Overview
We will be staying just 12 miles North of the port town of Oban on the West Coast of Scotland, in a private, family-run Scottish Castle, a rural retreat steeped in history, surrounded by the sea on three sides and with far-reaching views towards the Isles of Lismore, Mull and Kerrera. This is the first time the castle has ever been open to retreat guests, and we’re honoured that it’s with us. We have organised the retreat over the first May bank holiday weekend, from Thursday - Monday, in order to maximise use of holiday days. A perfect base to explore the Highlands and Islands, the castle's historic rooms and beautifully maintained grounds allow you to enjoy the surrounding landscape from an impressive setting. The castle and estate are set within hundreds of acres of land, including a private, white sand bay, perfect for swimming. With expansive views of the sea, Atlantic Rainforest and woodland to explore, and memorable accommodation, this retreat offers headspace and space to rest and breathe, in and around nature. Our days will begin with hot drinks and fruit, before meditation and morning yoga by the fire in the high-ceilinged chapel, to ease into the gentle rhythm of retreat life. There will be plenty of free time to explore the surrounding countryside on foot, swim in the private bays, or simply enjoy the quiet with a journal or good book by the fire. We will be offering a guided hike with a local expert, wild swimming and sauna sessions, dinner at the stunning Pierhouse Hotel, and a trip to the nearby island of Lismore for a day of walking. All activities on our retreats are optional, so whether you choose to join them all or instead have more time for solitude, this retreat invites you to slow down, explore and experience the restorative power of nature in a peaceful and spacious place. This retreat is an opportunity to step away from your normal routine, nourish your body and return home feeling refreshed, spacious and deeply grounded.
Highlights
Daily Vinyasa, Yin, Yoga Nidra and meditation practices with Jenny Clark, Founder of The Wild Times
5 days together at Lochnell Castle, a private family-owned estate tucked away near Oban on Argyll’s stunning West Coast
A day trip on the passenger ferry to the beautiful Isle of Lismore for a walk
A guided hike around the estate by a local wildlife expert
Group walks around the estate
Wild swimming on the private sandy beaches, followed by a wood-fired sauna
Dinner together at Pierhouse Hotel
Disconnect from the noise of the outside world with encouragement to have a screen free weekend
Plenty of free time to nap, read, journal, or find your own quiet corner in the gardens or under the trees
Cosy evenings reading by fire, or post-dinner sunset strolls
Wholesome vegetarian meals made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, cooked with love by chef Megan Westerman and enjoyed together around the table
Hosts
Our retreat hosts are all experienced yoga teachers, workshop hosts and chefs who love nothing more than creating memorable, magical experiences for our guests. *Please note - hosts are subject to change depending on availability*
Jenny Clark
Jenny is a yoga teacher, paddle board instructor, writer and Founder of The Wild Times. She has created and held over 80 retreats across the UK and in Morocco, Italy, Sweden and Greece.
Jenny always aims to create a very relaxed, non-judgemental environment on her retreats, where guests can connect to themselves, to others and to nature. She teaches and blends together a range of yoga and meditation styles; vinyasa, mandala vinyasa, yin, yoga Nidra, paddle board yoga.
In her classes you'll find a 'you do you' attitude, a focus on feeling into your body, belly and heart over creating shapes, options for different levels of yogi, a sense of humour and practices themed around the natural elements, with poems and meditations too.
Megan Westerman
Meg is a wonderful chef, host and assistant on many of our retreats (and also happens to be our Founder Jenny’s sister!)
Megan has been an integral part of our retreats from day one, from Morocco to Sweden to almost all of our retreats across the UK, whether it’s hosting floristry workshops, lighting fires, making brownies or organising everyone’s activities and looking after all of our guests. Meg loves to create colourful, delicious food, from big brunches with homemade granola, fruit salads and scrambled eggs to roast beetroot, carrot, tahini and whipped feta warm salads to fresh green smoothies and more. She is also a talented baker, so expect to find fresh banana breads, cakes and biscuits in the afternoons...
When she’s not at The Wild Times, she is a qualified primary school teacher or probably out on the water somewhere, wakeboarding or paddleboarding.
Schedule
Example Schedule | Schedule subject to change / the weather / your mood / going with the flow. Do as much or as little as you like.
