Highlands Adventure & Couples Retreat

Ceud mile failte” A hundred thousand welcomes!

Is exploring the Scottish Highlands and Islands on your bucket list but the planning sounds a wee bit daunting? Come to Scotland with me and let me show you around the country I love.

My name is Frances. I grew up on a farm in the Highlands, graduated from Aberdeen University, and through my love of travel and adventure met and married my tall, dark and handsome American husband. We have lived in Oregon for the last 33 years. Scotland and my family call me home at least once a year.

I love being a tourist in my own country, and over the years have taken many families and friends to experience one of the most magical places in the world.

Come with me and Gottman educator Georgia Anderson, with a maximum of six other couples to experience much of Scotland that you will not find in a large group tour or listed in tour books. 

You will be staying in a castle, and eating delicious local homemade dishes. Our adventure will begin at the spectacular Glentruim Castle, this will be our base for a week of adventure through The Highlands. 

The castle and extensive 53 acres of surrounding grounds will be exclusively ours for our stay. The luxurious bedrooms, lounges, bar, gym, sauna, theater room, dining room and patio will all be available at your convenience. From there, you will have private working farm tours, hike to a private lake, learn to make wonderful homemade scones, or play 18 holes on the local golf course. I will take you to my favorite places, shops and restaurants. During the course of our trip you will meet and grow to love my family and a few local friends.

Our couples learning sessions will be in the castle. You will experience Scotland with local guides and become part of our family and village.

Schedule for the week. (Subject to weather)

Monday

We will meet at Glentruim and after settling into your luxurious room we will begin with a short, informal introductory meeting to talk about our week together and answer any questions you may have. After dinner you will enjoy a walking tour of the grounds. 

Tuesday

You will have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, sip a cup of tea on the patio overlooking the grounds or take an early stroll along the river. When we head out for the day, bring your sturdy shoes as we will be going on one of my favorite walks through the heather, which will be in bloom. The walk circles around a private loch where you can stop for a cast or continue on through the hills for a longer hike. 

We will end the walk in the village where you can pick up anything you need or have forgotten. 

In the afternoon you can choose to play nine holes at the local golf course, do some more fishing on the private loch or wander around the lovely art galleries in my hometown of Kingussie. 

Wednesday

Breakfast will again be served in the castle. Afterwards we will be going further north to the Highland capital, Inverness. Along the way I will take you to my favorite antique shop, although calling it an antique shop underestimates this place. It’s more like a Scottish version of Aladdin’s cave of wonders!

During a short stop in Carrbridge you will see the picturesque village and the oldest surviving stone bridge in Scotland.

After lunch we will cruise on Loch Ness, hunt for the elusive monster then dock at Urquart Castle for an hour or so of exploring the ruins, taking in the spectacular views of the loch and browsing the visitors center. 

Thursday

Breakfast will be served buffet style in the kitchen and dining room. We will then leave for a day of learning of life in the Highlands past and present. The morning will be spent on Pitmain Farm where you will hear my father and brother talk about the history of farming in the area while they show you around this working farm.

You will have the opportunity to clip (shear) a sheep and see Bob the sheepdog in action.

Anna, my sister-in-law will warmly welcome you into their farmhouse for a delicious homemade lunch.

After lunch you can enjoy a bicycle ride along part of Scotland’s Cycle Path to the next village where we will spend a wee while visiting The Highland Folk Museum. Here you will learn more about the history and ancient life in the Highlands. 
Dinner will be at Joe’s on the Corner, my favorite local chippy. 

This tasty traditional supper will set you up for out first learning session with Georgia. This will be held in the beautiful Orangery in the castle. 

Friday

After a tasty homemade breakfast we will travel south to the lovely wee village of Pitlochry. This is home to The House of Bruar, one of my favorite spots for shopping for all things Scottish. You will be able to pick up anything from a cashmere shawl to a unique fishing fly. If you aren’t a shopper there is a short hike you might enjoy taking to The Falls of Bruar. After lunch here we will travel north again through some beautiful countryside on our way back to Glentruim. 

