SAVE ME FROM THE WAVES: THE ADVENTURE RETREAT – SCOTLAND

Dates:1-4 December 2025
Price: £1179pp (all inclusive except travel to Arisaig)
You may also like our Big Scottish Christmas Weekend (5-8 December 2025) and
Save Me from the Waves Adventure Retreat, Formentera (9-15 May 2026)

READY FOR AN ADVENTURE? JOIN US FOR A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE IN SCOTLAND THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON.

Would you like to go on an adventure? Do you sometimes feel like you need ‘saving from the waves’? Are you living the biggest, bravest, most beautiful life you can? If any of these questions resonate then join us in the Scottish Highlands at Christmas for a unique and unforgettable three-day Adventure Retreat. Hosted by Jessica Hepburn - award-winning Author, Arts Producer & Adventure Activist; Alice Todd - Co-Founder of SwimQuest Holidays & Caroline Stafford - Health Coach & Yoga Teacher – it might just be the kickstart you need to an amazing adventurous new year.

WHAT TO EXPECT

View from Traigh House

Set in the wonderfully atmospheric Traigh House on the stunning West coast of Scotland – the next few days will be food for your soul. Think: comfy sofas, roaring fires, tables laden with delicious food, mulled wine and wee drams aplenty. A transformational experience is about to unfold. Part adventurous journey into a Scottish winter wonderland; part gentle exploration into your inner world, this will be food for your heart and soul. There will invigorating short dips in the Scottish sea and freshwater lochs. There will be adventure walks into the hills. There will be inspirational talks and music including ‘The Save Me From The Waves Soiree Supper’ inspired by Jessica’s latest book plus maybe even be a bit of carol singing to get the festive season on a roll! Intrigued? Excited? Join us! And all will be revealed.

ABOUT JESSICA HEPBURN

Jessica Hepburn Channel SwimmerJessica Hepburn is an unlikely-athlete-turned record-breaking-adventurer. As a child she was the ‘arty’ not the ‘sporty’ one and spent most of her career working in the theatre running the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre for over a decade. Then in her mid 40s, after a series of difficult life events, she started to adventure her way out of heartbreak. In 2022, aged 51, she became the first woman in the world to complete the ‘Sea Street Summit Challenge’ (swim the English Channel, run a road marathon (London), and climb Mount Everest). She has become a champion for the physical and mental health benefits of all kinds of adventure, and is an official Ambassador for #AdventureMind. She is also the author of three books - The Pursuit of Motherhood; 21 Miles and Save Me From The Waves which are currently being adapted for the screen, and in 2024 will premiere her new theatre show at the Theatre Royal Plymouth ‘Jessica Hepburn’s Great Adventure’. Read more about Jessica here.

ABOUT ALICE TODD

Alice is the co-founder of SwimQuest Holidays. In her twenties she took a massive risk and left her high-flying job in media to pursue her passion for swimming and the outdoors. She has dedicated the last 10 years of her life to sharing the magical and transformative nature of open water swimming with guests from all over the world. She has been instrumental in creating a unique platform that blends adventure, fitness, and personal growth - helping guests conquer fears, improve technique, and connect with nature in a profound way. As well as swimming, Alice runs and cycles and is also creative to the core – a DJ, writer, poet, artist  – check out her Substack publication ‘Adventures in Wonderland’. Alice is also mum of twin boys and two Siberian husky girls. Her mission is to live life in full colour and inspire others to do the same.

ABOUT CAROLINE STAFFORD

Caroline Stafford is a health coach, yoga teacher, and biscuiteer extraordinaire. She founded her business – the Kitsch Hen - at a tough time in her life after she started baking biscuits stamped with messages of hope, and sending them in the post to others going through the same. From this a creative cookery company was born that bakes ‘edible inspiration’ for every occasion which is delivered to letterboxes throughout the UK and beyond. Alongside baking biscuits, Caroline is also a qualified health coach and trained yoga teacher. She brings compassion and creativity to everything she does and leads the restorative movement and reflection elements of the Adventure Retreat Scotland with her special style of gentle encouragement, and uplifting inspiration.

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?

The Adventure Retreat is for people who’ve been through stuff – big stuff, little stuff, all the stuff. People who want to stop getting knocked down by life’s waves (or at least learn how to swim in them); and people who want to adventure towards a bigger, braver more beautiful life on this incredible planet.

It is suitable for all ability levels. You don’t need to be a good swimmer, or physically fit, and no prior experience of outdoor / cold water swimming or hill-walking is necessary. Nor do you need to be ‘creative’ or knowledgeable about books or music. All activities will always be optional. We just ask you to come with a sense of adventure, a love of nature and the arts, a good appetite, and open to being inspired.

