Welcome to Auchgoyle Farm truly Wild Running Retreats!
Read our Wild Running Retreat article in the Guardian HERE!
Join owners and guides, Katharine and David, both passionate runners, ecologists and environmentalists. Our mission is to show you the beautiful trails that radiate from our farm over hills, along Argyll’s secret coast and through ancient woodlands. We’ll discover wildlife and hidden habitats as we run.
Everything about our retreats strive to respect our amazing natural world. Our accommodation is eco-friendly and our organic, regenerative farm is managed to restore ecosystems and wildlife. Our wholesome food is homemade organic and local wherever possible. So come, run, relax, and unwind on a truly wild and sustainable running holiday!
“This was a blisteringly stark contrast to my suburban life, and offered the perfect and beautiful circuit break from the treadmill on which we all too often find ourselves…..Katharine herself was the most perfect blend of desire to educate, inspire, tell her story, with listening, her confidence to embrace silence and continued self-exploration. She shows you trails and scenes you may never have found by yourself, or been interested to tackle and explore. Whether you are a beginner or very experienced, she will find a way to show you the path least trodden and return home energised and free.” Rebecca Diacon, Sutton Coldfield
WILD RUNNING RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS:
- Small running groups (max 7 people)
- Afternoon relaxation with yoga, streamside sauna indulgence, reading….
- 3 nights’ luxury eco-friendly accommodation with private room & communal living areas in our farmhouse or timber-framed eco-lodge (all linen & shower/bath towels provided)
- Breakfast, lunch & supper on Friday & Saturday; breakfast & lunch on Sunday. Also tea, coffee, infusions & healthy snacks- you will not go hungry!
- Your guides & owners are adventurers and experienced distance runners (first in world to have run the length of South America)
- We’re here for you, offering a truly friendly retreat; whether you’re on your own or with a friend
- Hear a presentation about our world first run for wildlife & wilderness
- Have a go at sensory running in the fields
- Be a part of Auchgoyle Farm rewilding & plant your own tree
- Free signed and dedicated ‘Running South America’ book
- We donate 5% of your retreat fee to Scottish Wildlife Trust
- Sustainable and environmentally-friendly retreat
“Auchgoyle running retreat was everything I could have hoped for. Just the right balance of running and adventure, scrambling over boulders and hopping across streams, and relaxation with cosy yoga sessions in the eco lodge, fascinating talks, and delicious, healthy food. We all came back to reality with a thump but feeling rested, restored, and glowing from time in the great outdoors! It felt a great privilege to witness David and Katharine’s efforts breathing life back into a once nature-depleted farm in a stunning but less-explored part of Scotland. We’ll be back!” Hol Tuppen, Brighton.
2024 DATES
Thurs 18 April – Sun 21 April- mixed retreat
Thurs 9 May- Sun 12 May- female only retreat
Thurs 24 Oct- Sun 27 Oct- female only retreat
Thurs 7 Nov- Sun 10 Nov- mixed retreat
Thurs 21 Nov- Sun 24 Nov- mixed beginner’s retreat
Thurs 5 Dec- Sun 8 Dec- mixed retreat
2025 DATES
Thurs 9 Jan – Sun 12 Jan- female only retreat
Thurs 23- Sun 26 Jan- mixed beginner’s retreat
Thurs 6 Feb- Sun 9 Feb- female only retreat
Thurs 6 Mar- Sun 9 Mar- mixed retreat
Thurs 3 April- Sun 6 April- female only retreat
Thurs 8 May- Sun 11 May- mixed retreat
Please contact us if you would like to create your own bespoke retreat with a group of friends of family. Including if you would like a beginner’s retreat and are wanting to get back into running. We can also offer day retreats for people staying in the farmhouse or ecolodge and for local residents. Let us know if you would like to book one.
To BOOK or FIND OUT MORE email: katharine@auchgoylefarm.com For TRAVEL INFORMATION click here
Approximate daily distance: 3 – 9 miles during 3 morning runs
Time running each day: 30 mins- 4 hours
Our wild runs are mainly off road: over hills, fields, beaches, through streams and woodlands. The paths are undulating, with some moderate hilly sections (but no mountains!). We will forge streams, run through lots of mud, scramble up boulders, over roots, through gorse and run down heathery slopes. Sometimes there are no paths, so be prepared for rough and wild terrain! There will, however, be some stretches through the village or on country lanes. We run at a moderate pace with plenty of stops to take photos, take in the view, and spot wildlife.
