Blue Monday, the third Monday in January, is almost upon us. This specific Monday has been awarded the depressing title due to a combination of post-Christmas blues, cold dark nights and the arrival of unpaid credit card bills.
January can be a hard time for us all. Over indulgence means that there is pressure to cut back and live a clean lifestyle. Then there is the task list to catch up on, after a hectic December. Which is why at Gartmore House we offer a January Detox retreat.
This is the perfect opportunity to give your body and mind a well earned break and set it on the right path towards a healthy and happy 2018. Eliminating toxins, eating healthily and taking time to be mindful will all contribute towards a happier state of mental wellness. You’ll regain a natural glow, develop increased confidence in yourself and be inspired to embed the changes once you get home.
With breath-taking Scottish scenery and relaxing surroundings with a roaring open fire, we can help to ensure your Monday is bright, not blue. A typical day on retreat will include:
• Guided meditation in the morning, followed by a gentle yoga class suitable for all levels
• Interactive discussions on emotional overeating, intuitive eating and sustainable weight loss
• How to eat more healthily to boost your happiness and energy levels
• Learning how to improve your relationship with yourself through self-care
• Finding that elusive work-life balance
• Additional yoga and/or meditation sessions before bed
Find out more about our January detox breaks.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park has some of the most scenic views in Scotland and is a fantastic place for photography. Here are our top 10 photos:
The following three images were taken by Trossachs Reflections. We adore the colours, tones and atmosphere they have magically captured through the lens. 1. Last light.
This stunning image is looking North and was taken at Loch Lomond looking towards Ben Lomond. 2. Picnic with a view.
Picnic with a view was taken from the shores of Inchcailloch. It makes us want to pack up a hamper and head there now. 3. Eye to the highlands.
This stunning shot was taken from the summit of Inchcailloch. We feel it perfectly captures the calming nature of Scotland’s most beautiful national park.
For more magical photos of The Trossachs, check out this wonderful Instagram page.
Micha Stanbridge from Creative Sides Photography has a passion for the outdoors. He loves to be at one in the wilderness, snapping lovely images and videos. We love the following three photos of The Trossachs he has captured so beautifully. 4. Moody Day.
Micah has captured the mood of the clouds perfectly as he climbed Ben Venue. A mountain small in stature but of real character. We love seeing the sky darken by the minute across the loch. 5. Mountain Gazing.
The colours in this image represent what Scotland is all about. We are instantly relaxed just looking at this shot. 6. Highlands in miniature.
The Trossachs are often referred to as the Highlands in miniature. This shot captures the real beauty of the region with it’s richly forested lochs and spectacular colours and tones.
For more shots by Micah, including images of The Trossachs and Scottish wildlife click here. James Galloway is a student and snap happy lover of the outdoors of Bonnie Scotland. We love his passion for Scotland and these two photos of The Trossachs he has captured. 7. Sitting by the Loch.
We love this calming photo of the Trossachs. There is nothing like sitting by a Scottish loch for a wellness injection. 8. Seasons changing.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is simply stunning as Autumn approaches and the colours begin to change. We adore how James has captured the subtle orange tones, which go perfectly with Scottish blue skies.
For more beautiful photos of The Trossachs and Bonnie Scotland, check out the James Galloway Instagram page.
Diane Maxwell believes that all the greatest adventures lie ahead. We have to agree. Check out her inspiring feed on Instagram. 9. At the top.
Diane shot this photo from the top of Ben Lawers, looking down onto Loch Tay with Beinn Ghlas, another Munro also in the view. We can feel the satisfaction on her face as she took this shot, cherishing an adventure on the mountain.
For more inspiration from Diane, click here.
10. Gartmore Estate
Ewan Barry, our photography tutor captured this image whilst exploring our estate and building up reference shots for his photography holidays at Gartmore House.
The Trossachs National park is the perfect place to bring the camera. Please feel free to share some of your favourite photos of The Trossachs below.
For further information and to book a photography break at Gartmore House, contact the team:
T: 01877 382 991 | E: mail@gartmorehouse.com
Happy International Mountain Day.