USEFUL INFORMATION

  • Sea temperature: approx 5-10˚C
  • Loch temperature:  4-8˚C
  • Swimming distances: short, winter dips
  • Walking distance / elevation: 3-7 miles / 500 metres elevation maximum
  • Swimming ability:This location is suitable for all ability levels
  • Are non-swimmers welcome?Absolutely – non-swimmers are welcome to join the tour and take advantage of the itinerary, all swims are optional.
  • Start and finish:Check in 1pm, check out 10am

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • Accommodation in Traigh House (includes a combination of solo/double/twin occupancy bedrooms with ensuite/private bathrooms. Large cosy living room with log fire and grand piano; elegant dining room; kitchen with aga; washing facilities and drying room, central heating, linen and towels, games room and wifi included)
  • All catering – includes home-cooked breakfasts, lunches & dinners; cakes and snacks, alcohol (with evening meals), teas, coffees and soft drinks.
  • Cold water swimming, fully supervised by qualified swim guides
  • Hill walking, led by qualified mountain guides
  • Restorative movement, led by our trained yoga teacher
  • All talks and other programmed activities
  • SwimQuest swim cap and poncho, Adventure Retreat notepad
  • Transfer to / from Arisaig
  • All swim transfers (although if you intend to drive and would be happy to help with short shuttles, we would be hugely grateful!)
  • VAT

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

  • Travel to and from Traigh House (guests are advised to travel to Arisaig station where we can arrange pick ups)
  • Wetsuits and fins (if desired / required)
  • Single room supplement (£199)

ABOUT ARISAIG

Despite its ‘world away’ feel, Arisaig is easily accessible via train. The village of Arisaig (the Safe Place) is centred on the sheltered shore of Loch nan Ceall (Loch of the Cells) on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, and is nestled at the base of rocky Creag Mhor, the Sgurr an t’Sasunnaich (peak of the Englishman) and the Sgurr an Albanaich (peak of the Scotsman). It spreads west along the beautiful Rhu road, strewn with sandy white beaches and north along the shore towards Morar Loch – the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles (with a  maximum depth of 310m).

ABOUT TRAIGH HOUSE

Traigh House - kitchen windowOur base and accommodation for this tour is the historical Traigh House, nestled three miles north of Arisaig, in 500 acres of its own private woods and hills. Just yards away from stunning white beaches, it is the perfect place to enjoy stunning views of the Inner Hebrides and cosy up ready for a Scottish adventure. Sleeping 16 people, Traigh House is fully equipped with central heating, log fires, beautiful drawing rooms complete with grand piano, a games room, drying room, a private walled garden and views over the sea and surrounding mountains. The house was also used as an SOE training base in the 1940s. By the way … if you can play the piano on request – we’ll give you a 10% discount!

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

You will be allocated a twin share room with a guest of the same sex as standard on this trip however if you would prefer a sole use room of your own, a £199 supplement applies.

ITINERARY

MONDAY - ARRIVALS FROM 1PM

  • 2pm Adventure Retreat Welcome & Briefing
  • 3.30pm Acclimatisation Swim, Traigh House Beach
  • 5pm Winter cocktails and mulled wine by the fire
  • 5.30pm Inspirational Talk - ‘The Power of Adventure to Change Your Life’ – led by Jessica Hepburn
  • 7pm Supper
  • 8pm Adventure Introductions

TUESDAY 

  • 8am Breakfast
  • 9am Adventure Retreat Sharing Circle & Intro to Scottish Winter Walking
  • 10am - 1 pm Adventure Walk, led by Adele Pennington
  • 1.30pm Lunch
  • 3pm – 5pm Restorative Rest and Reflection, led by Caroline Stafford
  • 6pm ‘The Save Me From the Waves Soiree Supper’

WEDNESDAY 

  • 7.30am Sunrise Adventure Swim
  • 9.30am Breakfast
  • 10.30am Retreat Sharing Circle
  • 11.30am Inspirational Talk – ‘Colour Your Adventure’ – led by Alice Todd
  • 1pm Lunch
  • 2.30pm – 5pm Afternoon Adventure Walk & Swim
  • 6.30pm Christmas drinks & dinner
  • 8.30pm Carols by candlelight

THURSDAY 

  • 8am Breakfast
  • 9am Farewell Adventure Retreat Circle
  • 10am Departures

There will be some light-touch, fun homework to do in advance of the retreat. Further info will be sent on booking in the Autumn prior to our adventure together.

TRAVEL TO TRAIGH HOUSE

The easiest way to get to Traigh House is to take a train to Fort William and then a connecting train to Mallaig / Arisaig. We can pick you up from Arisaig / Mallaig station. The sleeper train from London to Fort William is an excellent option.

DIRECTIONS FOR DRIVING TO TRAIGH HOUSE

Post code PH39 4NT

Welcome to Traigh HouseFROM THE SOUTH / FORT WILLIAM

Take the A830 (“the Road to the Isles”) northwards towards Mallaig. Staying on this road, drive past Arisaig, and after the end of the Arisaig speed restriction (about 1/2 mile), take the first left on to the Alternative Coastal Road (brown sign). This is the B8008 and is signed to "Back of Keppoch" and "An Traigh, Local Services and Traigh Golf Course". Follow this Alternative Coastal Road past the golf course (2.0 miles), until you reach a white gatehouse on the right of the road (2.3 miles). Go through the gate posts immediately to the left of the gatehouse, and follow the gravel drive to the large white house, which is set back about 100 yards from the sea. Gravelled parking area is adjacent to the south edge of the house and the wall of the walled garden.

