Hosted by Regina Meredith · Outings organized by Marnie Coots and Patrick Cavender of Solstice Foodie Retreats

THE CALLING

As many of you are aware, Sarah Breskman Cosme goosed me into getting out there a bit more and to travel with like minded souls. Our first trip together was to Egypt last January. It was my first time there and it was almost overwhelmingly astounding, profound, unimaginable in many ways. For that reason we decided to do it again in January of 2027, and it sold out.

But….that emboldened me to look at other magnificent places and my friend Marnie Coots, a gourmet tour operator, and I landed on a magical place - Argyll, Scotland.

We are going on an Intimate and elegant Journey to the Land of the Druids in Argyll at Kilmartin Castle, Scotland, September 16th - 23rd, 2027!

There's something about ancient, sacred land that calls to certain souls before the mind even understands why. If you've felt that pull toward Scotland's standing stones, its Druid lineage, and the old wisdom still held in the land itself — I believe this is an invitation you were meant to receive.

A little background, the Argyll district of Scotland has the highest saturation of ancient stone sites in Scotland. As you may know, in the Hermetic teachings the ancient Druids migrated to Scotland from Atlantis during it's first of three destructions. It was crucial that the Priests and Priestesses retain the advanced knowledge of Atlantis. They reseeded the people of this rugged and beautiful terrain with their ancient wisdom, leaving behind stone pilgrimage sites from the neolithic age dotted around this pristine land of lochs, mountains and islands.

This is a different kind of pilgrimage. The Scots were, and are, a rugged people, living in a land that has demanded strength and fortitude. For this reason, the "saints and seers" of old were no angels, nor are we! We will journey through these sacred sites while nourishing our bodies and souls with incredible food from local, private chefs. We may even imbibe a wee dram of locally crafted whisky around the fireside, and visit the local tavern for home crafted beers to help loosen up the mind and connect with the local spirit. You never know, it may provide surprising insights!

On this unique and elegant tour of Scotland we'll be staying at Kilmartin Castle. Decorated with an unmatched rugged elegance, it's named one of the top 10 castles to stay worldwide. The owner likes to call it "bare foot elegance."

Standing at the head of Kilmartin Glen, this tower house has watched over the landscape since the 1550s. Restored with antiques, reclaimed materials, and original artwork, it's the kind of place that feels lived-in rather than staged — stone walls, barrel-vaulted ceilings, roaring fireplaces, a kitchen garden and orchard, a wood-fired outdoor kitchen, and a natural swimming pond filtered by plants rather than chemicals.

The castle has caught the eye of travel press well beyond our own circle — winner of the "historic" category on BBC's Scotland's Greatest Escape, named among eviivo's Top 10 Vacation Rentals in the World, and featured in Monocle, The Sunday Times, and The New York Times. For seven nights, we won't just be shown around it. We'll live within it.

Among the sites we'll be visiting are one of the most famous lochs of Scotland, The oldest tree in Britain (anywhere between 3,000 to 6,000 years old!), neolithic stone circles, local museums, and a nearby island to name a few.

We'll also spend time within Kilmartin Glen itself, one of the most sacred landscapes in Scotland and home to the densest concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments anywhere in the country. Standing stones, linear cairns, and ancient cup-and-ring markings stretch for miles here, many aligned to the movements of the sun and moon — the kind of precision that speaks to a people who lived in deep attunement with the earth and sky. This is Druid country in the truest sense: long before recorded history, this glen was a place of ceremony, seasonal ritual, and sacred passage. For those of us drawn to the metaphysical, Kilmartin Glen is considered by many to be a genuine thin place, where the veil feels close and the old wisdom still seems to linger in the stones themselves.

And, as the timing of this trip is just before the eclipse, The Glasgow Witch will be (fingers crossed) joining us to guide us through some magic during the Autumnal Equinox - the time of the harvest and preparation for the long night.

AN UNHURRIED PACE

This is an intimate trip (14 people max), with an unhurried pace, leaving plenty of time for us to debrief together, enjoy group meditations, past life regressions and fireside chats.

