JOIN US FOR A TRAIL RUNNING RETREAT WITH A DIFFERENCE
The Magic of Mull retreat is all about running, relaxing, and recharging in the stunning landscapes of the Isle of Mull. This is your chance to escape to Scotland’s wild beauty and immerse yourself in fresh air, friendly company, and the joy of moving in nature.
5 days of guided running along the wild coasts and rugged hills of the beautiful Hebridean island of Mull.
There will be yoga, invigorating dips in the sea on gorgeous sandy beaches, nature exploration, training in navigation and hill skills, discovering hidden coves, caves and waterfalls, talks from locals about Mull and its wildlife, visits to local islands, good food, comfortable accommodation and a hot tub!
Whether you’re new to trail running or a seasoned mountain goat - perhaps training for a marathon or an Ultra? - this retreat is all about enjoying the journey, soaking up the scenery, and connecting with like-minded runners.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
Contact us by WhatsApp or Messenger on our Wild Islands Retreat page.
We will send you the Magic of Mull Information Pack and booking form.
LOCATION
The Isle of Mull is known as Scotland’s Wild Isle because of the great variety of wildlife that can be encountered on this marvellous island off the west coast of Scotland. We will be based in Achaban House on the Ross of Mull – our favourite part of the island with access to a great variety of wild landscapes, coastlines, Ben More (the biggest hill on Mull), and the small islands of Iona and Ulva. It is the perfect location for any trail runner seeking wild and wondrous landscapes to explore.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Magic of Mull running retreat is suitable for a wide range of runners, from experienced fell and trail runners to runners wanting to start or build experience in off road running. It is not suitable for people who are totally new to running and as a minimum you need to be capable of running 10km. We will choose runs that we already know, adapting to the needs of the group, as well as the weather each day.
The runs will be varied in length, the type of landscape and the underfoot conditions and will predominantly be on trails. You should be prepared for running on rough, rocky, boggy, wet, occasionally steep ground and with some stream crossings. You will get wet feet! We will make every effort to ensure that everyone gets to run at the level that they want – happily within their comfort zone or pushing your limits (or a mixture of these!).
The weather is unpredictable at this stage: we will be avidly studying the forecast before and during the retreat. Expect anything in terms of sun, cloud, wind and rain. It is unlikely to snow and the good news is there will be no almost no midges in mid-October.
The group size will be maximum twelve participants, as well as the two leaders, Louise and Roland. We will have a cook with us who will provide the nourishing delicious food that all trial runners deserve.
INCLUDED
• Guided trail runs
• Yoga sessions
• Opportunities for refreshing sea dips
• Exploration of the local landscape
• Training in navigation and other hill skills
• Talks by local people about the history and nature of Mull
• Breakfast, packed lunch & evening meals. We will eat out for one meal.
• Visit local islands
• Wood fired hot tub with views across Loch Pottie
Throughout the week, there will be plenty of learning about trail running and other outdoor adventure skills. There will be time for simply relaxing at Achaban House, in the hot tub or exploring the local countryside. The picturesque Loch Pottie is a short stroll away and there is wildlife to see if you have keen eyes. You might even get to know the local highland cows. And through all this exercise, exploration, learning, eating and relaxing together, you will have every chance to make new friends with the other wonderful people in the group!
We want to emphasise that all runs and activities are optional and you may well choose to opt out in exchange for recuperation, solo time, local walks etc. We are here to support you having a fantastic time!
COST
The Magic of Mull running retreat costs £800 per person. This includes all the costs except your own travel to Achaban House, any local passenger ferry trips, a meal out and some other minor costs – more details in the Information Pack.
WE ALSO HAVE PLACES AVAILABLE AT REDUCED COST. This isn't means tested. Please do get in touch to chat with us. We want to make this retreat accessible to everyone.
THE ACCOMODATION
We will be based in the comfortable Achaban House near to Fionnphort on the Ross of Mull. Achaban House is run by wildlife experts Matt and Rachel Oliver who regularly host walking, wildlife watching, yoga, kayaking and outdoor swimming groups here. It is a beautiful house with six en-suite bedrooms (single, double and family rooms), a bright and spacious sitting room with a wood-burning stove and south-facing views of the garden and loch, dining room with a log fire, a large kitchen and a drying room. It also has a wood-fired outdoor hot tub available for our use. We will allocate the bedrooms appropriately, allowing for any couples and friends. You should allow for the possibility of sharing a room with other people.
Please note that with the exception of guide dogs, pets are not allowed in Achaban House.
THE MAGIC OF MULL PROGRAMME
Please note that the detail of the programme is subject to change before or even during the retreat in response to the weather and the needs of the group. We will get the outdoor hot tub fired up a few times through the week and there is time for downtime each day. There will also be an option to book a massage treatment with Louise if time allows!
