Your Wild Heart Retreat
A Scottish Yoga Immersion
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
- A Summers Day, by Mary Oliver
Do you ever feel as though you're simply moving through life?
Following the routine, getting everything done, perhaps not unhappy, but not quite connected to yourself either.
Maybe it's your work. Maybe it's a relationship.
Maybe it's nothing you can put your finger on.
Then one day you stop, and think:
Is this really life?
So come with me.
Come with me to the Highlands.
A place I adventured so many times growing up. I spent nights sleeping in the snow, and summer summiting mountains. I returned when I was burnt out, when I was at my lowest.
This place heals me.
And I now want to share that with you. Where our mornings begin together with yoga looking out over a misty glen, days are spent walking beneath ancient pine forests, looking over to great mountains, and evenings end with slow yoga, good food and deep sleep.
We will make our way to the Cairngorms National Park, practicing yoga, of course, but also connecting to the landscape.
We will hike among the high mountains, explore the oldest forest, and swim in freshwater lochs and rivers. This retreat is designed to create the kind of calm that's hard to find in everyday life.
A place to really fill your soul cup and let your heart sing.
What will you find here?
YOGA
Each morning, we'll begin the day with a slow yet strong flowing yoga practice, moving intentionally together. It's an invitation to ground yourself, reconnect with your body, and gently quiet the busyness of the mind before the day's adventures begin.
As evening falls, we'll unwind with a luxuriously long Yin Yoga practice, stretching away the day and allowing both body and mind to soften. It's a time to rest, restore, and integrate everything we've experienced, so you wake feeling refreshed and ready for the next adventure.
HIKE
A few years ago, I met Alex, an incredible mountain guide whose passion for the Highlands and their wild landscapes is infectious. Spending time with him is about so much more than just hiking. It's about learning to see and appreciate the landscape in a whole new way.
Together, we'll spend a full day exploring. Our exact route will be chosen closer to the retreat to make the most of the weather and conditions. You will need walking boots and waterproofs. We'll provide the packed lunch and views. A day immersed in proper wildeness
SAUNA
Embrace the full wild sauna experience on the shores of Loch Alvie. Immerse yourself in the cool, tranquil waters of the Highlands, surrounded by the vast landscapes of the Cairngorms, before retreating into the warmth of a traditional wood-fired sauna.
For those craving a little more cold therapy, our accommodation is just five minutes from the River Spey, where we can take a refreshing dip in a beautiful natural plunge pool. A chance to really awaken the senses, and embrace the natural surroundings.
The Details
When?
Thursday the 29th of April to Monday the 3rd of May (Bank Holiday Monday)
Where?
We are staying in a traditional Highland House in the village of Newtonmore. There is plenty of space to relax and connect with other guests, but also to have your own space. It is just a 10-minute walk from the beautiful Glenbanchor Estate in one direction, and the River Spey in another.
Travel
Depending on where you are coming from, the house can be accessed by public transport. Take a train or fly to Edinburgh or Inverness. Newtonmore station is a few hours from Edinburgh by train, or one hour from Inverness. Flights Gatwick to Inverness are relatively cheap (<£100), and there is the option to share a taxi directly from the station. Alternatively, there is plenty of parking on site for those who are keen to drive up. The house is a short 5 minute walk from the train station.
Food
After all that yoga and wilderness, we will need some nourishing food. I am collaborating an excellent local caterer; Pauli Pocket Eats who will fuel us for our days with indulgent, delicious vegetarian food. In her words: ‘I believe food to be one of the core aspects of any event; a talking point, a connecting point, time to wind down and refuel. I embrace family style dining for everyone to gather and share a hearty, vibrant & nutritiously tasty meal.’ Could there have been a more perfect match for this retreat?
The cost
Shared triple (per person): £845
Shared double room per person (sharing with partner or friend): £895
Shared twin room per person: £895
Private single room: £945
Private double room: £995
Spaces are secured with a £100 non refundable deposit.
What's included?
All morning and evening yoga classes, food from the evening of arrival until the morning of departure (breakfast, lunch and dinner), one guided day hike, one 75 minute sauna session.
What's not included?
Travel costs to and from the destination. Extra excursions (such as additional sauna trips, taxi's to other sites, any additional treatments).
All payments are non-refundable and subject to these terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be midges?
This is a low-risk time of year for midges, so it is unlikely that they will be a problem. However, it is always advisable to come prepared with your own midge repellent, just in case.
Will it rain?
It’s Scotland, so there are never any guarantees when it comes to the weather! However, May is typically one of the driest months of the year.
I was always told growing up: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” So pack your layers, bring your waterproofs, and we’ll embrace whatever the Highlands brings us.
Will I be fit enough?
The hikes will be suitable for a range of abilities. However, you will need to be comfortable spending long periods of time outdoors and have a basic level of fitness.
What if I don’t want to do all the activities?
There is absolutely no pressure to take part in every activity. This retreat is about listening to what you need, so please choose the experiences that feel right for you.
We will just need to know in advance so that we can organise transport to and from any activities.
Can I come on my own?
Please do! I have always travelled to retreats alone and have had some of the most amazing experiences.
Coming solo is a wonderful way to meet new people, step outside your comfort zone, and do something just for yourself. I would wholeheartedly encourage it.
Are there any ensuite rooms?
There are no ensuite rooms; however, there are plenty of shared bathrooms available throughout the accommodation.
Please just be considerate of others, especially if you find yourself enjoying a long, relaxing bath.
I want to travel around Scotland afterwards. Can you help?
Of course! I would be very happy to share recommendations and my own personal experiences of travelling around Scotland. Any additional travel arrangements or bookings would need to be organised independently, but I’m always happy to point you in the right direction.
I want to come, but I’m unable to pay the total cost upfront. Is there a payment plan?
Absolutely. I don’t want finances to be the reason someone misses out on this experience.
Please get in touch with me directly and we can discuss a payment plan that works for you.
Still unsure if this retreat is for you?
I’d love to chat. Drop me an email at rachelturneryoga@gmail.com and we can arrange a call to discuss any questions you have.
Draft schedule (subject to change)
Thursday
Check in from 4pm, opening circle and evening yoga
All mornings start with morning Yoga at the House followed by breakfast together.
Friday
Full day in Wilderness with Alex
Evening Yin yoga and Nidra followed by dinner.
Saturday
Venture to Loch Alvie for Sauna and wild swimming.
Evening Yin yoga and Nidra followed by dinner.
Sunday
Local hike in Glenbanchor and Swim in the River Spey
Evening Yin yoga and Nidra followed by dinner.
Monday
Closing circle and breakfast before departure
A note about the Wildfires
You may have seen the devastating news about the wildfires across the Cairngorms National Park in July.
The heather-covered hillsides, ancient Caledonian forests and precious habitats have been brutally affected. I can only imagine the impact this has had on the wildlife, local communities and everyone involved in tackling the fires. It has also highlighted the incredible dedication of local people and emergency services, who worked tirelessly to protect the area.
By the time we arrive next spring, winter will have brought its own healing, and while there will undoubtedly still be signs of the fire, nature will already be beginning its recovery. The people, wildlife and landscape, however, will continue to feel the effects for years to come.
If you would like to support that recovery, I would invite you to donate to the Cairngorms Trust, who are instrumental in protecting and preserving the landscape.