We are delighted to invite you to join us for a one day nature-focussed getaway on the shores of Loch Ard. Having grown up in these hills, we would like to share what makes this place so special and enable you to share our joy in spending time in these landscapes. Moving our bodies in the outdoors, exposing ourselves to wind and to water, and eating wild food has led us to find a life-long happiness and passion in Scotland’s wild places. We want to share that knowledge with you and leave you feeling rejuvenated and impassioned after spending a day with us exploring, unwinding, and reconnecting. We, Sophie and Izzy, are two sisters who have spent a lifetime exploring, learning, and studying in the mountains and lochs of Scotland and will be hosting you on this experience. Read more about the guide team here.
What will we do?
We will be guiding you through a range of intertwining and complementary activities designed to enhance the way you move your body and connect with nature.
​​​We will spend a few hours walking in the foothills around the loch, following streams and forests gently sloping uphill. The focus of our hillwalk won’t necessarily be to reach the summits, instead, we will enjoy moving through the landscape and looking at our surroundings from a new, elevated perspective. Breathing in the mountain air and learning to understand the topography, this element of the day is not just about becoming comfortable in the mountains, it will also give you a grounding in moving through the hills so that you can enjoy exploring this terrain independently in the future.
Movement Workshop​​
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We will start with a one-hour movement session which focusses on warming up for the day ahead. This session will be based on yoga, as well as the meshing of body and spirit, and does not require any prior yoga knowledge or yoga ability. We will flow and gently stretch our bodies to prepare for the day ahead, beginning with some mindfulness in a beautiful space overlooking the loch.
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Hill Walking​​​​
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Herb and Plant Lore
As we move through the landscape, we will draw your attention to the edible and medicinal flora and fauna around you. We may gather some of these plants to add to our foraged feast, and will share with you some of the folklore that both these plants and the land we grew up in are steeped in. Not only do many Scottish plants have both nutritious and health-giving qualities, may of them also have their own folk tales – some of which we will tell over the course of the day.
Wild Swimming
More of a ‘dook’ than a swim, you will have the opportunity to cool off in the loch right outside the doors of our venue. Whether you want to get fully submerged or just go for a paddle, this is a chance to enjoy some of the well-known health benefits of cold water, with the promise of nearby cake & tea to follow. This element of the day is entirely optional ,so don’t worry if this isn’t your cup of tea. You can relax by the water and take in the beautiful views from the safety of the shore.
A Foraged Feast
Later in the day, we will enjoy an afternoon tea of various foraged elements – think cake, cordials and preserves! As well as some hand-mixed herbal tea. We will share some of the recipes with you and demonstrate our knowledge and approach to local foraging having grown up picking our own food in the forests around Loch Lomond.
Herbal Tea Ritual
To finish this experience, you will be guided through a herbal tea ceremony. You will hear about the holistic uses and benefits of various herbs and ingredients while sampling a handmade and freshly brewed health-giving tea. Each group member will then each get to make their own special tea mix or herbal bath blend that you can take home with you. We will finish the day by guiding you to set individual intentions over each of your personal creations.
FAQs
What do I need?
​Yourself, your enthusiasm, and a good pair of trainers or boots you don’t mind getting muddy. Please also bring a yoga mat if you have one – or a towel. Bring clothes you can move freely in – if the weather is looking good you will want light layers and sunscreen, if it’s looking ‘Scottish’ bring a few layers and waterproofs. If you plan to swim, bring swim kit and an additional towel.
What level of fitness is required?
Both the hillwalking and movement sessions are pitched towards the easy to moderate end of the fitness scale. So as long as you can happily walk for 3 hours and are comfortable walking up an incline on an uneven surface, this is the retreat for you! If you have any additional concerns or specific access requirements, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we are happy to discuss. This experience is for everyone – from any background, age, gender. If you have an interest in being outside and learning about the natural world and Scottish landscape, this experience is for you.
​What and where is the venue?
While most of the day will be spent in the outdoors, we are excited to be working with the community at Kinlochard and will be based in their beautiful village hall, with floor to ceiling views of Loch Ard behind. In particular, our movement session will be based in this space, as well as our foraged feast and tea ceremony. This means that even in inclement weather we will be able to stay warm and shelter in a beautiful location – although we will endeavour to be outside for the majority of the day.
How do I get there?
The easiest way to Loch Ard is to drive – it is only a one-hour drive from the centre of Glasgow. Alternatively, it is possible to get public transport all the way to Aberfoyle, which is only 20 minutes from Loch Ard. If you wish to take public transport, we might be able to arrange to collect you from Aberfoyle and bring you to the location, but please do let us know in advance so we can see if this is possible. We would also like to enable lift sharing so when you sign up let us know if you would be interested in offering spots in your vehicle if you have one.
Date and Time?
This event will take place on the 13 th of July 2025, from 10am to 5pm. We will send further details of where to meet once you have signed up.
Cost?
The cost of this experience is £75 per person. This is due when you book onto the retreat and we will send you details on how to pay via email.
How do I book?
​Book by clicking the button below! There will be a form to fill out and we will be in touch with payment information. Spaces are extremely limited so we ask that you reserve your spot asap to avoid disappointment.
Please email izzyzych@gmail.com with any questions and we look forward to seeing on the 13th of July!