Wild Mountain Retreat

Re-wild your mind and body.

This four day mountain walking retreat is based on our Highland Wilderness Journeys but instead of moving from camp to camp we will be exploring from an indoor base in the heart of the mountains.

Each day will provide the opportunity to journey through a wild landscape, connect with nature, learn new skills and challenge yourself. The evenings will be a time for rest, relaxation and enjoying the comforts of our unique accommodation.

Your Guides

You will be fully supported and guided through the experience by Anna Danby and Shona Macpherson. Anna is a Mountain Leader with a particular interest in sharing the stories of landscapes, enabling exploration off the beaten path and helping you gain mountain skills and confidence.

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 all parts of 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. She seeks to do this work with playfulness, laughter and kindness.

a group hiking on Beinn Na Lapp near Corrour

Our Approach

Over the past few years we have worked collaboratively, with each other, with the groups we guide and with the landscapes we explore, to bring a unique approach to mountain guiding founded on a desire to help others become healthier and happier. Our personal experience has shown us that time in wild places is synonymous with all the attributes of well-being. The mountains can gift us a different perspective and allow us to explore emotions and parts of ourselves in new and productive ways. ⠀

The potential for this is greatest when the physical challenge of adventure is balanced with purposeful engagement with our surroundings within a safe, supportive group environment. Our guiding interweaves all these things. Throughout the four days moments of learning, about geology, nature, history are offered alongside mindful activities such as sit spots, nature connection invitations, self-reflection and sharing. ⠀⠀

The sheer act of being in the hills for an extended period, unplugged from every day distractions, is life changing. Gift yourself this time to slow down, listen to nature and discover how to live more with less.

Accessibility

This mountain retreat is designed to be as accessible as possible.

The retreats are 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. All of the activities are ‘invitations’ and if you do not want take part in anything then you do not have to. 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.
There is no requirement to own technical equipment or have access to a car.
Locations can be reached by public transport and we provide all the technical kit and food. 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 four days walking, living, learning and connecting in remote and beautiful Highland settings.
There is no requirement to camp.
As there is no requirement to camp, the overall physical demands are less than on the Highland Wilderness Journeys and most of the walking can be done with just a light day pack. Having a physical base also means you will always have the option to either join in with the activities or stay at base and have some quiet time to yourself.

The Retreat

The mountain retreat takes place at Loch Ossian in the heart of the Corrour Estate.

The experience will evolve depending on the participants, the weather and conditions underfoot. Therefore, the exact routes we take, distances and ascents will be determined together as a group. However, the following gives you an idea what to expect.

All of the activities offered on this weekend will be optional, if you do not wish to participate in anything you will be welcome to spend time to yourself enjoying the landscape around the accomodation.

If you are at all unsure about whether this is for you please get in touch and we will happily discuss more details with you.

Loch Ossian

Escape to the tranquil shores of Loch Ossian for 4 days of quiet wanderings in this big and beautiful landscape. Explore the hills, forest and beaches that surround the loch and have plenty of time to relax and enjoy this remote location.

Loch Ossian Youth Hostel. A small, cosy setting with stunning views. The hostel can only be reached by train and foot so it truly feels like you are in the wilds.
Train to Corrour which is a station on the West Highland Railway line. From Corrour Station it is a 1.5km walk to the hostel along a very good track. The meet times for this weekend will be tailored to suit the train timetable.
There will be an opportunity for hill walks to the neighbouring mountain summits for example Beinn Na Lapp or Leum Uill eim as well as low level walking around the loch shore and Corrour Estate.
A good level of general fitness and comfortable walking on rough ground.

View over Loch Ossian and Loch Ossian Youth Hostel

What is provided for you?

Expert Guidance

Throughout the experience you will benefit from our professional guidance and coaching. Each retreat has a maximum of 8 people, we choose to keep the numbers low to ensure everyone gets to benefit from a small group dynamic and 1:1 time with your guides.
Unique accommodation

These retreat takes place in a unique location that we have sole access to for the duration of the four days. The hostel can comfortably sleep twice as many people as we choose to take there is ample space to enjoy quiet moments away from the group if you choose.
Top Quality Equipment

All the technical equipment required for the journey is provided for you. All the equipment is high quality, light weight and allows you to test out a range of kit. Therefore, all you need to bring is your own personal walking clothing and footwear.
Delicious Food

All of the food and drink required to keep your energy and spirits up over the 4 days is provided. We use high quality ingredients and local suppliers. All the food is vegetarian and any other dietary requirements can be catered for on request. The catering is provided by Stronaba Kitchen.
A memorable experience

Most importantly you get to create a valuable memory that will stay with you and give you skills, confidence and inspiration to shape your own future adventures.