All inclusive running retreat.
Friday September 29th – Wednesday, October 4th, 2023
Knoydart Peninsula, Scotland
6 days – 5 nights
All Levels
Ranging from 7 to 15 km
Payment installment plans at check out!
Jo Armstead.
Jo Armstead is a yoga instructor, doctor, avid trail runner and qualified mountain leader. She has lived in the Highlands of Scotland for over five years and is currently based full time in the Cairngorms National Park. As an advocate of lifestyle medicine, Jo is fascinated by the impact movement in nature can have on health and well-being, especially when in a group setting.
George Bauer
George Bauer is a Melbourne-raised runner who now lives in the Highlands of Scotland, fulfilling a dream to explore single track trails from his doorstep. Having run marathons and informal events across 4 continents, George’s inspirtaion comes from the vast and varied experiences that running has brought him. He is a project designer focused on creating community through his love of plant-based food, and the exciting ways in which we can exercise the body and mind.
You can find him on Instagram at @__georgebauer
Day 1: Arrival to Glasgow and Glencoe
Welcome Gathering at West End coffee favorite, Papercup Roastery. We then drive in a private van to the mysterious Glencoe to hike up the Hidden Valley. A short drive and ferry trip will take us to our accomodation at Ariundle Lodge for our Welcome Dinner.
Accomodation: Lunch & Welcome Dinner:
Ariundle Lodge (Twin or triple occupancy) Included
Day 2: Ariundle Forest Trail Run 10 Km / 6 mi.
We rise early to flow through an energizing yoga practice with Jo.
After a homestyle breakfast, we gather for our first run and introduction to trail running in the Highlands. Wet feet along a single-track, taking us up into the hills of Ardnamurchan, through some of Europe’s oldest Oakwood forest.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy a delicious lunch and a chance to delve into the local history through a felt-making workshop by Ariundle resident Kate.
Accomodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner:
Taychreggan hotel Included
Day 3: Loch Moidart Coastal Run – Transfer to Knoydart.
On our way to Knoydart, we run around the sweeping coves and beaches of the tidal sea loch, Loch Moidart, a world away from the forests and mountainous terrain we have encountered so far.
After finishing our run and freshening up, we will transfer to Mallaig, where we will board the Knoydart Ferry to take us to Inverie, the main community on the remote peninsula.
Accomodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner:
Knoydart Lodge in comfortable Twin, Triple or Quad rooms. Included
Day 4: Run up the Glen – Trails, Stories and Exploration.
We rise early for a meditation and wild swim in front of the lodge in Inverie Bay. Stepping out of comfort and into a collective sense of vulnerability.
By mid-morning we will take the Estate tracks up towards the remote Loch an Dubh Lochain. A catchment of water beneath the steep flanks of the surrounding mountains.
In the afternoon, Jo will lead a mindful movement practice prior to sharing a home-cooked meal together at the lodge.
Accomodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner:
Knoydart Lodge in comfortable Twin, Triple or Quad Rooms. Included
Day 5: Explore Inverie and Surrounding Mountains – 8 Km hike.
After our second cold water immersion, noticing the change in our mind and body, will start the day. Pending weather conditions we will either tackle Sgurr Coire Choinnichean, the imposing ridge above Inverie or if the heavens have opened up, we’ll take a coastal run along the peninsula to Sandaig Bay. Afternoon will be spent at Knoydart Tea Room, a great time for a well deserved downtime!
Accomodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner:
Knoydart Lodge in comfortable Twin, Triple or Quad Rooms. Included
Day 6: Inverie to Glasgow – Ferry and train rides back to Glasgow
Heading south of Inverie we will reach the town of Mallaig through an incredible ferry ride. We will then travel from Mallaig to Glasgow Queen St. Station, via scenic daytime train journey. Our trip will finish here, with an optional public bus ticket to the airport if needed.
Breakfast & Lunch:
Included
Keep your packing as light as possible
Consider layers of breathable clothing for sun, cold and wind.
As May is a transitional month between spring and summer, you can expect mild and changing weather in Scotland. On average, there are highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). Although May isn’t the hottest month of the year, you can expect some warm days in the low to mid 20s°C (68°F).
INCLUDED:
NOT INCLUDED:
DIFFICULTY
All of our trips are designed to welcome hikers and runners of all fitness levels. We will assign different guides to groups of different levels so that no one is left behind. You will feel safe and comfortable throughout the trip whether you’re a professional runner that wants to add these runs to your training, an amateur who wants to explore the world of trail-running or a casual hiker who wishes to challenge themselves while enjoying nature in a secure environment.
April
Fly to Glasgow International Airport (IATA: GLA, ICAO: EGPF), ideally the day before the retreat begins and ensure your flight is no earlier than 19:30 on Day 6.
Arrival | Ideally Saturday, April 29th
Any time | Glasgow International Airport (IATA: GLA, ICAO: EGPF)
Farewell | Thursday, May 6th
After 19:30 | Glasgow International Airport (IATA: GLA, ICAO: EGPF)
September
Fly to Glasgow International Airport (IATA: GLA, ICAO: EGPF), ideally the day before the retreat begins and ensure your flight is no earlier than 19:30 on Day 6.
Arrival | Ideally Thursday, September 28th
Any time | Glasgow International Airport (IATA: GLA, ICAO: EGPF)
Farewell | Wednesday, October 4th
After 19:30 | Glasgow International Airport (IATA: GLA, ICAO: EGPF)
Closer to the experience, you will be invited to a WhatsApp group chat. We use WhatsApp to connect with the group and share detailed info about the trip. Please make sure to download the app so you don’t miss important communication.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible and subject to change according to weather, participant interest or other conditions.
Do you need more information about this experience?
Please share any question or thought about this experience. We really want you to join the adventure, so we’ll come back to you as soon as possible.
Compártenos cualquier duda o pensamiento sobre la experiencia. Queremos que vivas la mejor experiencia con nosotros, así que te contestaremos lo más pronto posible.