Escape to the tranquil shores of Loch Ossian, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, for 4 days of quiet wanderings in this big and beautiful landscape.
The retreat will be a combination of guided walking, yoga and nature based mindfulness. There will also be opportunity for wild swimming and creative practices such a journalling and sketching. The evenings will be a time for rest, relaxation and enjoying the comforts of our unique accommodation.
You will be fully supported and guided through this experience by Anna Danby and Lindsay Warrack.
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.
Lindsay is a Mountain Leader, yoga teacher and massage therapist with a passion for movement and the great outdoors, she loves to help people to find mindful ways to connect with nature.
Our Approach
Over the past few years we have developed a unique approach to journeying through wild places using yoga as a medium to connect with ourselves and our surroundings.
As we explore the landscape we will take time out from walking to practice yoga asanas (poses). Nature based mindfulness meditation practices will also be woven into the moving and still parts of our days alongside learning about Scotland’s natural and human history.
The nature and style of the practice will be influenced by the weather and the terrain. Lindsay is used to working dynamically and the sessions will be designed as the journey evolves. There will be opportunity for reflection, journalling, reading and personal yoga/meditation practice.
Accessibility
The wild yoga retreat is designed to be as accessible as possible.
The retreats are female led and 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 on these journeys the overall physical demands are less than on the Wild Yoga 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.
Logistics
Accommodation: 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.
Approach: 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.
Where will we walk? There will be an opportunity for hill walks to the neighbouring mountain summits for example Beinn Na Lapp or Leum Uilleim as well as low level walking around the loch shore and Corrour Estate.
What will the Yoga look like? This will be combination of asana based practice and mindful meditation. It will largely take place outdoors and will be tailored to suit the weather, landscape and people.
Physical Requirements: A good level of general fitness and comfortable walking on rough ground. No previous experience of Yoga is required.
What is provided for you as part of this Wild Yoga Retreat?
- Expert Guidance: Throughout the experience you will benefit from our professional guidance and coaching. Group sizes are kept to a maximum of 8 people to ensure there is plenty of opportunity to work with everyone.
Anna will take time to support the development of your outdoor skills and confidence. This will include the opportunity to work on navigation, route finding, movement through technical terrain, and other hill skills. Learning about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the landscape will be woven throughout the journey.
Lindsay will offer opportunities to help you build relationships with yourself, the present moment and the landscape that we journey through and come to rest in. She will do this via a series of group yoga and mindfulness practices interspersed throughout the duration of the retreat. She will also be avaliable to offer one to one guidance on your personal yoga practice, particularly with regard to taking it into nature and wild places.
- Unique accommodation: The retreat takes place a Loch Ossian Eco Hostel and we have sole access to it 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 you need to bring is your own personal walking clothing including waterproofs, warm layers and footwear, full information on this will be provided on booking.
- 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 to ensure everything we are eating is delicious and healthy. All the food is vegetarian and any other dietary requirements can be catered for on request. The catering is provided by Stronaba Kitchen, Liz has created a bespoke menu packed full of goodness and suitable for carrying in the hills.
- 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.
2024 Wild Yoga Retreat dates and Booking
| Journey | 2024 Dates |
|---|---|
| Loch Ossian Wild Yoga Retreat | Thursday 31st October – Sunday 3rd November |
The cost of the 4 day retreat including all accommodation, food* and equipment is £520 per person
*one evening meal will be at Corrour Station House and this is not included in the cost
You can pay this upfront in full or a place can be secured with £150 deposit. You are welcome to pay the balance in as many instalments as you like, just get in touch to arrange. Full payment due 6 weeks prior to the start of the journey.
If you would struggle to meet the cost of the course, The Neil Mackenzie Trust may be able to help. They are a small charity who offer a limited number of grants for skills training and expeditions. You can find out more about their grants here.
Each retreat has a maximum group size of 8 participants.
Once you have made a booking you will receive an email confirmation. We will then contact you with further details including a full list of what you will need to bring and details of the meeting point.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
See our other journeys in the Highlands
For more information or private bookings please enquire below.