Monday 13 Oct
Arrival, introductions and briefing, short local run.
Tuesday 14 Oct
Run on Iona: 14km and 8km options. Optional sea dip and exploration of Iona with opportunity visit to the Abbey & other places of interest.
Evening talk about a local nature recovery project.
Wednesday 15 Oct
Run to Traigh Ghael and Tireragan: 20km and 10km options including optional sea dip at Traigh Ghael.
Yoga
Meal out
Thursday 16 Oct
Pre breakfast yoga
Hill skills and navigation
Short run at Scoor or Erraid with hidden coves with optional sea dip
Friday 17 Oct
Run/walk options on community owned Isle of Ulva or the Ben More circuit.
Celebration evening.
Saturday 18 Oct
Pre breakfast yoga
Depart 10am.
KIT LIST
Running Gear Suitable for All Weathers:
• Running clothes (at least two sets and including plenty of socks)
• Running shoes (recommend two pairs)
• Running vest / small rucsac
• Waist belt bag / bum bag (optional)
• Running waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm hat and gloves
• Water bottles / bladder
• Head torch
• Emergency lightweight survival bag
• Whistle
• Personal first aid kit
• Running / walking poles (optional)
• Personal snacks
Other Clothes for Indoors And Outdoors:
• Regular waterproof coat / warm coat
• Regular clothes and footwear, wash kit, towel, personal effects
• Swimming stuff including towel, optional wetsuit and wet shoes
• Walking boots (for optional walks)
• Slippers /crocs or similar for indoor use.
Other Kit:
• Sandwich box (generous size)
• Zip lock bags
• Flask
• Map (optional): recommend OS Explorer 373 Iona, Staffa and Ross of Mull.
• Compass
• Phone with a mapping app on
• Yoga mat (optional)
• Reading book
• Laundry liquid
• Drink –feel free to bring your favourite tipple for last night celebrations
GETTING THERE
You can get to Achaban house by car or by public transport from the mainland. We will organise any lift sharing between participants on the retreat (to, from and during the retreat) as much as we can.
Mull is a wonderful island to explore and you may want to extend your stay to spend more time here. We can give you recommendations on places to visit. The Mull Car Rally is on in the weekend before our retreat starts and the Tobermory Book Festival is on the following weekend.
By car:
The most direct route to Mull is by ferry from Oban to Craignure (45 minute ferry ride). This service is operated by Calmac and there are around ten sailings to each day. It is recommended that you book the ferry beforehand. NB Calmac usually let you on to an earlier or later ferry than your booking, for no extra charge, if there is room.
There are two other ferry services to Mull (also operated by Calmac) but these will involve much longer journeys unless you are coming from north west Scotland: Lochaline to Fishnish on the east side of Mull and Kilchoan to Tobermory.
From Craignure, it is a about an hour and a half drive to Achaban house along the A849.
By public transport:
Oban is on the rail network, with direct trains from Glasgow Queen Street. There are also regular coach services to Oban operated by Citylink. Both the railway station and the coach station are next to Oban’s Calmac ferry station. Passenger tickets for the ferry can be bought online or at the ferry station just before departure.
From Craignure there is a bus service to Fionnphort run by West Coast Motors, with three buses a day. We can collect you from Fionnphort if the bus driver doesn’t drop you off right outside Achaban House.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
The Magic of Mull running retreat will be run by experienced leaders (and partners) Louise Webb and Roland Arnison. Louise and Roland live in Devon where they are keen members of the famous Chagford Runners club, but spend alot of time in Scotland – especially Mull – running, kayaking, mountaineering and exploring.
Louise and Roland run expeditions together and pride themselves on ensuring that their guests have a fun and memorable time together, are challenge themselves where welcome but are also well looked after, well fed and kept safe.
Louise is an experienced trail runner and has taken part in many running events up to 60 km. She has years of experience leading groups in art, nature, bushcraft and Forest Schools. Louise also works as a massage therapist, expedition cook and a potter. She loves adventure sports in wild places – cycling, mountaineering, wild swimming as well as trail and fell running.
Roland has spent his life on adventures and exploration. He has much experience as a professional expedition leader as well as a film-maker and environmental consultant. He is a qualified Mountain Leader and spent many years as a Mountain Rescue volunteer. Roland enjoys running, mountaineering, rock climbing and sea kayaking. He has recently been on an ambitious solo sea kayaking expedition around the Hebrides, researching and recording seabirds.
https://rolandarnison.co.uk/about/
HOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
Contact us by WhatsApp or Messenger on our Wild Islands Retreat page.
We will send you the Magic of Mull Information Pack and booking form.
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Tobermory, Sports events in Tobermory, Health & Wellness events in Tobermory.
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