FROM NORTH/MALLAIG

Take the A830 southwards towards Fort William for approx 3.5 miles. Immediately after the bridge over the River Morar, take the first right on to the B8008, the Alternative Coastal Road (brown sign). Follow this road for 2.3 miles, past Camusdarach – and just when the road runs alongside a beach once more, turn left off the road through gateposts on to a drive (north drive - you will see the white Gatehouse on the far side of the meadow/lawn as you make the turn) which leads up to the large white house.

WHAT DO I PACK?

FOR OUR SWIMMING ADVENTURES

  • At least 2 swimming costumes
  • Wetsuit (optional – but please note dips will be short, there will be no distance swimming) - our Partners at Zone3 offer a wide range of wetsuits, including the eco Yulex natural rubber range HEREand you get 20% OFF all full price Zone3 products with code : SWIMQUEST
  • Swim goggles (optional - we totally understand if you're not planning to put your head under!)
  • Towel for the beach (NB bath towels are provided).
  • Dryrobe or similar (optional). NB. SwimQuest lightweight poncho is provided.
  • Tow float (required) - if you haven’t got one yet, you can purchase from our online shop here
  • Aqua shoes / flip flops / crocs – for getting wet (optional but advised)
  • VERY WARM CLOTHING fleece or warm jumper, tracksuit trousers/sweat pants for putting on immediately after swimming. NB. Loose clothing is always easiest and best.

FOR OUR WALKING ADVENTURES

  • Walking boots / shoes (it may be very wet + muddy in places!) and socks
  • Walking trousers
  • Base layer top (long sleeved t-shirt or similar) / mid layer top (thin fleece or similar to wear over base layer) / warm layer (thick fleece or jacket to wear over base/mid layer if cold) - layering is the best way to walk - and we recommend bringing three layers
  • Waterproof jacket (gore-tex or breathable waterproof fabric with hood) (essential!)
  • Waterproof trousers (in case it's wet)
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Walking poles (optional, but recommended)
  • Small daypack/rucksack to use for your personal equipment/clothing and drinks/snacks
  • Small flask / waterbottle - for hot drink / water

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Writing / drawing materials (definitely bring your favourite pen and if you like to draw/paint then there’s plenty of visual inspiration)
  • Something to wear that’s a little special / sparkly for our Soiree (optional but it’s nice to dress up – right?)
  • Onesies / comfy clothes and slippers for lounging and keeping feet warm in the house and making you feel at home
  • Head torch (optional) – it’s very dark if you go outside at night!
  • Travel Insurance (for non-UK residents)
  • Entertainment (music, board games etc, optional)
  • Festive spirit!

READY TO BOOK?

We’re excited about meeting you. To book your trip, simply click 'Book Now' for your chosen trip below. A deposit of 30% is required to secure your place, and the final payment is due 10 weeks prior to departure. Payments can be made by debit/credit card or by bank transfer. If you are not yet ready to book and require more information, please click enquire. Once you have complete the form, Sarah (our bookings co-ordinator) will be in touch to help you with any additional requirements.

SAVE ME FROM THE WAVES | 1-4 DEC 2025 | BOOK NOW | ENQUIRE

SwimQuest ABTOT MembersIn booking with us, you accept our terms and conditions, which can be found here. If at any point you have any questions, feel free to contact us:

Travel Insurance

As a SwimQuest guest, you are required to have in place travel insurance that covers you for all activities you will be taking part in during your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully covered for these activities.

Whatever travel policy you decide on, you will need to bring a copy of your current Certificate of Insurance to the safety briefing at the start of your SwimQuest holiday. Your swim Guides will need to take a note of your insurer, policy number and the number to call in case of an emergency claim.

Please note, if you are a UK resident and eligible for free health cover via the NHS, you do not need to take our a travel insurance policy for our UK based trips. You may still wish to take out insurance to cover you for events such as trip cancellation, luggage and personal liability.

If you are travelling from the US or another country, we suggest you use a travel insurance comparison site based in your own country in order to decide on a suitable policy.

You can find more information on our Insurance page.

Columbus Direct offers three levels of cover Bronze, Silver and Gold, with differing levels of emergency medical, cancellation and baggage so you can choose the cover to suit your needs. All levels of cover include over 150 sports and activities covered as standard including open water swimming within 12 miles of shore (you will not be swimming more than 12 miles away from the shore on SwimQuest Holidays).

You will also benefit from free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed for 1hr or more*. Optional cover is available including Gadget, Winter Sports and Cruise, along with cover for many pre-existing medical conditions subject to online screening.  Columbus Direct offer single trip cover up to 85 years old and annual multi trip cover up to 74 years old.

*The policyholder can register both themselves and up to four additional travelling companions for Columbus Direct’s Airport Delay service. They will then be eligible to receive free airport lounge access in the event a delay of one or more hours is announced for their flight. View terms and conditions here