Dates: 2-5 December 2024 (SOLD OUT)
1-4 December 2025
Price: £899pp (all inclusive except travel to Arisaig)
You may also like our Big Scottish Christmas Weekend (5-8 December 2025)
READY FOR AN ADVENTURE? JOIN US FOR A UNIQUE AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE IN SCOTLAND THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON
Would you like to go on an adventure? Do you 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 new and unique three-day Adventure Retreat. Hosted by Jessica Hepburn - award-winning Author, Arts Producer and Adventure Activist, and Alice Todd - Co-Founder of SwimQuest - we promise you an unforgettable experience. It might just change your life (or at least kickstart an amazing new year).
WHAT TO EXPECT
Set in magical Traigh House on the stunning West coast of Scotland - you’ll feel at home as soon as you arrive. Think: comfy sofas, roaring fires, delicious food, and wee drams aplenty. An unforgettable three days awaits which will be an adventure in itself. Part creative journey, part adventure challenge, part soulful wellness retreat - it won’t be like anything you’ve done before or will do anywhere else. There will invigorating dips in the Scottish sea and its deepest freshwater loch. There will be creative walks in winter wonderlands. There will be inspirational talks (see itinerary for details); restorative rest and regenerative reflection. And the 'Pièce de Résistance' of it all: 'The Save Me from the Waves Soiree' inspired by Jessica's latest book which will explore the music who made you who you are and take you on a journey into your creative heart and soul. (And maybe there will 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
Save Me from the Waves - The Adventure Retreat, Scotland is devised and hosted by unlikely athlete turned record-breaking alternative adventurer Jessica Hepburn. In 2022, aged 51, Jessica became the first woman in the world to complete the ‘Sea Street Summit Challenge’ (swim the English Channel, run a road marathon, and climb Mount Everest). This journey followed a dark and difficult time in her life. She is now a champion of the physical and mental health benefits of all kinds of adventure, and an official Ambassador for #AdventureMind. She is the author of three books - The Pursuit of Motherhood; 21 Miles. And her new third book published in 2024 Save Me from the Waves which is about her journey to the top of the world fuelled by listening to every episode of her favourite radio programme Radio 4's Desert Island Discs and partly set in the Scottish Highlands. Jessica is also the former Chief Executive of London’s Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and founder of the international arts festival Fertility Fest. Read more about Jessica here.
ABOUT ALICE TODD
Alice is the co-founder of SwimQuest Holidays and 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. Creative to the core, Alice 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. Beyond SwimQuest - Alice is also a swimmer, runner, cyclist, DJ, artist, poet and mum of twin boys and two Siberian husky girls. Alice’s mission is to live life in full colour and inspire others to do the same.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
This trip is suitable for all ability levels. There will be short winter swimming dips (no experience necessary) and longer winter walks. All activities are optional. Please come with a sense of adventure, a love of nature and the arts, a good appetite, and feeling open to being inspired - and you won't be disappointed.USEFUL INFORMATION
- Sea temperature: approx 5-10˚C
- Loch temperature: approx. 4-8˚C
- Swimming distances: short, winter dips
- Walking distance: 3-8 miles 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 option.
- Start and finish: Check in 1pm, check out 10am
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Accommodation in Traigh House (private walled garden, grand piano, kitchen with aga, washing facilities, drying room, log fires, central heating, linen and towels, games room and wifi included)
- Cold water swimming, fully supervised by swim guides
- All talks and seminars
- Breakfasts
- Traditional home-cooked lunches
- Dinners
- Alcohol with evening meals
- Home cooked snacks and cakes
- SwimQuest swim cap and poncho
- 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 required)
- Any alcohol not served with meals
- 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).
Looking out over Rum and Eigg
ABOUT TRAIGH HOUSE
Our 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 2ND DECEMBER - ARRIVALS FROM 1PM
- 2.30pm Welcome and retreat briefing
- 4pm Traigh House Beach dip
- 5.30pm Winter Cocktails and mulled wine by the fire
- 6pm Inspirational Talk by Jessica Hepburn - ‘The Power of Adventure to Change Your Life’
- 7pm Family Supper
- 8.30pm Introductions
TUESDAY 3RD DECEMBER
- 8am The Big Breakfast
- 9.30am - 1 pm - Scottish Winter Wonderland Walk
- 1.30pm - 2.30pm Lunch
- 3pm - 5pm - Rest and Reflection
- 6pm The Save Me From the Waves Soiree Supper
WEDNESDAY 4TH DECEMBER
- 7am Swim: Pre-breakfast swim in Loch Morar
- 9.30am The Big Breakfast
- 11.30am Creative Coastal Walk, Rhu Peninsular
- 1.30pm - 2.30pm Lunch
- 3pm - Refreshing dip at Camusdarach Beach
- 4pm - 5pm - Rest and Reflection
- 6pm Inspirational Talk by Alice Todd, Director Swimquest - ‘Colour Your Adventure’
- 7pm Last Supper
- 8.30pm Carols by candlelight
THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER
- 7.30am - Last Big Breakfast
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
FROM 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 (if you would like to wear one - optional) - our Partners at Zone3 offer a wide range of wetsuits, including the eco Yulex natural rubber range HERE and 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 (though bath towels are provided)
- Tow float (required) - if you haven’t got one yet, you can purchase from our online shop here
- Sandals/aqua shoes / flip flops / crocs – for getting wet
- VERY WARM CLOTHING fleece or warm jumper, tracksuit trousers/sweat pants for putting on immediately after swimming.
- Dryrobe / similar (optional)
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)
- 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 during the day
- Small flask / waterbottle - for hot drink / water
Miscellaneous
- Iphone (or similar) and headphones - on which you can download and listen to audio
- Writing / drawing materials (definitely bring your favourite pen / pencils / paints are optional)
- Something to wear that’s a little special / sparkly for our soiree (optional but it’s nice to dress up – right?)
- Onesies and slippers for lounging and keeping feet warm in the house and making you feel at home (optional)
- 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 | 2-5 DEC 2024 | SOLD OUT
SAVE ME FROM THE WAVES | 1-4 DEC 2025 | BOOK NOW | ENQUIRE
In 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:
- Sarah Broadley | +44 7917 033670 | sarah@swimquest.uk.com
- Charlie Beere | +44 7563 389238 | charlotte@swimquest.uk.com
- Alice Todd | +44 7825 301443 | alice@swimquest.uk.com
Travel Insurance
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 a non-UK resident, you will need to purchase travel insurance which covers you for all activities you will be taking part in.