Recommended for:
Runners who can run at least 8 miles comfortably. You don’t need to be “fast,” though you should have sufficient fitness for running consecutive days. We recommend our retreats for those who enjoy climbing the odd fence, scrambling over boulders, getting their shoes wet, inching past spiky gorse, or running through knee deep mud!
What you will need:
Comprehensive insurance to cover you for this type of activity.
Your trail running kit- everything you normally take when out on the hills such as: more than one pair of running shoes (they will get wet!), multiple socks, waterproof coat, gloves, hats, buffs, head torch, survival bag, first aid kit, whistle, water bottle, small pack/race vest to put your things in. Leggings recommended as there are brambles, gorse bushes and ticks!
Yoga kit- Kate has all the equipment (mats etc.), but please bring comfortable clothing.
Swimming kit for the spa, sauna and any loch/sea swims you might like (please bring your own swimming/sauna towel & also beach shoes).
A pair of wellie boots, waterproof trousers and waterproof coat for walks around the farm. (We do have a selection of wellie boots you can borrow on the farm if you prefer).
To BOOK or FIND OUT MORE email: katharine@auchgoylefarm.com
Example Itinerary:-
Day 1
Arrive Thursday evening and settle into your accommodation. Meet Katharine and David for a brief chat about the next few days’ running and what to expect.
Day 2
Wake up on our farm for breakfast. Enjoy the morning’s dawn chorus with Katharine your bird guide. Then head out down the farm track, along the lane and through fields to iconic Ostal Bay, a 1km sandy beach overlooking the Isle of Arran. Dive into forest, along the coast of Loch Fyne, and continue up and down tracks past lochs and the remnants of a castle, over the hills and back to the farm. A circular route with minimal elevation amazing views and possibilities of glimpsing birds of prey.
Back to base for stretches and lunch. Spend your afternoon reading books and magazines from our extensive running and wildlife library and re-energise with an hour’s restorative yoga session. You could also choose to have a go at ‘sensory’ running in the fields and indulge in a wild wash and sauna in our woodland burn. Meet up for supper with Katharine and Dave with the opportunity for tales and pics of their Running South America expedition.
Day 3
After breakfast head off through the farm to the Cowal Way, over the golf course with far reaching views over the Kyles of Bute. Run down through the village of Tighnabruaich and meander by the sea on gravel tracks through woodland. Scramble over boulders and through scrub before dropping back down to Loch Riddon where we will catch the bus.
Home for lunch followed by more relaxing, reading, wild washes and sauna and the option of a yomp around the farm to meet the animals and hear about our rewilding project. Supper, followed by a relaxing bedtime yoga session.
Day 4
You’ll awake on your last day for breakfast followed by a short run along the Cowal Way to the local spa. Here you can indulge in the heated waters of an outdoor pool overlooking Loch Fyne, sit in the Jacuzzis or lie in the sauna. (Please contact us if you would also like to book a spa treatment at an additional cost ). We’ll then return to the farm for lunch before heading off on our journeys home.
To BOOK or FIND OUT MORE email: katharine@auchgoylefarm.com
Price from: £599 / person
For details of how to reach us, please click here
“This was my first ever running retreat so it was always going to be memorable but the experience that Katharine, her family and her community partners have created took it to another level and superseded all expectations! Our adventures on the trails were exciting, challenging in places and varied in terms of the terrain and the wildlife we encountered; all of which Katharine was infectiously passionate and knowledgeable about! Between runs we were rejuvenated and well cared for – the farmhouse is stunning and very comfortable, the home cooked meals and snacks were wholesome, hearty and delicious and we met locals who are partnering with Katharine to enrich the retreat experience and share their livelihoods and expertise in yoga, biodynamics, coffee and the environment.I left feeling inspired and energised to make some changes to my lifestyle and to listen harder to birdsong to try and decipher a willow warbler from a wren! I will continue to reflect on it often, until I come back!”, Kate Lloyd, London.
