Mushroom breaks in Wales

Breaks

These breaks are aimed at the beginner with an interest in edible fungi. They concentrate solely on the wide range of delicious mushrooms that thrive in our spectacular Mid-Wales scenery. Unlike many other forays, we positively encourage guests to pick mushrooms to taste later, believing that when it comes to exploring nature, it is best to harness all the senses.

There are two packages available. The two-day break is based in a friendly local hotel with numbers limited to about a dozen. By day we wander though beautiful woods and pastures while at night guests enjoy wine, a tasting session and a fungal feast. All food, accommodation, mushroom knife, collecting cards, handmade basket and local transport are included in the price of £295 per person (£145 deposit). Single bookings are subject to a £30 supplement. Discounts for children and group bookings are available - and private parties are also welcome. For further details and bookings call 01597 811168..

The one day breaks convene at 10am in Rhayader. We drive in convoy to a three-hour walk where we collect a range of edible species before returning to a lovingly-restored Welsh longhouse for a three course, wild mushroom-based meal with drinks and field guide included in the price of £50 (£25 for children, dogs welcome). Lunch is followed by tasting and preserving sessions.

Mushrooms are a wild harvest, so we cannot guarantee results, but we would usually expect to find around two dozen edible varieties, including porcini; bay-, orange birch-, larch- and pine boletes; shaggy ink caps; parasols; chanterelles; blewits; fairy ring champignons; amethyst and common deceivers; field-, oyster- and hedgehog mushrooms; puffballs, cauliflower- and beefsteak fungus. Along the way we would also see a range of poisonous species, ranging from the unpleasant (e.g. sickeners) to the deadly (e.g. destroying angel).

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2012 Dates

Since our first break in 1997, demand has grown steadily for breaks set in the height of the mushroom season. The crop will depend entirely on the weather conditions in late summer and early autumn, but even in a dry year we would normally expect to find at least a dozen edible species, while in a good year this could easily top 30. In addition, this year for the first time I have two spring breaks: ‘Eat the Countryside’. Although the fungi haul will be limited to St George’s mushrooms, there will be plenty of hedgerow herbs and spectacular scenery to enjoy. To add an extra twist to the foray, two harris hawks will circle above us as we walk before returning to cook a risotto with a wild herb salad.

                                       

Eat The Countryside

5 and 12 May

                                         

Elan Valley Hotel

3 – 5 October
                                         
                                         

One day breaks

22, 23, 29 and 30 September

6, 7, 13 and 14 October
   

                                                     

To book please go to our booking page

Click here to download our booking slip.

Following last year’s great success, once again I have a slightly different package for more independent groups. These will be based in self-catering accommodation and guests will prepare their own meals (local quality ingredients such as mutton, lamb and Welsh black beef can be provided - plus mushrooms, of course). The cost is £200 per person, based on bookings from two groups of four - six. For further details and possible dates, phone 01597 811168 .