Previous
Next
Thursday
4-5.30pm: Arrive, settle in. (If you are later than this don’t worry - we can always catch you up on anything you’ve missed)
5.30pm: Opening Circle & grounding yin yoga
7pm: Dinner
Friday
7.30am: Tea, coffee & fruit available
8.30am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation + optional journaling time
11am: Brunch
1pm: Optional group hike with a local wildlife expert
2pm: Afternoon snacks
5.30pm: Yin yoga
7pm: Dinner
8.30pm: Yoga Nidra (AKA sleepy yoga)
Saturday
7.30am: Tea, coffee & fruit available
8.30am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation + optional journaling time
11.00am: Brunch
1.00pm: Walk to the beach for swimming & wood-fired sauna
Free time: walk, rest, swim, read
4.30pm: Yin Yoga
6.30pm: Dinner out at Pier House Hotel
Sunday
7.30am: Tea, coffee & fruit available
8.30am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation + optional journaling time
11am: Brunch
1pm: Day trip to the nearby Isle of Lismore
5.30pm: Yin yoga
7.30pm: Dinner
8pm: Fire & marshmallows
Monday
7.30am: Tea, coffee & fruit available
8am: Final vinyasa yoga, meditation + closing circle
10am: Brunch
11am: Goodbyes
What's included
What's Included
All meals, snacks and hot drinks
Daily guided meditation
Daily saunas
A luxury goodie bag
7 x yoga classes (60–90 minutes) including vinyasa, yin, and restorative practices, suitable for all levels
4 nights accommodation at Lochnell Castle, a private estate with sea views, secluded beaches and Atlantic temperate rainforest
Plenty of time to relax, explore, read, or nap
Seasonal, home-style brunch, dinner and afternoon snacks prepared on site using fresh, locally sourced ingredients by Megan Westerman
Unlimited herbal teas, coffee, and fresh fruit
Yoga mats, props and equipment
Campfire, marshmallows, cacao and s'mores
A guided hike with a local wildlife expert
Swimming at the private beach plus saunas
A day trip to the Isle of Lismore on the passenger ferry
Dinner together at the award-winning Pier House Hotel
What's Not Included
Travel insurance (please make sure you have your own travel insurance as soon as you book)
Any treatments or additional activities outwith what is included
Gallery
West Coast of Scotland
Lochnell Castle is a private, secluded 16th century castle, surrounded by the sea on three sides and beautiful grounds. It sits on Ardmucknish Bay near Benderloch, in Scotland. It is a very peaceful, spiritual place; beneath the medieval chapel is evidence of St Columba’s monks here in the 6th Century.
From the walled garden, to the trees that line the long driveway, the gardens and grounds of Lochnell have been lovingly and carefully looked after for years. There are hundreds of acres to explore - take one of the maps and head outside. There is a particularly beautiful white sandy bay on the estate, where we will be walking and swimming.
Lochnell is situated just 12 miles North of the port town of Oban on the West Coast of Scotland, a perfect place to explore the Highlands and Islands, taking in the Western Isles including Mull, Iona, Staffa and beyond.
Trip Tips
Do
This is going to be a slow, wild retreat, with peace, quite and space to reflect. As always on our retreats you're invited to digitally detox, and give yourself the headspace you've come for. (This doesn't mean you'll be told off if you're on your phone - it's just an invitation) ;) Settle in before starting the retreat with a snack before meditation and our opening circle. Day one is all about the Earth element - grounding and resting - so we will do yin yoga before dinner and yoga Nidra after in preparation for a good nights sleep. Day two will bring morning yoga and meditation then a delicious breakfast. Breakfast time here will be silent to allow for reflection, writing time and being fully immersed in the beautiful surroundings. There will be plenty of free time for long walks, swims or naps either side of lunch. There are private bays to swim in, a sauna onsite to relax in, and beautiful walks in the surrounding rainforest to enjoy. In the afternoon we'll have optional workshops or day trips, followed by yin yoga then dinner. On day three there will be morning meditation followed by breakfast and free time. Afternoons will be more yin, saunas and delicious food. On the last night we will have a bonfire outside too (with the obligatory marshmallows). End the days with saunas and cool dips in the sea to leave lighter, revitalised and a little bit wilder. Our final morning will be yoga, breakfast and free time, before lunch and our closing circle. The yoga classes are themed around the natural elements to help connect to nature by embodying the qualities of the elements throughout the practice. All activities are optional but encouraged, so you can nap, read or swim and explore - it’s completely up to you. The Wild Times is always a guilt-free, judgement free zone!
