Hidden Hepple Walks

Throughout 2024 we will be offering half-day long walking tours of the Hepple Wilds. Curated by Richard Thompson, an expert naturalist who has grown up in the valley but learnt his trade around Britain, we will explain our Wilding management, reveal some of the hidden gems inaccessible to the casual visitor and immerse you in the wild and wondrous nature of the Estate.

Choose from:

  • Walk on the Wild Side (5km): Richard will take you into the hidden heart of the estate to discover the variously shy, showy and sensational wildlife highlights of the season, as well as explaining our Wildling management system and the rich history of the area.

  • Wild Gin Days (5km): A wildlife tour with a gin-themed garnish. Richard will guide you into the pristine habitats where the Hepple Spirits Distillery finds many of its botanicals, take you on a private tour the distillery (not normally open to visitors) and sample the Hepple Spirit liquids in the Wilds (age verification may be required)

  • Ridge Walks (14km+): An invigorating walking day with Richard. Expand you mind and your lungs with a guided exploration of the Hepple Estate, including an ascent onto the Simonside Ridge for some of the best views in the county.

  • Hepple in Focus (3-5km): Dive deeper dive into some of our most diverse species groups. Armed with field guides and hand lenses we will get a closer look at some of our most secretive, rare and charismatic species.

All events involve a fair bit of walking on rough ground. All include a simple lunch. Events tend to start at 10.00am and end around 3.00pm. More information for each event is available below. If you want to reserve the day for a private tour please get in contact with richard@hepplewilds.com