There is no doubt that being out on a beautiful mountain, getting some exercise and appreciating a great view gives us both a physical and mental boost.
Walking is one of the easiest and cheapest ways of exercising, and an effective way of managing weight. Regular brisk walking will improve performance of our vital organs, as well as lower blood pressure. Walking, especially out on a mountain, is thought to be fantastic for our wellbeing, as well as helping us concentrate and improving both sleep quality and creativity.
At Gartmore House we are spoilt for choice with our mountain walking options. Scotland is criss-crossed with a huge number of hill tracks, some created fairly recently while others have been used over the centuries by successive generations. The Trossachs is no exception. Why not join us for a walking holiday at Gartmore?
Our walking activity breaks are dog friendly. Come and get your mountain fix with us.
To find out moreclick here or call us on 01877 382991
Email: mail@gartmorehouse.com
Happy National Sock Day. Here at Gartmore, we love Knitting and sock crafting and knitting is something we love to do with our guests. The rhythmic, repetitive motion of knitting has the same benefits to your mind and body as a meditation session, except you get a lovely pair of super cosy socks to enjoy at the end. With our Scottish Winter, keeping cosy is essential. There is not much more comforting than sitting by our open fire in winter knits, admiring the beautiful Scottish scenery.
Here are a couple of images of the socks and booties we have enjoyed knitting during our activity breaks at Gartmore House.
Why not post a sock selfie and let us see what you are wearing today for #NationalSockDay.
Gartmore House offer knitting and crochet activity breaks for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Teacher Samira Hill offers exciting workshops, suitable for all abilities. Whether you would like to learn to knit, improve your knitting skills or learn some new knitting techniques, there will definitely be something for you. Book this activity break here.
Craft breaks are good for the soul. Enjoying a crafting hobby, such as knitting or sewing, is great for our wellness. It is important that we take time to de-stress after a long day or week, to unwind and indulge in something we really enjoy.
Getting creative through crafting offers a boost in mind and brain wellness by improving problem-solving and helping in the development of hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. It also allows us to be present. It gives us a sense of pride and achievement, teaches us patience and perseverance and facilitates memory formation and retrieval.
At Gartmore House, we offer a wide selection of arts and craft breaks, including Knitting and Crochet and Patchwork and Quilting.
We are proud to say that we get pleasure from watching new friendships being made. We love to see our guests re-booking to return with friends they met during their stay with us. It’s amazing to watch a community build over
knitting or other fun arts and crafts.
It can be very easy to become lonely at home. Getting out into a change of scenery and meeting new people is so important for our wellness and arts and craft activities can be a great bonding experience. They are a great way to start conversations. People often love to get involved in making things and you can talk about your experiences and problems while you’re having fun together.
Our craft breaks at Gartmore House are in a relaxed and comfortable setting. There is breath-taking scenery to enjoy looking out over The Trossachs National Park and cosy open fires to sit by.
For further information and to book view all our Craft Breaks.
An activity holiday is a great way to keep life exciting. Gartmore House, set in the stunning Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, have now launched their full itinerary of activity holidays for 2018. This quirky 18th century country house has views that stretch 25 miles across to Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument.
The options are endless, giving you the opportunity to unwind in a stunning location and embrace your passion or learn a new skill. Check out some of the exciting breaks below:
Foraging for the Foodie
Get your foodie fix with a unique foraging weekend. Learn all about wild food in Scotland. Tutor Andy Fraser has been foraging with passion for nearly 15 years, and has covered almost all the areas that Scotland has to offer in his hunt for wild foods. With breath-taking surroundings, this break will give you the opportunity to learn about lots of herbs, wild plants, coastal plants and or course wild mushrooms. Enlighten your palate and discover Scotland’s hidden culinary gems, they don’t come fresher than this.
Wellness and Mindfulness
We are living in an era dedicated to wellness so it could be the perfect time to book a detox or yoga retreat. Do you ever get overwhelmed with the fast pace of life? Gartmore House, in such calm and beautiful surroundings, is a perfect location to stop and be mindful.
