Federica Bertolini

Also known as The Italian Ghillie, takes groups on walking expeditions around the Aberdeenshire countryside and provides delicious picnics of wild and foraged foods. She has extensive knowledge of the land and teaches her guests about the local environment.  

Image: Jamie Brogan

What’s one of your favourite walks in Aberdeenshire?  

My favourite walk is around Craig Leek, near Braemar. You park at the Keiloch and walk through a wonderful forest to reach a great open view of the iconic -and my favourite- hill, Lochnagar.

Lord Byron, who was raised in Aberdeenshire, wrote a famous poem about this mountain, this is an extract which I like:

 England! thy beauties are tame and domestic
To one who has roved on the mountains afar
Oh for the crags that are wild and majestic
The steep frowning glories o' wild Lochnagar

What’s the most exciting food you’ve ever foraged?

I get easily excited by foraging, so anything will make me squeak! But I would probably say Chaga, one of the first mushrooms I found in Scotland, thanks to Ben Carter @wildresources. It’s something to look for in the winter when not much else is available, but the trees are bare, so it is easier to spot. 

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a type of mushroom that grows mainly on birch trees in northern Europe, Asia, Canada, and the northeastern United States. It contains massive amounts of melanin; when exposed to the sun, the exterior of the mushroom will turn a deep black, while the interior will remain a bright orange-ish colour.

What is your top tip for staying inspired? 

It is very tempting to always go back to my 'usual' spots, but each week I make a point of exploring a new path. You have to be prepared to come back empty-handed in order to discover new areas and eventually find new treasures!

Image: Jamie Brogan