The Most Important Thing: Prepare for Scottish Weather!
Scotland in September can be beautiful, sunny and surprisingly warm. It can also be cold, windy and wet, sometimes all within the same afternoon.
Please do not rely on the forecast you see before leaving home. Conditions can change quickly, particularly beside the loch and in the mountains. The secret is not bringing one enormous winter coat. It is bringing layers, waterproof outerwear and clothes that dry quickly.
You do not need to dress up for this trip. We will be a big house full of women who are here to relax, play, explore and feel comfortable. Warm, practical and cosy wins.
Honestly, you may end up like Anne and happily rewearing the same favourite outfit every day!
Clothing for Changeable Weather
Please bring:
☐ A genuinely waterproof coat with a hood
☐ A warm jumper, fleece or cosy cardigan
☐ Lightweight long-sleeved tops for layering
☐ T-shirts or breathable base layers
☐ Comfortable trousers or leggings
☐ At least one additional change of outdoor clothing
☐ Fast-drying clothes wherever possible
☐ Warm socks
☐ Underwear and sleepwear
☐ A warm hat or beanie to cover your wee ears
☐ A light scarf, buff or neck warmer
☐ Gloves if you feel the cold easily
☐ A compact umbrella or inexpensive packable poncho
Jeans are fine for relaxing indoors or visiting the villages, but they become heavy, cold and slow to dry when wet. Leggings, walking trousers and other lightweight fabrics are much more practical for outdoor activities.
If you come from a warmer climate, are sensitive to cold or simply enjoy being extra cosy, bring more layers than you think you will need. Temperatures that look mild on paper can feel much colder beside the water, in the wind or when you are damp.
Shoes
You will need more than one footwear option. Here are some suggestions..
☐ Waterproof walking shoes, hiking boots or sturdy waterproof trainers
☐ Comfortable everyday shoes or trainers
☐ Old or rubber / gummy shoes for entering the loch as it is stoney
☐ Flip-flops or waterproof sandals for the shared showers
☐ Slippers or warm indoor shoes, optional
Loch Dipping, Sauna and Water Activities
Everything is optional. You never have to swim or enter the loch, but please bring suitable items so you have the choice when you arrive.
☐ Workout or leisure outfit for physical activities
☐ Swimming costume
☐ Old trainers or water shoes
☐ Quick-drying towel or changing robe, if you own one
☐ Warm clothes that are easy to put on afterwards
For additional warmth in the water, you may also bring:
☐ Nylon or synthetic long-sleeved top and leggings
☐ Neoprene socks or gloves, optional
We will also have rafted canoeing on Loch Long and a high-speed RIB boat experience on Loch Lomond. Dress warmly for both, even when the day begins sunny. Being on the water can feel colder and windier than being on land.
Comfortable Lodge Life
Bring what helps you feel at home:
☐ Cosy pyjamas
☐ Warm lounge clothes
☐ Slippers or thick socks
☐ Earplugs (if sharing room or if it is stormy)
☐ Eye mask
☐ A small bag or wash bag for carrying things to the bathroom
Food, Snacks and Personal Supplies
You will be fully catered for throughout the retreat, with three shared meals each day plus snacks prepared by our nutritionist.
However, we are staying somewhere remote. There is no large supermarket around the corner and you cannot rely on being able to pop out whenever you want something.
Before boarding our bus in Glasgow, please stock up on:
☐ Your favourite snacks
☐ Any very specific dietary products you regularly use
☐ Protein bars, sweets, crisps or comfort foods you particularly enjoy
☐ Specialist tea, coffee or drinks
☐ Any food needed for travel days
☐ Personal toiletries
☐ Period products
☐ All medication you may need
☐ Anything you would find difficult to replace in a small Scottish village
We will visit Inveraray and Luss during the trip, where there are shops, cafés and opportunities to buy a few things. Please still plan around our remote location rather than assuming every product or brand will be available.
Clearly label any personal food that you do not want to be shared.
Phone, Wi-Fi and Technology
Wi-Fi is available, but coverage may not reach every room or every part of this large historic house. It may also be slower than the connection you are used to at home.
Please check your mobile plan before travelling. The UK is no longer part of the EU roaming system, so EU roaming may not be included in your package.
We recommend considering a UK eSIM, particularly if you need dependable access for work, travel arrangements or contacting family.
Bring:
☐ Phone
☐ Phone charger
☐ Portable power bank
☐ Headphones
☐ UK plug adapter or universal travel adapter
☐ Chargers for your watch, Kindle, camera and other devices
☐ Copies of important travel information
☐ Offline entertainment for journeys or quiet evenings (download shows and podcasts) - shows you download in another country MAY not open in the UK, I have learned the hard way!)
