Scotland Yoga Retreat: Wild Swimming, Hiking & Castle Life

Description

Scotland Yoga Retreat

April 29 to May 3, 2027

We will be staying 12 miles north of the port town of Oban on the west coast of Scotland, in a private, family-run Scottish castle. This rural retreat is steeped in history, surrounded by the sea on three sides, and offers far-reaching views towards the Isles of Lismore, Mull, and Kerrera.

This is the first time the castle has opened its doors to retreat guests, and we are honoured to be hosting the first retreat here.

We have organised the retreat over the first May bank holiday weekend, from Thursday to Monday, to help you make the most of your holiday days.

The castle makes a wonderful base for exploring the Highlands and Islands. Its historic rooms, beautifully maintained grounds, and hundreds of acres of private land give you plenty of space to rest and explore. The estate also includes a secluded white-sand bay that is perfect for wild swimming.

With sea views, Atlantic rainforest, woodland, and memorable accommodation, this retreat offers space to breathe and spend time in nature.

Our days will begin with hot drinks and fruit, followed by meditation and morning yoga beside the fire in the high-ceilinged chapel. There will be plenty of free time to explore the surrounding countryside, swim in the private bays, or settle beside the fire with a journal or good book.

The retreat also includes a guided hike with a local wildlife expert, wild swimming and sauna sessions, dinner at the Pierhouse Hotel, and a ferry trip to the nearby Isle of Lismore for a day of walking.

All activities are optional. You can join everything or give yourself more time for solitude. This retreat is an opportunity to step away from your normal routine, nourish your body, and return home feeling refreshed and grounded.

Retreat Highlights

– Five days at private Lochnell Castle near Oban
– Daily vinyasa, yin, yoga Nidra, and meditation
– Seasonal vegetarian meals prepared by chef Megan Westerman
– Wild swimming from the estate’s private sandy beaches
– Wood-fired sauna sessions beside the sea
– Guided hike with a local wildlife expert
– Ferry trip and walk on the Isle of Lismore
– Dinner together at the Pierhouse Hotel
– Screen-free time and space to rest
– Cosy evenings beside the fire
– Plenty of time to read, journal, or explore

Example Schedule

The schedule is subject to change depending on the weather and the natural flow of the retreat. You can do as much or as little as you like.

Thursday

4:00–5:30 pm: Arrive and settle in
5:30 pm: Opening circle and grounding yin yoga
7:00 pm: Dinner

If you arrive later, don’t worry. We can help you catch up on anything you have missed.

Friday

7:30 am: Tea, coffee, and fruit available
8:30 am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation, and optional journaling
11:00 am: Brunch
1:00 pm: Optional group hike with a local wildlife expert
2:00 pm: Afternoon snacks
5:30 pm: Yin yoga
7:00 pm: Dinner
8:30 pm: Yoga Nidra, also known as sleepy yoga

Saturday

7:30 am: Tea, coffee, and fruit available
8:30 am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation, and optional journaling
11:00 am: Brunch
1:00 pm: Walk to the beach for wild swimming and a wood-fired sauna
Free time: Walk, rest, swim, or read
4:30 pm: Yin yoga
6:30 pm: Dinner at the Pierhouse Hotel

Sunday

7:30 am: Tea, coffee, and fruit available
8:30 am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation, and optional journaling
11:00 am: Brunch
1:00 pm: Day trip to the Isle of Lismore
5:30 pm: Yin yoga
7:30 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Fire and marshmallows

Monday

7:30 am: Tea, coffee, and fruit available
8:00 am: Final vinyasa yoga, meditation, and closing circle
10:00 am: Brunch
11:00 am: Goodbyes

What’s Included

– Four nights at Lochnell Castle
– All meals, snacks, and hot drinks
– Seasonal brunches, dinners, and afternoon snacks
– Daily guided meditation
– Seven 60-to-90-minute yoga classes
– Vinyasa, yin, restorative yoga, and yoga Nidra
– Yoga mats, props, and equipment
– Daily sauna sessions
– Wild swimming at the private beach
– Guided hike with a local wildlife expert
– Passenger ferry trip to the Isle of Lismore
– Dinner at the award-winning Pierhouse Hotel
– Campfire, marshmallows, cacao, and s’mores
– Unlimited herbal tea, coffee, and fresh fruit
– A luxury goodie bag
– Time to relax, explore, read, or nap

What’s Not Included

– Travel insurance
– Treatments or activities beyond those listed as included
– Transportation to and from Lochnell Estate

Please arrange your own travel insurance as soon as you book.

