🌙 Journey to Celtic Seership Retreat 🌙
Your Guide to Reaching Inverness, Scotland
📍 Important Pickup Details
Date: September 15th, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM SHARP
Location: Inverness Bus Station (Margaret Street, IV1 1LT)
⚠️ CRITICAL: We are running ONE minibus from Inverness Bus Station at 2:00 PM. You must be there on time. If you miss this pickup, you will need to arrange your own taxi to Black Isle Yurts.
Alternative: If you're driving, you can arrange lift sharing with other participants through our community group (opens one month before retreat).
✈️ By Air to Inverness
Inverness Airport (INV)
The closest airport, just 7 miles from the city center.
- London Heathrow (LHR) - British Airways | 1hr 35min
- London Gatwick (LGW) - easyJet
- London Luton (LTN) - easyJet
- Amsterdam (AMS) - KLM
- Belfast, Manchester, Bristol - Various carriers
Book Flights:
British Airways Loganair Google Flights KAYAKAirport to Bus Station Transport
Stagecoach Bus 11/11A:
- Runs every 30 minutes
- Journey time: 40 minutes
- Cost: £5
- Fully electric eco-friendly buses
- Direct to city center and bus station
Taxi:
- Journey time: 20 minutes
- Cost: £25-30
- Available outside terminal
Alternative UK Airports
- 110 miles from Inverness (2hr 50min drive)
- More international flight options
- Take bus/train from Edinburgh to Inverness (see below)
- 111 miles from Inverness (3hr 20min drive)
- Major international hub
- Take bus/train from Glasgow to Inverness (see below)
- 78 miles from Inverness (2hr 20min drive)
- Good for North Sea connections
🚂 By Train to Inverness
From London
LNER Highland Chieftain (Direct):
- London King's Cross to Inverness
- Typical Schedule: Departs 12:00 noon, arrives ~20:07 (8:07 PM)
- Journey time: 8+ hours
- ⚠️ IMPORTANT: This train arrives AFTER our 2 PM pickup - you'll need to arrange your own taxi from station to retreat
- Scenic route through Edinburgh, Stirling, Perth, Cairngorms
- Azuma high-speed trains (125 mph)
- Free WiFi, power sockets
Caledonian Sleeper (Overnight):
- Depart London evening, arrive Inverness morning
- ✅ RECOMMENDED: Arrives in time for 2 PM pickup!
- Private cabins available
- Perfect for maximizing time and arriving refreshed
From Edinburgh
ScotRail Services:
- Journey time: 3hr 40min - 4 hours
- 14 trains daily (11 direct)
- To arrive by 2 PM: Take morning trains departing before 10:30 AM
- Routes via Perth, Stirling
- Stunning Highland scenery
From Glasgow
ScotRail Services:
- Glasgow Queen Street to Inverness
- Journey time: 3hr 15min - 3hr 30min
- To arrive by 2 PM: Take morning trains departing before 11 AM
- Through Cairngorms National Park
- Stops: Perth, Stirling
- Book advance tickets for best prices
- Use a Railcard for 1/3 off
- Travel off-peak when possible
🚌 By Coach/Bus to Inverness
From Edinburgh
Megabus (M91):
- Journey time: 3hr 48min
- Up to 13 buses daily
- Cost from: £1.50-£25
- Free WiFi, power outlets
FlixBus:
- Journey time: 3hr 35min
- Cost from: £15-25
- Free WiFi, charging points
- Eco-friendly option
Scottish Citylink (M90/M10):
- Premium coaches with extra legroom
- USB and wireless charging
- Reclining seats
From Glasgow
Megabus M10A (Direct):
- Journey time: 3hr 30min - 4hr 30min
- Multiple daily services
- Cost from: £10-30
From London
National Express / Megabus:
- Journey time: 12-13 hours
- Overnight services available
- Cost from: £30-75
- Departs Victoria Coach Station
- Direct or via Edinburgh
- Book early for cheapest fares (from £1.50!)
- Tuesday/Wednesday typically cheapest days
- Morning departures usually cheaper than evening
- Luggage: 2 medium bags (20kg each) + hand luggage
🚗 By Car - Driving to Black Isle Yurts
Black Isle Yurts Address:
Black Isle Yurts
Easter Hillockhead Farm
Eathie Hill, Rosemarkie
IV10 8SL
Scotland
Location:
- Just 35 minutes north of Inverness
- Near the historic villages of Fortrose and Rosemarkie
- Conveniently located near the official North Coast 500 route
- All tourers welcome (cars, motorbikes, cycles)
Approximate Driving Times to Black Isle Yurts:
- From Inverness: 35 minutes
- From Edinburgh: 4 hours (156 miles) via A9
- From Glasgow: 3hr 50min (169 miles) via A9
- From Aberdeen: 2hr 55min (107 miles) via A96
- From London: 10-11 hours (532 miles)
Finding Black Isle Yurts
Easy Navigation:
- Google Maps: Simply type "Black Isle Yurts"
- What3Words: ///fussy.hedgehog.surfacing
- Postcode for Sat Nav: IV10 8SL (but see warning below!)
⚠️ Important Driving Directions
DO NOT TRUST SAT NAV/GPS FOR FINAL APPROACH!