Dinner will be served in the castle followed by our next learning session with Georgia. After this, you can enjoy the sauna, theater room or take a walk in the heather-clad hills on the grounds. 

Saturday 

By now you will be realizing you will miss the Scottish breakfasts when you go home! After breakfast we will travel through more of the National Park. A short hike to the scenic Green Loch, a wander along the beach of Loch Morlich, lunch in a wee local cafe then a visit to Loch an Eilean will give you a multitude of scenic photo ops and a glimpse into this area I love. 

On the way home we will stop at the ruins of Ruthven Barracks, a local landmark full of interesting and mysterious history. 

Dinner in the castle will be followed by our final learning session with Georgia. Your evening can be spent relaxing on the patio or ‘smoking’ room with a beverage from our honor bar, the theatre room or time in the sauna. 

Sunday

After another wonderful breakfast, you can enjoy free time in the castle or grounds or attend one of the local churches with me. In the afternoon I will lead a traditional Scottish scone-making class in the castle kitchen.

You will have plenty of time to get ready for our grand finale--our Highland Ceilidh night. If you have ever fancied dressing as lord and lady of the castle, then this is your chance! Break out your party dress and kilt (which I will arrange and have delivered) and enjoy an evening of traditional celebrations.

A Highland banquet dinner and traditional music and dancing will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. 

Monday

All too soon we will eat our last breakfast together in the castle kitchen. After breakfast you may choose from a variety of activities... mountain biking on a nearby trail, visiting a local whiskey distillery, fishing on the private loch, hiking the beautiful surrounding hills or golfing one of the local courses. 

Lunch will be at the castle after which we will pack up and check out of Glentruim Estate. If you would like to explore more of Scotland I can help you plan a wonderful itinerary. If this is where your trip ends I will deliver you and your luggage to the local train or bus stations. From there it is easy to connect to Inverness, Edinburgh or Glasgow airports. 

During our week together, you will become family and experience the Highlands of Scotland in a unique way. In some ways you will go back in time as we travel through this ancient land. I also thoroughly enjoy many modern comforts, so as your guide, will combine the two for an unforgettable trip.

There are several ticket types to fit your style and budget. Please contact me for further details or any questions you may have on the tickets or trip. 

Frances Hawkins

Thistledown Way

Phone 503-706-2587

frances@thistledownway.com

About "Us, Elevated" Workshop with Georgia Anderson:

The BEST way upper level work is accomplished is putting yourself in places that inspire your soul and draw you closer. I believe adventure and novelty enhance relationships, SO, I’ve partnered with my dear friend Frances to create this once in a lifetime experience, to take your relationship to the next level.

You will be offered a short dose (approximately 90 minutes) of instruction/facilitation Wednesday through Friday (most likely in the evening, weather dependent,) with time to think, share, and dream together as a couple while inspired by this beautiful place.

Workshop Topics: 

1. To Know Me is to Love Me: Put on your curiosity hat and join in some simple games to learn more about your partner. Because friendship is the foundation of all great relationships!
   
2. Cherish Is the Word: In this workshop we will learn and practice simple skills for increasing joy and gratitude between you. (Every time I do this with couples the happiness in the room explodes.) This workshop will conclude with an optional couples' massage tutorial. And chocolate.
   
3. 
All's Well That Ends Well: In this workshop you will explore your legacy as a couple. What are you doing and how are you being today? What will others remember the two of you for? Explore ideas that will strengthen your relationship legacy.
   
   

*WHAT'S INCLUDED:*

Luxury accommodations in the castle or cottages.

Most meals.

Tour guides and most activities.

Transportation for our explorations and activities is optional. You are welcome to jump aboard our van or can follow along in your own rental car if your prefer.

WiFi in the castle.

All tips and gratuities.

*NOT INCLUDED:*

Flights and transportation to Scotland.

Health and travel insurance.

Green fees and golf club rentals, bike rentals or clay pigeon shooting etc if you choose these activities.

