Courses, workshops and retreats - Frequently asked questions
Where do we stay? Participants on retreats stay at Creagan House Retreat Centre, which is in Strathyre, north of Callander, in central Scotland, in the Trossachs ( within the Scottish Highlands). However, the numbers we can accommodate at our school are limited. Once bedrooms are booked up, there are B&Bs and lodges nearby that can house particpants. We will clarify accommodation options with you upon booking.
When does a retreat begin? Retreats usually start after lunch on the first day (except for the Long Weekend Crystal Intro workshop which begins on the Saturday morning). Guests are welcome to arrive the morning of a retreat to get settled in their rooms before starting. The course begins after lunch, which guests are welcome to join us at on the first day.
Can I arrive earlier? If participants wish, they can also arrive the Friday evening prior to a retreat or workshop starting (with a room supplement for the Friday evening) or stay a bit longer beyond the retreat itself, again at a supplementary cost. Please speak to us when booking about extending your stay. If you are travelling from far, this may be an option. There are also local B&Bs to stay at - please get in touch with us for more details.
When does a retreat begin? Retreats usually start after lunch on the first day (except for the Long Weekend Crystal Intro workshop which begins on the Saturday morning). Guests are welcome to arrive the morning of a retreat to get settled in their rooms before starting. The course begins after lunch, which guests are welcome to join us at on the first day.
Can I arrive earlier? If participants wish, they can also arrive the Friday evening prior to a retreat or workshop starting (with a room supplement for the Friday evening) or stay a bit longer beyond the retreat itself, again at a supplementary cost. Please speak to us when booking about extending your stay. If you are travelling from far, this may be an option. There are also local B&Bs to stay at - please get in touch with us for more details.
Do rooms have their own bathrooms? All bedrooms both for single and double occupancy, are en-suite.
Do we have time on the course to explore the area? Yes, there are usually sessions of free time during a retreat, as well as free time during breaks and lunch, for participants to explore the area, going for walks, mountain hikes, or to visit local lochs etc. There are also usually options of outings during a workshop week - do check with the itinerary of any course you are booking for however.
What food do you provide? All meals are vegetarian. Where possible, all ingredients are sourced locally (sometimes from our garden) and if possible food is organic.
I have special diet requests - is that a problem? Food intolerances, allergies and special diets can usually be catered for if you let us know in advance when booking e.g. vegan, gluten or dairy free etc. As all are food is vegetarian, we can not cater for meat based diets. Have a look at the types of dishes we serve to check our retreat food will be suitable for you.
Do we have time on the course to explore the area? Yes, there are usually sessions of free time during a retreat, as well as free time during breaks and lunch, for participants to explore the area, going for walks, mountain hikes, or to visit local lochs etc. There are also usually options of outings during a workshop week - do check with the itinerary of any course you are booking for however.
What food do you provide? All meals are vegetarian. Where possible, all ingredients are sourced locally (sometimes from our garden) and if possible food is organic.
I have special diet requests - is that a problem? Food intolerances, allergies and special diets can usually be catered for if you let us know in advance when booking e.g. vegan, gluten or dairy free etc. As all are food is vegetarian, we can not cater for meat based diets. Have a look at the types of dishes we serve to check our retreat food will be suitable for you.
What clothes do I bring? Obviously take into account the time of year you are coming, however Scottish weather in the Highlands can be changeable. The most important thing is bring some waterproof clothing. You will also need suitable boots to go hiking in should you wish to do this whilst staying with us (not compulsory!). There are also flat paths to walk nearby which normal walking shoes (preferably waterproof) are fine for. We have umbrellas to borrow. It would be a good idea to also bring a pair of comfy indoor shoes such as slippers/crocs/indoor shoes.
Is there Wi-Fi available? Wi-Fi is available in some rooms and the lounge area, and there is also some mobile phone coverage in the area. WI-FI is usually turned off each night to give residents a deeper quality of sleep. We do ask that workshop participants do not bring electronic equipment into any workshop spaces and we encourage particpants to turn off or limit their use of mobile phones/laptops and tablets during their visit to get the most benefit from their stay with us. We have a landline and are happy for you to give this to any family members or friends during your stay with us in case of emergency, if you wish to fully detox from electronic media during your stay.
How much does it cost? For details of costs of individual courses please see indivdual workshops.
Can we drink alcohol during our stay? We ask partipants to refrain from using alcohol during the duration of their course, to get the most from their stay with us. On the last evening, we have a 'celebration dinner' at which guests may choose to have some alchohol.
Can I arrive a day later or leave a retreat earlier? If you not able to come for the whole of a course or workshop you would not get the most benefit from staying with us, and this would be disruptive to the other participants of your group. If the dates do not work out for you, we suggest doing a course at another time when you are able to get the fullest experience.
Is there Wi-Fi available? Wi-Fi is available in some rooms and the lounge area, and there is also some mobile phone coverage in the area. WI-FI is usually turned off each night to give residents a deeper quality of sleep. We do ask that workshop participants do not bring electronic equipment into any workshop spaces and we encourage particpants to turn off or limit their use of mobile phones/laptops and tablets during their visit to get the most benefit from their stay with us. We have a landline and are happy for you to give this to any family members or friends during your stay with us in case of emergency, if you wish to fully detox from electronic media during your stay.
How much does it cost? For details of costs of individual courses please see indivdual workshops.
Can we drink alcohol during our stay? We ask partipants to refrain from using alcohol during the duration of their course, to get the most from their stay with us. On the last evening, we have a 'celebration dinner' at which guests may choose to have some alchohol.
Can I arrive a day later or leave a retreat earlier? If you not able to come for the whole of a course or workshop you would not get the most benefit from staying with us, and this would be disruptive to the other participants of your group. If the dates do not work out for you, we suggest doing a course at another time when you are able to get the fullest experience.