Knoydart Colours
An adventurous retreat on the Knoydart peninsula
A 3 night retreat amongst the glorious autumnal colours of one of Britain’s great wilderness areas.
Your Guides
You will be fully supported and guided through the experience by Lindsay Warrack (left) and Shona Macpherson (right).
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 regular clinics in her 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 Internal Family Systems (IFS) 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 three nights and four days of quiet wanderings in this big and beautiful landscape. Explore the area’s hills, forests, lochs and beaches, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy this remote location in its glorious autumnal colours.
The designated National Scenic area of the Knoydart Peninsula is only accessible by foot or ferry. Arriving in Inverie is like arriving on a small island, time just seems to stretch.
Our retreat’s base is Knoydart Lodge, the lodge is situated to the east of Inverie village, near picturesque Long Beach. This spacious lodge has stunning sea views and lots of nooks and crannies to relax in.
On this retreat we are hugely excited to collaborate with local people and businesses to bring you the best of what the peninsula has to offer, there will be sauna time included and a gentle guided ranger walk as well as an evening Gentle Way yin yoga class with Fiona Lennie.
All meals and snacks are provided by the wonderful Liz of Stronaba Produce with the exception of one evening meal where we’ll have a cosy night in The Old Forge. The evening, we might even be lucky and get to experience one of their famous traditional music sessions!
The following gives you an idea what to expect from the itinerary of the long weekend.
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Travel: Early or Mid morning ferry from Mallaig to Inverie. Please remember to book your own ferry tickets
Activity: Afternoon ranger tour with Finlay or Lee
Settling in time at the lodge. Evening meal at the Lodge.
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Getting to know each other and exploring Knoydart’s glorious colours and shapes through walking, gentle yoga and creative nature connection activities.
A meal at the community owned Old Forge Pub (not included in price)
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More exploring by of the peninsula by foot. There are many options for hill and valley walks, the weather will likely dictate what is the best option!
A light evening meal at our cosy lodge accomodation
Evening wind down yin yoga session with Fiona (all equipment provided)
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Departure day
There will be an option for a sauna and a gentle walk and some yoga in the morning before departing on the mid afternoon ferry or early evening 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, and navigational 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 you need to bring is your own personal walking clothing and footwear. October can be chilly outdoors, so bring lots of layers!
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Accommodation
We will be based at the spacious and comfortable Knoydart Lodge for 3 nights. There is a choice of triple or twin share, double or single occupancy rooms.
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Delicious Food
Food and hot drinks to keep your energy and spirits up over the trip, with the exception of one evening meal. 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 a day sack of up to 4 kgs for longer day walks.
Each day there will be the opportunity to connect with our surroundings through walking, forest bathing, gentle yoga and creative practices. The group size is small (max. 9) to allow for an intimate, connective and relaxing experience.
Distance: up to approx. 15 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.
Booking
Click above for full booking details and to reserve your space.