A few lunch and dinners during free time.

*FAQ’S*

How do I get to Inverness?

Scotland is not a large country so getting to Inverness from any of the Scottish airports is quite easy. Inverness (INV) is the closest airport but Edinburgh (EDI) and Glasgow (GLA) are an easy train ride to the Highlands.

INV- Jet bus service or taxi from the airport to the city center. The airport is nine miles from the city center. From the city center the bus and trains system is extensive. 

EDI or GLA- both airports have train or bus services to the city center train and bus stations. The direct (no change) trains from these cities take about 2-1/2-3hrs.

All of these routes have direct trains at various times of the day. These direct trains save a bit of time and bother especially when traveling with luggage.

If you fly into London each of the airports have a train to the city. From here you can get a no change train from Kings Cross station around noon each day or the overnight Caledonian Sleeper Train at 8pm arriving in Inverness at 8:30am the next morning.

Can you help with travel arrangements?

Yes. I can be as involved in this part as needed. I keep my eye on flights and will pass on options for good deals as I see them. I am also happy to make all of these arrangements for you for a small fee. 

Can you help with before or after plans? 

Yes! I have endless ideas for add-on days or weeks to this trip. I can make arrangements for you to see nearby cities, historical sites or explore your ancestral roots with a local friend. 

What will the weather be like in September? 

September is usually a lovely month in Scotland. The average daily temperature is mid 60’s and lows in the 50’s. Scotland is very green which means they get a fair amount of rain. September tends to be dry and sunny, with the heather in full bloom.

Bring a rain jacket and sturdy boots or walking shoes just in case!

How strenuous are the physical activities?

Most activities are listed as moderate. The longest walk is four miles round trip.

Can I opt out of an activity?

Yes, of course! There will be plenty of options for you if you would like an alternative. Our group will be small enough that we will have a lot of flexibility.

Will there be internet service?

Yes, in the castle and most restaurants we visit.

Will I have a private bathroom?

Yes, each bedroom or cottage will have a private bathroom.

Do people in Scotland speak English?

It may not sound like it, but aye, they do!

Any other things I should bring along?

Don't forget a camera, warm layers, personal items and clothing, and a sense of adventure! There are small shops in the village for forgotten items.

Will we have free time?

Yes. Each day you will have free time at the castle to relax in your room, the lounges or explore the grounds. There will also be some free time built into our days when we are near some shops or art galleries. 

Can we rent kilts for our ceilidh (final Scottish dinner party)?

Yes, of course! I will make all the arrangements for you and they will be delivered to the castle in time for our farewell dinner. What a photo op! The cost for this is around $120 for the full Highland dress.

Should I purchase my flights?

Yes if they are changeable or refundable. Most airlines are offering no change fees on international travel.

PRICING IS PER COUPLE!!

Luxury private cottage in castle grounds $4850

Deluxe castle room with private bathroom $4550

Deluxe castle room with private bathroom across the hallway $4450

BOOKING AND CANCELLATION DETAILS

You can follow the link and pay by credit card. If you would like to pay using Venmo, and avoid the credit card transaction fee, contact me for details. 

Travel is looking a lot more promising this year but as we know, unexpected things can come up at any time. I highly recommend travel insurance, specifically “cancel for any reason” insurance. You can cancel your trip and receive a refund, minus a $500 deposit, until June 13th. After this point I will issue a credit towards a future trip if I am able to fill your spot. 

What happens if the U.K. goes back into lockdown?

The government has said that they will not go back into lockdown and while I do not anticipate that happening, we have spent the last two years dealing with the unexpected. If we must postpone the trip due to new travel restrictions, I will offer you a credit on a future trip up to the value of the funds that I am able to retrieve. The vendors that I have been working with have been very understanding and cooperative in the past and I anticipate that continuing to be the case. However, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to collect 100% of the expenses so again I recommend that you purchase travel insurance which will cover this eventuality.

Frances Hawkins

Thistledown Way

Phone 503-706-2587

frances@thistledownway.com