The UK uses Type G three-pin plugs.
Mobile coverage can also be inconsistent in remote Highland areas. Please download tickets, addresses, maps and emergency information before leaving Glasgow rather than relying entirely on a live connection.
Midges and Other Highland Wildlife
Midges are tiny biting insects found in Scotland, particularly around damp, sheltered areas and near water. They are generally an irritation rather than a danger, but some people are much more attractive to them than others.
We will have some midge spray available. You only need to bring your own if you know that insects particularly love you or you prefer a specific product.
Optional items include:
☐ Midge or insect repellent
☐ Long-sleeved lightweight top
☐ Long trousers or leggings
☐ Bite cream or antihistamine you normally use
☐ Midge head net if you are extremely susceptible
Please also check your skin after longer walks through vegetation and bring any personal insect-bite treatment you normally use.
Walking and Outdoor Activities
The programme includes gentle walks, accessible forest and lochside routes and an optional more challenging early-morning hill hike.
Bring:
☐ Small day backpack
☐ Reusable water bottle
☐ Waterproof jacket
☐ Waterproof shoes or boots
☐ Comfortable walking socks
☐ Lightweight spare layer
☐ Waterproof bag or cover for your phone
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Lip balm
☐ Blister plasters
☐ Any walking poles or mobility aids you normally use
Do not wear brand-new hiking boots for the first time on the trip. Break them in before travelling.
All activities are optional and you can participate at your own pace. You do not need specialist hiking equipment unless you intend to join the more demanding hill walk.
Toiletries, Health and Medication
☐ Toothbrush and toothpaste
☐ Shampoo, conditioner and shower products (we can provide some incase you have hand luggage only)
☐ Deodorant
☐ Hairbrush and hair products
☐ Skincare products
☐ Period products
☐ Prescription medication
☐ A few additional days of essential medication in case of travel disruption
☐ Pain relief you normally use
☐ Plasters and blister treatment
☐ Any allergy medication or EpiPen prescribed to you
☐ Travel-sickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness
Please carry essential medication in your hand luggage rather than placing all of it in checked baggage.
Let us know privately before the trip about any medical, mobility, dietary or sensory needs that could affect your experience or require support.
Travel Documents and Money
☐ Passport or accepted travel identification
☐ Visa or UK entry documentation . Everyone needs an ETA - it is £20 and is immediate
☐ Travel insurance details
☐ Flight, train and accommodation confirmations
☐ Emergency contact information
☐ Bank card
☐ A second payment method
☐ A small amount of British pounds, optional. Most places use card and Apple Pay.
☐ Copies or screenshots of important documents
Travel insurance is required for this trip. Make sure your policy covers the activities you plan to join, including canoeing, boat trips, hiking, sauna use and cold-water swimming where applicable.
Lovely Things to Bring
There will be time to rest, read, create and have fun.
Consider packing:
☐ Book or Kindle
☐ Journal and pens (we may have extra journals if you need one)
☐ Sketchbook or craft project
☐ Camera
☐ Cards or a favourite compact game
☐ Something small to share from your country or culture, optional
☐ A little extra space in your luggage for Scottish purchases
You do not need to bring entertainment for the group, but you are welcome to bring something small that makes you happy.
What You Do Not Need
You do not need:
Formal evening clothes
High heels
A different outfit for every day
Specialist outdoor equipment for every activity
Expensive water shoes
Your entire bathroom cabinet
To look polished throughout the trip
To participate in every activity
For our Burns Supper, you are welcome to wear something a little special, tartan or an outfit you enjoy, but this is completely optional. Comfortable clothes are also absolutely welcome.
Useful Packing Formula
One waterproof outer layer
One warm fleece or jumper
One additional cosy jumper or cardigan
Three or four everyday tops
Two or three pairs of comfortable trousers or leggings
One comfortable village or Burns Supper outfit
One set of dedicated loch-dipping clothes
One or two swimming costumes
One pair of waterproof walking shoes
One pair of everyday shoes
One pair of old water shoes
Flip-flops
Cosy pyjamas and indoor layers
Enough underwear and socks, plus extras in case things get wet
Keep These in Your Day Bag
For transfers and activity days, keep the following easy to reach:
☐ Waterproof jacket or poncho
☐ Warm layer
☐ Water bottle
☐ Phone and power bank
☐ Personal medication
☐ Snack
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Midge spray
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Small waterproof or plastic bag
☐ Travel documents and wallet
Pack for comfort, flexibility and a little Scottish chaos. Come prepared to get cosy, possibly get wet, laugh a lot, try something new and live in your favourite jumper for five days.