Your GPS may direct you to the neighboring farm (Balmungie) - one turning too early. Follow these directions instead:
- From the Tore roundabout, take the A832 towards Cromarty
- Pass through Rosemarkie village
- Approximately 1km after Rosemarkie, turn RIGHT at the sign for 'Eathie' and Black Isle Yurts
- Follow the single track road for about 2km
- Look for a wooden sign for 'Black Isle Yurts' and 'Hillockhead' on your RIGHT
- Turn onto the dirt track and follow it all the way down to the car park at the end (past the barn), following signs for Black Isle Yurts
Road Conditions
- The final approach is a single-track dirt road through woodland
- The terrain is steep in places
- Low-clearance vehicles may bottom out - drive slowly and carefully
- Take your time on the access road - the stunning location is worth it!
Parking at Black Isle Yurts
- Standard Parking: Park in the car park above the Hub
- Accessible Parking: Available if you have special access requirements - please let us know in advance
- EV Charging: Electric vehicle charger available in our car park for your convenience
Lift Sharing Option
If you're driving and have extra space, or looking for a ride, you can arrange lift sharing through our community group which opens one month before the retreat. This is a wonderful way to connect with fellow participants before arriving!
🚕 Taxi from Inverness to Black Isle Yurts
If you miss the 2 PM minibus pickup or arrive on a different schedule:
- Taxis available at Inverness Bus Station and Train Station
- Journey time: ~35 minutes to Black Isle Yurts
- Estimated cost: £40-50
- Book in advance if possible, especially for evening arrivals
🌟 About Inverness
The "Capital of the Highlands," Inverness is a vibrant city on the banks of the River Ness. The bus station is centrally located in Farraline Park, within walking distance of shops, cafes, and the beautiful city center.
- The bus station has facilities including toilets, coffee shop, and luggage lockers
- If you arrive early, explore the nearby Victorian Market or riverside walk
- Keep your phone charged for communication
- Have your retreat confirmation details handy
🧳 What to Pack for Your Retreat
🌡️ September Weather in the Scottish Highlands
Expected Temperatures:
- Daytime: 14-16°C (57-61°F)
- Nighttime: 7-10°C (45-50°F)
- Weather: Changeable - "Four seasons in one day"
- Rainfall: 19 rainy days on average (bring waterproofs!)
- Daylight: Approximately 12-13 hours
🍃 The Good News: The Black Isle has a special microclimate - it's one of the driest, sunniest parts of Scotland with relatively few midges!
👕 Essential Clothing - PACK LIGHT!
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Storage space in the yurts is limited. Pack only what you truly need. We provide a laundry service on-site where we'll take care of your clothes.
Layering is Key - Think "Onion Layers":
- Base Layers (2-3): Merino wool or moisture-wicking t-shirts/long-sleeve tops
- Mid Layers (2): Fleece or light sweater, warm cardigan
- Outer Layer: Waterproof, windproof jacket with hood (essential!)
- Bottoms: 2 pairs comfortable trousers (not jeans if hiking), leggings
- Waterproof Trousers: Highly recommended
- Warm Socks: 3-4 pairs wool or hiking socks
- Underwear: 4-5 sets (remember, laundry available!)
- Evening Wear: 1 comfortable outfit for indoor gatherings
👢 Footwear - Critical for Steep Terrain
⚠️ Black Isle Yurts is on steep, woodland terrain with cliff-top paths.
- Waterproof Hiking Boots/Shoes (ESSENTIAL): With good ankle support and grip - the terrain is steep and can be muddy
- Indoor Shoes/Slippers: Shoes are NOT worn inside the yurts
- Optional: Lightweight sandals for the Hub facilities
🎒 Retreat Essentials
- Yoga Mat: Optional - seats and cushions provided for all sessions
- Journal & Pen: For your seership journey
- Water Bottle: Reusable, for staying hydrated
- Torch/Headlamp: Yurts have no electricity; battery lanterns provided
- Small Daypack: For walks and carrying layers
- Toiletries: Biodegradable/eco-friendly preferred
- Towel: Quick-dry travel towel (towels provided but extras useful)
- Personal Medications: Bring adequate supplies
☔ Weather Protection
- Waterproof Jacket: Breathable, with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Warm Hat: Evenings can be chilly
- Light Scarf/Buff: For wind protection
- Gloves: Lightweight pair (optional but nice)
- Sunglasses: Yes, even in Scotland!
- Sunscreen: SPF 30+ for outdoor activities
🌲 About Black Isle Yurts Accommodation
Your Retreat Home:
- Hand-crafted yurts in private woodland setting
- Wood-burning stoves for warmth and cozy atmosphere
- No electricity - battery lanterns provided
- Comfortable beds with duvets (bedding provided)
- Steep terrain with stunning coastal views
- The Hub: Modern shower/toilet facilities with free WiFi
- 150 acres to explore - woodland, beaches, cliffs
- Possible wildlife sightings: dolphins, red kites, owls, buzzards!
Black Isle Yurts is an eco-sensitive site. Please bring biodegradable toiletries when possible and be prepared to embrace nature!
❌ What NOT to Bring
- Heavy suitcases (use a backpack or soft bag - easier on steep terrain)
- Excessive clothing (laundry service available!)
- Cotton sweatshirts (bulky and cold when wet)
- Flip-flops as main footwear
- Hair dryer (no electricity)
- Multiple electronic devices
- Choose versatile pieces that can be layered and mixed
- Wear your bulkiest items (boots, jacket) during travel
- Pack clothes that dry quickly
- Use packing cubes to maximize space
- Remember: Less is more! The laundry service means you can pack light
❓ Questions?
If you have any questions about your journey to Inverness or what to pack, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure your journey to the Celtic Seership retreat is smooth and stress-free!
📧 Contact Us:
Community Group: Remember, our community group opens one month before the retreat where you can connect with other participants, arrange lift shares, and ask questions!