Knoydart Colours
An adventurous retreat on the Knoydart peninsula
A 4 night retreat amongst the glorious colours of autumn in one of Scotland’s last great wilderness areas.
Your Guides
You will be fully supported and guided through the experience by Lindsay Warrack and Shona Macpherson.
Lindsay is a Mountain Leader, yoga teacher and an advanced remedial massage therapist with a passion for movement and the great outdoors, she loves to help people to find mindful ways to connect with nature.
Lindsay’s passion for the Knoydart peninsula was ignited more than 20 years ago on a trip with Glasgow University mountaineering club friends, since then she has revisited the area many times on foot, bike and sea kayak and, more recently, for work as a massage therapist. Over two decades, she has gained a love, knowledge and a deep respect for the rugged landscape and the community of this region.
Shona is an IFS (Internal Family Systems) counsellor/ psychotherapist. She’s passionate about helping people find time and space to slow down and to listen and connect with themselves and with the natural world. She’s been running outdoor connective experiences for the last 6 years and has recently trained as Forest Therapy Practitioner. Kindness, inclusion and playfulness are very important values to her in this work.
The Retreat
Escape to the idyllic village of Inverie on the remote Knoydart peninsula for four nights and three full days of quiet wanderings in this big and beautiful landscape. Explore the area’s hills, forests and beaches, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy this remote location in its glorious autumnal colours.
The Knoydart Peninsula is accessible by foot or ferry only. Arriving in Inverie is like arriving on a small island, time just seems to stretch.
Our retreat’s primary base is Long Beach, Inverie, at the Knoydart Foundation’s bunkhouse and Long Beach campsite. Everyone will have a bed in a shared room in the bunkhouse and use of all the facilities there.
For those wanting a bit more of their own space you can camp at Long Beach, a couple of minutes walk from the bunkhouse, while still enjoy the comforts of the bunkhouse’s indoor accommodation (e.g kitchen, showers, common room and the all important drying room!).
From Long Beach we’ll comfortably be able to explore the designated National Scenic Area of the peninsula. Weather permitting, we’ll have one night under canvas in the hills and the opportunity to climb a Munro. If the weather doesn’t play ball, we could have a cosy night in the pub instead and listen to one of The Old Forge’s famous traditional music sessions.
The experience will evolve depending on the participants, the weather and conditions underfoot. However, the following gives you an idea what to expect.
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Travel day and settling in
Accommodation: Long Beach Bunkhouse/Campsite (your choice)
Arrive in Inverie on the ferry of your choice*. Please remember to book your own ferry tickets
Check in at the Bunkhouse from 3pm. Dinner at The Old Forge Inn or self catering in hostel.
Meet and greet in the evening at The Old Forge, 1845.
*October mid-week ferry times: 0730, 1015 or 1800
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Accommodation: Bunkhouse/Campsite/Wildcamp
Getting to know each other and exploring Knoydart’s glorious colours and shapes through walking, gentle yoga and creative nature connection activities. Group meal at the Bunk House in Inverie.
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Accommodation: Wild camp (back up Bunkhouse/Long Beach camp options)
If the forecast is looking good for a wild camp, this is likely to be the night we would choose for it. In which case we will head over towards Barrisdale taking in the vast landscapes of the peninsula on our way. Dinner under the stars!
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Accommodation: bunkhouse/campsite (your choice)
Returning by foot to our base in Inverie. Stopping for food and breaks along the way. Closing Circle/ debrief. Dinner at The Old Forge Inn or self catering in hostel.
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Travel day.
Leave Inverie at your leisure. First ferry is at 0800, last at 1830. Remember to book your own ferry!
Accessibility
Knoydart Colours retreat is designed to be as accessible as possible.
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The retreat is open to all regardless of gender, age and previous experience.
We work hard to create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can feel at ease and participate on their own terms. We believe that the most valuable experience is one that you feel an active participant within, able to shape your own journey. You will never be made to do anything that you do not resonate with.
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There is no requirement to own camping equipment or have access to a car.
Knoydart can be reached by public transport and we provide all the technical kit, food, navigational and camp-craft skills. This removes the requirement for you to own expensive equipment and provides a supported environment in which to learn regardless of previous experience. Enabling you to come together with other like minded people to spend time walking, living, learning and connecting in remote and beautiful Highland settings.
What is provided for you?
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Expert Guidance
Throughout the experience you will benefit from our professional guidance and coaching. Group sizes are small to ensure there is plenty of opportunity to work with everyone.
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Top Quality Equipment
All the technical equipment required for the journey is provided for you. All the equipment is high quality and light weight. All you need to bring is your own personal walking clothing and footwear.
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Accommodation
We will be based at Knoydart Foundation’s bunkhouse and Long Beach campsite with one night of wild camping, weather dependent.
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Delicious Food
Food and hot drinks to keep your energy and spirits up over the trip, with the exception of the first and last nights evening meals. All food provided is vegetarian and any dietary requirements can be catered for on request.
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A unique experience
Most importantly you get to create a valuable memory that will stay with you and give you skills and confidence to shape your own future adventures.
What to expect
Knoydart is wild and remote country, the ground is rugged and walking away from the main paths can be challenging.
A good level of general fitness is required and you should be comfortable walking on rough ground. You’ll need to be able to carry up to 10kg in a backpack for the wild camping aspect of the journey.
Each day there will be the opportunity to connect with our surroundings through walking, forest bathing, gentle yoga and creative practices.
Distance: approx. 10 km per day
Ascent: variable depending on route choice, roughly 600m in a day, up to 1000 if we decide to do a Munro!.
Walking Time: up to 8 hours per day at a relaxed pace
Location: Knoydart, meet Inverie
Terrain: A variety including rough paths, tracks and trails, rocky and uneven ground, pathless hillside, some steep ascents and descents.
Physical Requirements: A reasonable level of general fitness and some previous experience of mountain hiking on rough ground. You will also need to be able to carry a rucksack weighing approximately 10kg for a short distance.
Booking
Click above for full booking details and to reserve your space.