Walking
Speaking of wellness, they say that a good walk is great for the soul. At Gartmore House, you will not be short of good walking spots and lots of fresh Scottish air. Walking holidays are a wonderful way to experience the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and you can even bring your dog!
Photography
Ewan Barry, a professional photographer based in Edinburgh, runs the photography holidays at Gartmore House. Following a successful exhibition in the Edinburgh Fringe, he loves to pass on his hints and tips in a fun and relaxed environment. You will not be short of scenery to snap up in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Come and show us what you are made of.
Singing
If you love music then immersing yourself in song is the ultimate break for you. Hosted by renowned and highly sought after vocal teacher Sophie Bancroft, this singing retreat is packed with positive vibes and supportive people. You will learn classic songs from the genres of jazz, folk, blues and pop with all music being taught by ear, so the ability to read music is not necessary.
Dancing
Join Teresa Mcclymont from Dance Time Scotland for a weekend of dancing and learn ballroom dancing, swing, country and modern Jive. You just need to bring your dancing shoes!
Arts and Crafts
If arts and crafts is your thing then the options are endless at Gartmore House and there is nothing like Scottish wildlife to get those creative minds (and hands) moving.
Patchwork and Quilting
A patchwork and quilting holiday will appeal to both the seasoned and novice quilter. From a studio, with beautiful panoramic views, you can enjoy the comforts of this historic house while receiving expert guidance from your tutor.
Knitting and Croquet
The rhythmic, repetitive motion of knitting has the same benefits to your mind and body as a meditation session, except you get a blanket or something to enjoy at the end. Would you like to learn to knit? Then this is the activity break for you. Gartmore House offer knitting and crochet breaks for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Teacher Samira Hill offers exciting workshops, suitable for all abilities.
Watercolour Painting
A watercolour painting break at Gartmore House gives you the chance to work on your technique in relaxed company and comfortable surroundings. These painting holidays are for all abilities. This is an intimate activity break to allow the tutors the time to give personalised instruction based upon your level of experience.
Mixed Media Painting
If you would like the chance to develop your drawing and painting ability using a range of different media, then this painting holiday is for you. Like the watercolour painting, this is also an intimate activity break to ensure that you get the attention you need to work on your skills.
Learn to Sew
Dedicate some time to be present with yourself and enjoy an unwinding sewing weekend in the country. Learning to Sew will give you a wellness boost. This course is for complete beginners or returners. Gill, a professional sewing tutor of many years, will guide you through a variety of basic sewing techniques. The teaching programme is extremely flexible and depends on what appeals the most to you.
Lacemaking
The lacemaking holiday at Gartmore House is run by professional tutor, Jean Leader. Lace just never goes out of fashion. Season after season, it features on catwalks from New York to Paris. White lace is gorgeous in the summer and who doesn’t love a little black or red lace in the winter? Jean will teach Torchon, Bucks Point and Bedfordshire lace to advanced level. She will also cover the basics of other laces including Oniton, Bruges, and Milanese together with Needlelace and Tatting.
Felting
Artist and Felting Teacher, Ewa, has a lifetime of experience in Art and Design and over 40 years involved in Creative Textiles. With Ewa’s passion and patience to inspire, you’ll catch on quickly and make your own fuzzy, felt creations in no time! Find out more about Felting Holidays at Gartmore House.
Jewellery Making
Jewellery making holidays at Gartmore House are run by local jeweller Elaine McKay. This activity holiday is a perfect introduction to jewellery making and is suitable for beginners. You will learn how to make a basic ring using sheet or wire, using the various skills and techniques involved to complete your very own Silver ring. You will then have the opportunity to make a bezel set ring with a stone of your choice or a pendant.
Beading
If beading is your kind of jewellery then the beadwork weekend could be ideal for you. There are several basic stitches that underpin beadwork techniques. Each introduction to beadwork weekend will cover one of these stitches, making several gorgeous pieces. No need to go to a gift shop on the way home.
Glass Work courses
How about an engraving and fusing glass making holiday? Artist and Tutor Siobhan Smith will help you create unique, hand-made pieces of art, which are inspired by wildlife and the environment. Who doesn’t love a bit of personalised art?
