Mushroom Foraging in the Cairngorms This Autumn

Autumn in the Cairngorms means crisp mornings, golden forests, and a secret world of fungi waiting to be discovered. From chanterelles glowing like little trumpets of sunshine to impressive ceps tucked beneath pine, the Highlands are home to an incredible variety of wild mushrooms.

If you’ve ever fancied learning how to forage safely, this season offers some fantastic opportunities with guided workshops and local experts. Here’s our round-up of what’s on and how to make the most of mushroom season.

photo credit THLT LCX @thlt_lcx

Foraging Workshops & Walks

Backcountry Survival – Foraging Courses

Based on Alvie Estate near Aviemore, Backcountry Survival combines survival skills with practical foraging knowledge. Expect a hands-on day in the woods, covering mushroom and plant identification, safe harvesting, and cooking tips.
📍 Book via Backcountry Survival

Victoria Beall (Forage with Toria) – Intro to Mushroom Foraging

Victoria Beall, known locally as Forage with Toria, runs accessible, beginner-friendly walks around Grantown-on-Spey. Her sessions focus on identifying common edible mushrooms, understanding their habitats, and appreciating the folklore of fungi.

Sun 6 October – Grantown-on-Spey
📍 Tickets via Eventbrite (Forage with Toria)

Blair Castle & Gardens – Autumn Foraging Walks

Explore the historic estate at Blair Atholl with a 2.5-hour guided forage through woodlands, hedgerows, and meadows. Alongside fungi, you’ll also discover nuts, berries, and edible plants, ending with wild tea and homemade cake.

Sat 20 & Sun 21 September – Blair Atholl
📍 Book via Atholl Estates

Other Foraging Experiences

  • Introductory sessions with Cairngorms guides pop up throughout the season, often advertised via Visit Cairngorms or Eventbrite.

  • Organisations like Aigas Field Centre also run fungi-focused courses just beyond the National Park, worth keeping an eye on for dates.

Ellan Wood, carrbridge

Where and how to Forage (With Care)

Even without a workshop, some places offer good chances if you spend time quietly in woodland:

  • Grantown-on-Spey’s surrounding forests (mixed pine and birch)

  • Rothiemurchus woodland near Aviemore

  • Glenmore Forest trails around Loch Morlich

  • Carrbridge woods and Balavil moorland

Important: Never forage without experience. Many fungi are toxic and look similar to edible species. Always learn with a guide first, and harvest only what you can identify with confidence. Always check with landowners if unsure, and never forage illegally.

Always go with a guide if you're new – many mushrooms look alike, and some are toxic.

  1. Bring a reliable ID guidebook or use apps—but double check local guidelines.

  2. Use a knife to cut mushrooms cleanly (don’t pull them), and carry them in a basket so spores can spread.

  3. Respect the land: don’t over-harvest, avoid protected areas, and tread lightly.

  4. Wear sturdy shoes and waterproof clothing—it’s often damp under canopy but very rewarding when the colours are rich.

  5. Bring a basket or cloth bag (to spread spores and keep mushrooms fresh).

Make it a Weekend

A fungi forage makes the perfect addition to an autumn Highland escape. After a morning in the woods, return to one of our cosy self-catering properties with the fire lit, ready to cook up something delicious (or simply admire your basket of finds).

*Banner photo by Tatiana Tochilova @keffi