itinerary

location

we will be staying at a beautiful intimate loch front cottage in the national park. originally built in 1696 by a duke, the house was once home to aristocrats and business men. the property boasts an impressive seven bedrooms, ranging from single, double and superking beds. the rooms exude charm and character, and the feeling of staying at a family home. each room benefits from luxurious duvets and pillows, egyptian cotton sheets and thoughtfully sourced accessories. the house has it’s own dedicated games room (complete with 3/4 sized billiard table) and on-site hot tub and sauna so you’ll have everything you need to relax and unwind.

invitation from helena

This whimsical retreat is the perfect opportunity to run away with me and your fellow fairies into the magical Scottish Highlands and escape into a world of enchanted forests, cosy fireside chats and celestial star-gazing evenings. Aside from visits to fairy glens, baking, foraging and crafting; l'm also super excited to be hosting three workshops.

The first will be an introduction to clothes mending and altering where we can go through some common ways to bring new life to your clothes, whilst exploring ways to make that thrift find fit just that bit better. Our second will be a flower crown workshop, with a chance to get some cute flower fairy photos afterwards (because we're going to want momentos of this once in a lifetime trip!). Finally, after a day trip to Edinburgh to visit the best vintage and charity/thrift shops the city can offer, I'll be hosting a styling workshop.

During this we can go through different ways to style our finds, how to get the most out of pieces and tips on how to curate your wardrobe. So come join us! Take some time out of your busy life to reconnect with nature, meet like minded thrifting fanatics and fall into the magical dream that is the Scottish Highlands. You won't want to miss this. Helena

inclusions

• Workshops from Helena:

  • Flower crown making

  • Altering & mending clothes

  • Thrifting & styling

• 4 nights in a 16th century highland Scottish cottage

• Breakfast & dinner everyday

• Picnic lunch

• Foraging & flower picking walk

• Pucks glen tour & wild swimming

• Day trip to Edinburgh

• Baking session

• Craft session

• Goodie bag

• All ground transportation including Glasgow airport transfer

meet your host

With a passion for finding unique vintage pieces to add to her whimsical wardrobe, Helena aims to inspire her audience to curate their own style by shopping vintage, second-hand and through sustainable small businesses. Having started out in the fashion world with her own business selling 1960s and 70s renaissance revival corsets, Helena also developed a love for sewing and clothing design.

This combined experience of thrifting and sewing led her to build a close community on social media, encouraging people to find new life in old clothes and new self-confidence through finding their style. Helena is also a strong advocate for thrifting and mending as a way to combat climate change and views our problematic relationship with consumerism as an intimately feminist issue as fast fashion frequently exploits women in sweatshops in the global south.

Her affinity with all things magical and fairy related is intended to encourage people to reconnect with their childhood selves. Having grown up with a love of nature and having spent many summers building fairy houses, flower crowns and inventing stories, her particular style is as therapeutic as it is unique. You can follow Helena on her instagram and/or tiktok @ditsy_floral.  Instagram. TikTok.

FAQs

How can I join?

Please secure your place by paying a deposit, the full trip price or opting onto a payment plan. Confirmation will take place via email. There is a maximum number of places available on this trip so act fast.

How do I get there?

We will be picking up guests at 2pm on day 1 from an appointed spot in Glasgow. The closest airports are Glasgow & Edinburgh airport.

What is the rooming configuration?

The rooms are sharing, so you will have one or more besties for the entirety of the trip to share the experience with. There is one private room available.

How can I pay?

Either pay in full or pay the deposit now, and book onto a payment plan, using the book now button.

What should I pack?

• Day pack for carrying essentials.

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.

• Sun protection - a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen.

• Insect repellent and hand sanitiser.

• Light layers for the daytime

• Warmer layers for night time.

• Swimmers.

• Electrical adaptor.

• Water bottle.

Will there be downtime?

Whilst our days are designed with plenty of activities to give you the best Scotland experience, there will be time for downtime in the evenings or days when you are free to explore on your own.

Will I need a visa?

Obtaining a visa is the individual responsibility of the traveller. Please note that entry requirements can change at any time. Be sure to check with your government’s foreign travel advisories and consular websites to ensure you have the correct information.

What does the Aweventurer team do?

We provide the most thorough support for you to have an epic travel experience with us. From an on-the-ground local host to our team at HQ, there is always someone available to help solve any issues you may encounter. Throughout your expedition, a local host will accompany you and your fellow travellers to make sure you have everything you need for an inspiring and safe journey. You are also able to reach out with any concerns or questions – before, during and even after your trip. We pride ourselves on prompt responses and are happy to hear from you, whether by email, phone or via a Zoom call, on how we could improve your stay or anything we need to prepare before your arrival.