Woodworking
Traditional hand tool woodworking has a peaceful and calming impact. David Mackay’s woodworking holidays at Gartmore House will teach beginners and intermediates new tools skills as well as knowledge about different hard and soft woods. All the wood used in the collection is storm damaged deadfall, or purchased from a not-for-profit wood management yard in Oakley, Fife.
Book today
With a full and exciting programme, catering for so many passions and talents, Gartmore House really is the ultimate place to book a Scottish activity holiday. BOOK ONLINE or contact the team on 01877 382991 or mail@gartmorehouse.com
Could a January Detox Retreat be calling your name? It’s hard to believe that we are almost at the end of August already. It feels like only a few weeks ago that we were sitting tucking into turkey with all the trimmings. Life is busy, the months fly in quickly, which is why it could be time to start considering a detox for next year. If your answer is yes to 2 or more of the questions below, then we suggest you get booked up right now.
Do you feel overwhelmed by your job list?
If you are nodding, you are not alone. Numerous studies show that career pressures are by far the major source of stress for adults. This has escalated progressively over the past few decades. It is a price we pay for such sophisticated technology, which can make it very hard to switch off. If you find it hard to stop checking your phone and emails then a detox retreat could be just what the doctor ordered.
Are you carrying excess weight or feeling bloated?
Do you eat for comfort? Do you eat when you are bored? Perhaps you struggle to find the right balance with food. Or, on the flip side, perhaps you skip meals because you are too busy, which has an impact on your mood and energy levels. A detox retreat can help you with emotional overeating, intuitive eating and sustainable weight loss.
Do you crave sugar?
We all deserve to have things that we enjoy but sometimes cravings are a sign of something lacking in our diet, such as good fats. Sugar cravings can also be a sign of too much salt or poor quality sleep patterns. It is all too easy to get into bad eating habits and routines. A detox retreat can help to get you back on the right pathway.
Do you have a busy mind?
Do you find it hard to get to sleep? Are you filled with lists of things to tick off as soon as you wake up? Can you remember the last time you did absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes? Not texting, talking or even thinking? If you have a lot going on in your head, a detox retreat could be the golden ticket to a clearer mind.
Do you suffer from skin breakouts, allergies or rashes?
This can be a sign of stress and anxiety. Our body is clever in telling us when we need to change our lifestyle. A detox retreat can help to give you that glow back.
A detox retreat is the perfect opportunity for you to give your system a break and set it on the right path again. Eliminating toxins, eating healthily and taking time to be mindful will all contribute towards a happier state of mental wellness. You’ll regain a natural glow, develop increased confidence in yourself and be inspired to embed the changes once you get home.
At Gartmore House, we understand that we are living in an era that is focused on wellness. We spent the last decade thinking about our bodies and we are now entering an age that is focused on nurturing our minds.
We have teamed up with Tali, Yoga Teacher and Holistic Health Coach to offer you the ultimate January Detox Retreat, set in the beautiful and inspirational surroundings of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. A typical day on the retreat will include:
Guided meditation in the morning, followed by a gentle yoga class suitable for all levels
Interactive discussions on emotional overeating, intuitive eating and sustainable weight loss
How to eat more healthily to boost your happiness and energy levels
Learning how to improve your relationship with yourself through self-care
Finding that elusive work-life balance
Additional yoga and/or meditation sessions before bed
We are delighted to announce that we are currently undergoing a refurbishment process of the bedrooms at Gartmore House. The team have been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to upgrade the bedrooms so we can offer our guests a more enjoyable stay.
Four rooms have already been completed with plans in place to continue the rest over the next few months. Further plans will also be implemented to make sure all the bathrooms get a touch up in the near future.
Thank you
As a not-for-profit charitable trust, we rely on the help of others to carry out projects such as these and we cannot thank everybody involved enough for all their hard work and assistance. We are a small team here at Gartmore Estate. We take a huge amount of pride in our much loved house and everything that we offer here. We are extremely excited to see the finished project and hope you all are too. Here’s a sneak peek at what has been done so far. #gartmoreexperience
