 2-3 hikes that Anthea has lead, and each time she was friendly, warm and welcoming. Her knowledge of fossils, birdsongs and moss is inspiring and if you are looking to go on a hike where you'll be met with encouragement as you venture through trails, along with curiosity to learn about what it is you're seeing and hearing in the Irish landscapes - then I cannot recommend Anthea enough!” Andrea - Google Review
“What a lovely morning exploring our native trees. Kamila really knows her stuff and was a pleasure.” Carol, Google Review
Celebrate Heritage Week with a guided morning hike through the beautiful Glen of the Downs, one of Wicklow's most treasured native woodlands.
Join Anthea, a qualified mountain leader and geologist with a PhD in palaeontology, and Kamila, a botanist, lowland leader, and forest bathing guide, for an immersive walk through the glen in summer bloom.
This is an opportunity to slow down, observe closely, and deepen your understanding of Ireland's native woodland. As we wander the trails, you'll discover the stories behind our native species - from holly, to witch hazel - and learn how they support the wider ecosystem. We'll also uncover the fascinating geological story of how this dramatic valley was formed, and explore the landscape that shapes the Glen and Wicklow today.
What to Expect:
Seasonal wonders – wildflowers and native woodland plants in bloom
Native tree knowledge – learn to recognise and understand Ireland's woodland species
Geological stories – how the valley formed and what the landscape reveals
Slow exploration – a relaxed pace with plenty of time to observe and connect
Details:
Location: Glen of the Downs, Co. Wicklow
Date: Saturday 15 August
Start Time: 10:00am
Duration: ~2.5-3 hours (weather and group pace dependent)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – forest trails with some gentle inclines
Exact meeting point and details of what to bring will be emailed to participants one week before the event.
What previous participants are saying about our walks:
“A truly wonderful experience. I joined the Nature Tales and Trials biodiversity walk today and it was absolutely brilliant. Anthea and Kamila were both exceptional guides. knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the natural world. Highly recommend it 😊” Ananya S. Biodiversity Hike Google Review (2026)
“Lovely hike with engaging and knowledgeable guides in a beautiful setting- great vibes all around! Highly recommend :)” - Biodiversity Hike Google Review, Valerie G. (2026)
“I have been on 2-3 hikes that Anthea has lead, and each time she was friendly, warm and welcoming. Her knowledge of fossils, birdsongs and moss is inspiring and if you are looking to go on a hike where you'll be met with encouragement as you venture through trails, along with curiosity to learn about what it is you're seeing and hearing in the Irish landscapes - then I cannot recommend Anthea enough!” Andrea - Google Review
“What a lovely morning exploring our native trees. Kamila really knows her stuff and was a pleasure.” Carol, Google Review
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