Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat

Join us for one of our Yoga & Mindfulness retreats this year either in November 2024 or March 2025.

Senior Instructor June Adamson will lead the retreat. Activities will include yoga and mindfulness plus the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities, at our scenic outdoor centre on the banks of Loch Tay.

Price: 

University of Edinburgh Students & Staff - £210

Community:  £260

(The price includes: travel to and from Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym to Firbush and back, full board accommodation, evening meal, bed & breakfast, packed lunch as well as the yoga & mindfulness sessions and full use of the facilities & equipment).

Dates: 

Friday 15 to Sunday 17 November 2024

Friday 28 to Sunday 30 March 2025

What to expect:

  • There are 16 spaces available on the retreat but these will fill up quickly so book early to avoid disappointment.
  • Yoga will be taught in the dining room with magnificent views over Loch Tay and surrounding mountains and early mornings in our Lecture room.
  • Guests will arrive between 7pm and 7:30pm on Friday in time for supper at 8pm.
  • Accommodation is basic bunk rooms with allocated shared bathroom facilities.
  • Bed linen is provided, however, you need to bring your own towel.
  • Guests are asked to make up their beds and clear their tables at meals.
  • There is no onsite shop and the nearest shops are located 3 miles away in the village of Killin.
  • All catered food on the retreat will be vegetarian, but please inform June if you have any special dietary requirements.

Friday   

8pm: Light supper - soup and a roll, dessert, and coffee/tea

9pm to 10pm: Introductory session

Saturday             

7:30am to 8:25am: Early Yoga

8:30am: Breakfast (choice of cereals, toast, cooked breakfast with tea & coffee). Collect packed lunch pre-prepared by staff

9:45am to 12:30pm: Yoga & Mindfulness

12:30pm: Lunch

1:30pm to 4:30pm: Outdoor activities

4:30pm: Cake & tea

5pm: Optional Yoga 

6pm: Dinner (3-course meal)

7:30pm to 8:30pm: Evening wellness session

Sunday 

7:30am to 8:25am: Early Morning Yoga

8:30am: Breakfast (choice of cereals, toast, cooked breakfast with tea & coffee)

9:30am to 12:30am: Outdoor activities

12:30pm: Lunch

1:30pm to 4pm: Yoga & Mindfulness

4:15pm: Tea and cake

5pm: Farewell/depart

Outdoor activities: 

There’s always a choice of instructor-led activities where you will be guided and supervised. For sailing and paddle sports full safety cover is provided. Firbush is also located on bike route 7, and there are plenty of opportunities nearby for cycling on local trails. Residents can dip in and out of activities as they wish and Firbush staff can advise on local sightseeing opportunities.  Activities will depend on season, weather and staff availability.  If you have a particular interest, please check beforehand if it will be possible.

What to bring:

You do not need to bring any specific equipment as Firbush will provide everything required for the activities. However, if you have your own equipment, you are welcome to bring it along and our instructors will check for suitability on the arrival evening. Additionally, wetsuits and buoyancy aids will all be provided.

Clothing:

  • Waterproof jacket
  • A few pairs of thick warm/woollen socks
  • Comfortable walking trousers
  • Thermals/base layers (best to pack several layers to regulate the changeable Scottish weather)
  • Spare clothes
  • Hat
  • 2 Towels

General items:

  • Yoga Mat (or you may borrow one)
  • Blanket for yoga
  • Toiletries (shower gel, toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner etc.)
  • Medications or inhalers
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Thermos flask and water bottle for drinks
  • Plastic box for your sandwiches
  • Snacks or treats for yourself if desired

What’s recommended for water-based activities:

  • Swimsuit/shorts
  • Long-sleeved top (in cold weather we advise 2 layers)
  • A wetsuit (provided by Firbush)
  • Waterproof Jacket (provided by Firbush)
  • Thick socks with old trainers/wetsuit boots

General Firbush information:

1. Check-in is available from 7 pm onwards, if you arrive before this time, you may not be able to gain access to the centre. On arrival, please report to the Duty Instructor with your completed declaration forms which are essential to conform to licensing, safety and fire regulations.

2. All private vehicles should be left in the upper car park thus always ensuring access to the building by emergency vehicles.

3. Residents should read the fire drill instructions which are situated on the back of all cabin doors and beside all fire alarms.

4. For Health and Safety reasons a NO SMOKING POLICY applies throughout the main buildings and basement at Firbush.

5. Please do not bring alcohol to Firbush.

6. The Centre is not resourced to deal with family pets and we expressly request that you do not bring animals to Firbush.

 

For further enquiries or to book

Please email: Firbush.Office@ed.ac.uk

What previous guests have said about the retreat...

“The whole weekend was just wonderful. It was great to escape the busy life and do some work on mind and body.”

Mindfulness was “grounding and very restorative” and “really opened my eyes to what mindfulness is” and “great variety” of practices. 

"Amazing! Loved the variety, well led/taught and super calming environment"