THE FOOD

Food is at the center of this journey too. We've partnered with two of Argyll's finest culinary teams — Eòlach Catering and Argyll Chef's Table — whose cooking is hyper-local, deeply seasonal, and refreshingly unshowy. Expect langoustine pulled from Loch Craignish that morning, Highland venison with wild mushrooms foraged nearby, local cheeses, and garden vegetables, so the table stays the center of the evening. Every plate has a story attached — the fisherman, the farmer, the forager — and meals become another way of connecting with the people who sustain this corner of Scotland.

Foraging & Fire — Gather wild herbs and mushrooms from the grounds, then learn to build and cook over an open flame as the Highland light fades.

Living Traditions — An intimate evening of traditional music beside the fire. A lesson in wearing tartan the proper way.

A Private Whisky Tasting — A local expert walks us through the aromas, regions, and traditions behind Scotland's most famous spirit.

A Druid Guided Glen Walk — A full day with a knowledgeable local guide among the standing stones, carved rocks, and burial cairns of Kilmartin Glen, followed by a visit to Kilmartin Museum and the historic parish churchyard. It's the introduction — your museum pass and the Glen itself stay yours to revisit on your own for the rest of the week.

Loch Tay & The Fortingall Yew — A day trip into the Highlands to stand before the Fortingall Yew, believed to be the oldest tree in Britain, before continuing on to the shores of Loch Tay, one of Scotland's most beautiful and storied lochs.

Gigha — A short car ferry to the Isle of Gigha, home to its own ancient and mystical sites: the Carragh an Tairbeirt standing stone, thought to date to the Bronze Age and possibly aligned to the midsummer sunset; the Bodach and Cailleach, two stones said in local legend to walk the heaths at noon and night; and Càrn Ban, a nearly 4,000-year-old burial cairn. A picnic close by, among this small island's own quiet ruins and standing stones.

And the Nothing — A swim in the natural pond. A book by the fire. A dram beneath the stars. Time, here, may be the greatest luxury of all.

YOUR HOSTS & GUIDES

I will be hosting you, while Marnie Coots and Patrick Cavender of Solstice Foodie Retreats will organize everything else. I've been on their culinary trips to Italy and France and was impressed with the quality of the food, lodging and organization.

We offer accommodations within Kilmartin Castle itself, along with a nearby Airbnb for up to four guests.

The castle’s five individually designed bedrooms each accommodate two guests and feature a queen- or king-sized bed and a private bathroom. Castle beds cannot be separated into twins, so guests sharing a room must be comfortable sharing a bed. Each room includes robes, luxury linens, a hairdryer, a clothes steamer, Wi-Fi, and a Roberts radio. Bathrooms are stocked with Faith in Nature shampoo, conditioner, and wash — natural, cruelty-free, and vegan, reflecting the castle’s commitment to sustainability.

For guests who prefer separate beds, the nearby Airbnb offers extra flexibility. Each double-occupancy booking includes access to your booked bedroom plus an additional bedroom with a twin sized bed, allowing you and your travel companion to sleep separately if you wish. Airbnb accommodations are available for double-occupancy bookings only.

Kilmartin Castle Double occupancy: £6,550 per person, about $8,900 at today's rate (£13,100 total for two, about $17,800)

Nearby Airbnb Double occupancy: £5,815 per person, about $7,900 at today's rate (£11,625 total for two, about $15,800)

Prices are set in British Pounds (£), since the retreat itself — the castle, the guides, the chefs — is priced and paid to our vendors in pounds, with 20% UK VAT included. The US dollar amounts shown are based on today's exchange rate and are estimates only; the exact dollar cost will be calculated at the rate in effect when you make your payment, so it may be slightly higher or lower than what's listed here.

Guests pay in US dollars, converted at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment — not the rate shown above. Payment is accepted via Zelle, check, or credit card (a 3% fee applies to credit card payments).

Includes seven nights, all meals and beverages, private experiences and excursions, expert guides, transportation during the retreat, and pickup/return from Oban Train Station. International airfare not included.

Deposit & Balance A $1,500 deposit per person is required at booking and is non-refundable. The remaining balance is due four months prior to arrival.

Cancellation Policy Cancellations made less than four months before the trip are non-refundable. If a spot cancels within that four-month window and we're able to fill it from the wait list, 50% of the trip cost will be refunded.

We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

To reserve your place, contact Marnie — email marnie@solsticesavorypies.com or call/text 1-530-409-2097.

Marnie and Patrick are traveling in Europe hosting retreats until October 21, 2026. With the time difference, please allow a little extra time for a reply.