Wild Running Retreats with YOGA
During our wild running retreat, we are partnering with Kate, a local yoga teacher and one time marathon runner. These sessions will focus on bringing balance to the running body and will be accessible for all whether experienced or new to yoga. Our small group allows for one-to one support.
During our retreat we will use Yoga to balance the repetitive physical nature of running, giving you the tools to continue to look after your running body when you return home.
Beyond the physical aspects when practicing yoga, the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated. This means that the body moves away from Fight of Flight mode into Rest, Heal and Digest. This state is essential for optimal health and wellbeing and our restorative yoga sessions will show you how to achieve this.
By incorporating yoga into your running routine you will increase your endurance, improve lung capacity, breath control and fitness levels, ease aches and pains, improve flexibility and posture, prevent injuries and improve mindset.
All abilities are supported and all yoga equipment is provided. Includes personalised advice and injury prevention
“I wholeheartedly recommend the Wild Running retreat. Running through the stunning landscape and coastal beaches was beautiful with a distance and pace that matched my ability. This was perfectly balanced with an invigorating Loch Swim, relaxing yoga sessions and a spa trip. The accommodation is fantastic, really comfortable with all we needed. I loved exploring and learning about the farm and rewilding the land, Katharine generously shared her extensive knowledge about the flora and fauna and biodiversity of the region. The food was delicious and healthy and we were very well looked after. Thanks Katharine and David xxx” Laura Bagwell, Sussex
Wild Running Retreats Booking Terms and Conditions
Before booking with us, please read through our Terms and Conditions. Please print off and retain a copy for your own records.
1. BOOKING CONDITIONS
By booking with us you accept to be bound by the terms and conditions outlined bellow.
2. LIABILITY
Auchgoyle Farm Wild Running Retreats are provided with reasonable care and skill. However, the retreat by its very nature has inherent risks of personal injury and damage to health which you recognise and accept in joining us. You are ultimately responsible for your safety and waiver any liability to us the providers. You should have comprehensive insurance to cover you for this type of activity.
3. PAYMENT
You will pay Auchgoyle Farm Wild Running Retreats a deposit of 1/2 the total retreat fee at the time of booking. If booking within 56 days (8 weeks) of the date on which the trip starts full payment of the retreat is due. Deposits are non-refundable if you cancel your booking. Once we have received your initial payment your booking is accepted. Balance of payment is due 56 days (8 weeks) prior to the retreat start date. If full payment is not received by this date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking without any refund of the trip deposit.
4. MINIMUM NUMBERS
We reserve the right to cancel the retreat where the minimum number- five participants- has not been reached. We will not cancel a retreat less than 8 weeks before it is set to begin, except where necessary due to Force Majeure.
5. CUSTOMER CLIENT CANCELLATION
If you wish to cancel you must notify us in writing, whereupon the following charges will be applied from the date we receive your notice of cancellation:
Loss of deposit
Less than 56 days before departure: Loss of 100% of total trip cost
6. RETREAT CANCELLATION
If we have to cancel a retreat we shall refund all monies transferred by the customer to date, or the customer can re-book on an alternative retreat. If we cancel a retreat we will not be liable for any expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking, or in the expectation of the activity taking place.
7. PERSONAL RISK
In choosing to run in rural and moorland environments you accept that these activities may pose a danger of personal injury or even death. You must be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions and involvement in such activities.
8. MEDICAL CARE
By booking Auchgoyle Farm Wild Running Retreats you attest to being in good medical health and medically fit to participate. We organise trail running over difficult terrain. You should be aware that the locations are sometimes remote and do not necessarily have emergency rescue and medical facilities operating in the area.
9. WEBSITE & PUBLICITY
All information contained within Auchgoyle Farm website and other publicity is for guidance only. Whilst making every effort to ensure accuracy, we cannot be responsible for any inaccuracies or alterations beyond our control.
10. PHOTOGRAPHY
We will often use footage from the running retreats for our website or publicity. Please let us know if you do not wish to be photographed.
11. UNAVOIDABLE OCCURRENCES
We do not accept liability for the consequences of strikes, riots, acts of war or terrorism, disease outbreaks, government intervention, natural disasters or adverse/unusual weather conditions. If such occurrences cause us to have to cancel an activity we will endeavour to offer an alternative, but accept no liability for return of fees paid prior to cancellation.
Auchgoyle Farm 