What You’ll Do

This will be a slow, wild retreat with peace, space, and time to reflect. As always on our retreats, you are invited to take a digital detox and give yourself the headspace you came for. You will not be told off for using your phone. It is simply an invitation.

Settle in on the first day with a snack before meditation and our opening circle.

Day one focuses on the earth element, grounding, and rest. We will practise yin yoga before dinner and yoga Nidra afterwards in preparation for a good night’s sleep.

The following mornings begin with yoga and meditation, followed by time to reflect, write, and absorb the beautiful surroundings. There will be plenty of free time for long walks, swims, sauna sessions, or naps.

Private bays provide opportunities for wild swimming, while the onsite sauna offers somewhere to warm up and relax. You can also explore the beautiful walks through the surrounding Atlantic rainforest.

During the retreat, we will enjoy a guided hike, a ferry trip to the Isle of Lismore, dinner at the Pierhouse Hotel, and time beside the fire. Our final morning includes yoga, meditation, brunch, and a closing circle before departure.

The yoga classes are themed around the natural elements, helping you connect with nature by embodying their qualities throughout your practice.

All activities are optional but encouraged. You can nap, read, swim, walk, or explore. The Wild Times is always a guilt-free, judgment-free zone.

Where You’ll Stay

Lochnell Castle has been a lovingly cared-for family home for generations. The family has trusted The Wild Times to welcome its first retreat guests.

Nestled in seclusion on its own peninsula, Lochnell Estate is surrounded by the sea on three sides and offers far-reaching views towards the Isles of Lismore, Mull, and Kerrera.

The castle’s grand interiors tell stories through the art and artefacts displayed throughout the house.

The main house has eight bedrooms: three twin rooms, four double rooms, and one king-size room. Two shared bathrooms serve the bedrooms.

There are also two large lounges with comfortable sofas, open fires, and cosy corners where you can rest, read, or chat. The kitchen has a large table for shared meals overlooking the gardens and estate, with the formal dining room nearby.

Yoga will take place beside the fire in the beautiful, high-ceilinged chapel.

Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

What You’ll Eat

Food on the retreat will be prepared by Megan Westerman, The Wild Times’ chef and baker, who also happens to be Jenny’s multi-talented sister.

Meals will be nutritious, seasonal, wholesome, and vegetarian. Brunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are provided each day.

A fruit and hot-drink station will be available throughout the retreat, with herbal teas, coffee, fresh mint, lemon, and ginger.

Most dietary requirements can be accommodated when submitted at least two weeks before the retreat begins. You will receive a booking form after reserving your place so that you can provide dietary requirements and other relevant information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is the Retreat For?

The Wild Times retreats are for anyone who wants to rest, reconnect with nature, and become a little wilder.

Guests of different abilities are welcome. Come with an open heart and mind. To get the most from the retreat, we recommend completing at least three or four yoga classes before joining.

Do I Need Previous Yoga Experience?

The yoga classes are suitable for different levels of experience and ability. Options will be offered throughout the practices, and all activities are optional.

Where Is the Retreat?

Lochnell Estate
Benderloch
Argyll
PA37 1QT
Scotland

The estate is approximately 12 miles north of Oban.

By air: Glasgow Airport is the nearest major airport.

By train: Connel Ferry is the nearest train station, with connections to major cities. The line also connects with the Caledonian Sleeper service. Onward travel to Lochnell can be arranged.

By car: Follow directions to Lochnell Estate in Benderloch, Argyll.

By bicycle: The Caledonia Way passes directly by Lochnell.

Do I Need Equipment?

Yoga mats, bolsters, blankets, blocks, and other yoga equipment are provided.

Please bring swimwear if you would like to swim. We also recommend warm layers, a large scarf, warm socks, and slip-on shoes or slippers for moving between the different spaces.

What Is the Group Size?

The Scotland retreat has a maximum of 16 guests.

Are Meals Included?

Yes. All meals, fruit, snacks, tea, and coffee are included in the retreat price.

All meals are vegetarian. Most dietary needs can be accommodated when included in your booking form at least two weeks before the retreat begins.

What Happens After I Book?

You will receive an online booking form and welcome pack after booking. These will include information about what to bring, the retreat location, planned activities, and anything else you need to know.

You will also receive helpful reminder emails beginning approximately eight weeks before the retreat.

What Time Should I Arrive and Depart?

Please plan to arrive between 4:00 and 5:30 pm on Thursday, April 29.

The retreat ends at approximately 11:00 am on Monday, May 3.