Stay
Lochnell castle has been a lovingly cared for family home for generations, and they have trusted us to be the first to stay. Nestled in perfect seclusion on its own peninsula, Lochnell Estate is spectacular. Surrounded by the sea on three sides and with far reaching views towards the Isles of Lismore, Mull and Kerrera. This 18th century castle is steeped in history, and the grand interiors tell many stories through the art and artefacts you will find on the walls. The main house hosts 8 bedrooms, 3 twin rooms, 4 double bedrooms, and a king size room. There are two shared bathrooms between the bedrooms. There are two large lounge rooms with big squishy sofas, open fires, and cosy corners to rest, read and chat. The kitchen space has a large table to share meals together, looking out to the gardens and the rest of the estate, and the formal dining room is adjacent. Yoga will take place by the fire in the beautiful, high-ceilinged medieval chapel. Rooms will be allocated on a first-come first-serve basis across the venue.
Eat
The food on the retreat is prepared by Meg Westerman, Wild Times chef, cake baker who also happens to be Jenny’s multi-talented sister. It is all nutritious, seasonal, wholesome and vegetarian. Brunch, afternoon tea and dinner are provided each day. There will also be a fruit and a hot drink station for you to help yourself to throughout, with herbal teas, propr coffee, fresh mint, lemon and ginger. We can cater for dietary requirements if you let us know beforehand, a minimum or two weeks before the retreat start date - booking forms are sent to you as soon as you book, in order to get your dietary requirements and more information.
Reviews
FAQs
Why choose us?
The Wild Times specialise in creating retreats that focus on rest, adventure and connection and we cater to a range of ages and abilities.
We really endeavour to create a relaxed, non-intimidating environment where people can feel free to deeply rest, try new things and get out of their comfort zone - all we ask is that you come with an open mind! We include a range of activities and adventures within the retreat.
Who is it for?
The Wild Times retreats are for anyone who wants to re-wild and relax. We welcome guests of any ability - just come with an open heart and mind. To get the most out of our yoga retreats, we recommend taking part in at least 3/4 yoga classes before joining.
You can always email us with any queries beforehand: hello@thewildtimes.co
What happens after you book the retreat?
You will be sent an email with an online booking form to fill out as soon as you book your retreat, along with a welcome pack which includes details on what to bring, plus the retreat location, what we will be doing, and anything else you need to know. You will then receive helpful reminder emails from 8 weeks before the retreat, until 2 days before.
Where is it?
Lochnell Estate
Benderloch
Argyll
PA37 1QT
What3Words: convinces.tame.curly
Coming by air: The nearest airport is Glasgow Airport
Coming by train / bus: Connel Ferry is our nearest train station, with connections to most major cities, you can find out more info on Scotrail’s website at this link. In addition, the line connects with the Caledonian Sleeper service, from which onward connections to Lochnell can be arranged.
Coming by car: Follow this Google Maps link for directions to Lochnell Estate.
Coming by bike: The Caledonia Way runs right past Lochnell, adding to the idyllic cycling paradise that this part of the world is.
Do I need equipment?
Please bring your swimming gear if you'd like to swim. We also recommend warm layers and slip on shoes/slippers to wear between the spaces.
For the yoga: yoga mats, bolsters, blankets and blocks are provided. Please a large scarf and warm socks for the yin yoga and yoga Nidra classes.
What is the group size?
Our retreats are different sizes depending on the location. The maximum size of the group for this Scotland retreat is 16 guests.
What will the meals be and is it all included?
All meals are vegetarian. We can cater to most dietary needs if they have been indicated in the booking form at least 2 weeks prior to the retreat start date. All meals and fruit, snacks, tea and coffee are included in the retreat price.
What time should I arrive and depart for the retreat?
Arrival should be around 4 pm and depart around 11am on the final day.
What is the cancellation policy?
Refer to our terms and conditions for the cancellation policy
I have more questions...
Refer to our general FAQs if you have any more questions or drop us an email at hello@thewildtimes.co and we will get back to you!