In the Celtic vision of Seeing & Being, we turn to the Nature without to understand the Nature within and walk the Land to honour and engage with Spirit.
You are Invited…
to join us on retreat as we venture to explore the magick and creativity that flows through this extraordinary Isle and culture. Through walking the Land, poetry, storytelling, myth, music, and energetic practices, we will harvest inspiration to root into our own truth and vibrancy within.
What to Expect
This retreat is a walking tour of Land, Culture, and Self. Energetic practices and creative offerings rooted in ancient Scottish traditions are paired with breathtaking walks, superb meals, and an opportunity to meet extraordinary people deeply committed to their place in the world. You are invited into a circle of friendship that takes you deep into the local culture and Spirit of Place.
Each morning will begin with a yoga practice and poetic contemplations for the day followed by the nourishment of a home-cooked vegetarian breakfast. Breakfast is followed by the day’s activities out on the Land. Daily excursions will explore different parts of the magick, culture, and extraordinary beauty Isle of Skye offers us. There will be plentiful, delicious, and locally sourced vegetarian dinners to nourish us after our adventures, and shared accommodations at the extraordinary Taigh Ailean B&B located along Loch Harport.
Retreat Activities
Wild Walk with Skye Ghillie
Misty Isle Boat Trip to Loch Coruisk
Dunvegan Woodland & Ruins Walk
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Ceilidh Class at Minginish Community Hall
Quiraing Hike
Trad Music Session at The Old Inn
Axe Throwing at A.C.E. Target Sports
…And More
Retreat Details & Helpful Information
Participants~ A vibrant group of 9 fellow adventurers interested in Earth-based practices, time in Nature, and the Celtic culture.
Accommodation~ Our lodgings are at the beautiful Taigh Ailean (pronounced Tie Allan) in Portnalong, Skye situated on the end of the Minginish Peninsula with stunning views of Loch Harport, Macleod’s Tables and The Cuillin. Rooms are shared with 1,2, or 3 other people. Each room has an en suite bathroom with a shower. There is a guest lounge with a large range of books, games, and a lovely fireplace. TA is a cozy B&B run by Katie & Johnny and their little dog Fritz.
The Walking and Hiking~ This is an active retreat with many days heading out right after breakfast and returning just before dinner. Most of our walks are through the wildflowers, grasses, woodlands, and hills of Skye. Walking this landscape requires a high degree of attention and sure-footedness due to rocky, uneven ground, and wetland, boggy scapes. Several of the walks last four or more hours in duration. While the walks are not strenuous in the traditional sense of steep and continuous elevation gain, the physical balance and stamina required in sustained walking over this varied and sometimes rough terrain can be challenging. We ask that you please assess your abilities in this regard before applying for the retreat.
Meals and Dietary Restrictions~ All breakfasts and dinners are provided. We will provide packed lunch on the two days we will be out on the Land and fully away from villages for the duration of the day. You will be responsible for the remainder of your lunches. Provided meals will be home-cooked, hearty, vegetarian dishes. You must let us know of any food allergies, food intolerances, or any other food restriction on your application. Alcoholic beverages are available for you to purchase.
Amenities~ There is wifi in the guest lounge. Please plan for no wifi in your rooms. We encourage you to take this time to unplug.
Arrival~ A minibus will be provided for Airport pickup and dropoff. Skye is a 3 hour scenic drive from Inverness Airport. Please time your flights to land at Inverness Airport in Scotland by 11:30am on Saturday, September 8th, 2024. If you are arriving in Scotland before the 8th of September, please plan to meet the group at Inverness airport or make your own way to Isle of Skye.
Departure~ The minibus will depart Skye for Inverness Airport on the early morning of September 14th. Please schedule your departing flight no earlier than 11am.
Passport~ Each participant needs a valid passport.
Cost~ We are offering an Early Bird Discounted Rate of $3300 for applications received between April 18th - May 9th. The total cost of the retreat is $3600 and will be applied to applications received between May 10 - June 18th. Please note: a 3% credit card fee will be added to the total cost if you choose to pay by credit card.
What the Trip Price Includes~ Accommodations for September 8th arrival through September 14th departure. All vegetarian breakfasts and dinners each day. All transport in-country during the trip including airport transportation so long as your flights are scheduled within the time parameters listed above. All scheduled activities, excursions, and adventures.
Not Included~ Airfare, Lunches (except for our long day hikes where packed lunches will be provided), Alcoholic Beverages.
Application Process and Payment~ Applications are open from April 18th - June 18th, 2024. All applicants will be notified of application status by email on June 19th, 2024. Payment is due immediately upon acceptance to the retreat. Accepted payment is Check or Credit Card.
Cancellation Policy~ All payments are non-refundable. If after receiving acceptance to the retreat on June 19th, you need to withdraw your application, refunds can only be issued if we are able to fill your spot.
Currency and Spending Money~ The currency in Scotland is the British pound. There is no ATM in Portnalong (or anywhere near), so it is best to withdraw money at Inverness Airport. Credit cards are accepted in most places. A reminder to contact your credit card companies to let them know you will be using your card internationally.
Final Note~ Isle of Skye is a very small Island off of the mainland of Scotland and thus life is quite a bit more rustic than many of us are used to. If you would like to learn more about Skye please check out: https://www.isleofskye.com
