Scapa Fest: The UK Festival of Yoga & Adventure

Scapa Fest is a yoga and adventure festival, which takes place over three days on a beautiful estate overlooking Loch Fyne, on Scotland’s west coast. What happens when you send a stressed-out city girl to an event which focuses on wellbeing, sustainability, and nature? Read on to find out.

I travelled to Scapa Fest on a paid campaign with Scottish Citylink, who operate bus services to Cairndow, where the festival is held.

A soothing voice, with an enviable accent, penetrated the silent space; competing only with the slowing rhythm of the rain, which danced on the sides of the tent. The light outside was forgotten for a wee while, as I sat comfortably with my eyes closed. My thoughts began to dissipate, and despite being surrounded by people, I felt blissfully alone. When I opened my eyes, and re-entered reality, I felt like something had switched. I didn’t know what I was doing at the time, but it would appear that I had just experienced my first successful stint of meditation.

The voice was that of the Scapa Fest Founder who had just guided us through what she referred to as ‘time travel’. To me, it didn’t matter what it was called: I had managed to quieten my mind, and zone-out completely for a few minutes. This was a personal victory – and a very positive start to the festival.

My usual thoughts are just as ‘chaotic’ as my lifestyle. I’m a chronic over-thinker, and my internal dialogue often sounds like a radio that hasn’t been tuned. I spend an inordinate amount of time on my phone and/or laptop, and sometimes I don’t have a proper day off for weeks. I burn out, and become overwhelmed by stress and anxiety – but I “don’t have time” to do anything about it. Oh, the irony!

Prior to Scapa Fest, I had only attended music festivals – which are typically on the rowdier and less wholesome end of the scale. Though my life and career revolves around adventure in Scotland, I just wasn’t sure whether I would fit in at Scapa Fest. Maybe it would be a bit too niche, and ‘out there’ for me.

As usual, my worry was misplaced. That moment of meditative magic on the first night signalled the start of some unexpected changes in the life of Kay. Who would’ve thought?

Introducing Scapa Fest

Scapa Fest is the dream child of Clemence Cocquet, who is originally from France, but currently lives in Scotland; splitting her time between Glasgow and the Isle of Mull. Clemence previously worked as a Spinal Injuries Physiotherapist for the NHS, and was no stranger to ‘burn out’. In 2014, she embarked on a solo adventure to Iceland, where she cycled nearly 1000km+ around the volcanic landscape. This journey was life-changing, and evoked powerful emotions and realisations that Clemence wanted to share with other people. She imagined bringing people together in a beautiful location to share in her dream, and after four years of hard work, Scapa Fest was born. You can read more about Clemence’s Iceland trip here.

Ardkinglas Estate

An event like Scapa Fest needs a special setting, and Ardkinglas Estate is exactly that. The magnificently maintained 12,000-acre estate boasts majestic mountain views, enchanting woodland, and a charming historic house (which looks like a castle and is still a family home). The sunset scenes are just magical, and the bursts of vibrant flowers perfectly compliment the festival tents and fairy lights. I honestly couldn’t imagine a more idyllic location for the festival; Scapa Fest at the Ardkinglas Estate was truly meant to be.

The Festival Experience

The Purpose

The festival ethos centres around protecting the environment – and looking after yourself. It aims to “create a community gathered around yoga, movement, adventure and mindful living”. Scapa Fest operates a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy, so you won’t find any litter, damage or single-use plastic at this shindig!

The People

At Scapa Fest, you’ll find a mixed bunch of friendly faces; solo revellers, couples, groups of pals, and small children. There’s a distinctly relaxed and inclusive vibe at the festival, where you feel free from any judgement or negativity. Most of the people I met had a chilled-out demeanour, and obvious affinity with nature and wellbeing. There was a sea of funky yoga leggings, outdoor gear and rainbow-printed clothing (guilty as charged); there were also lots of people who didn’t fit any of these stereotypes. What everyone shared was a gratitude and enthusiasm for the experience, and this could be felt throughout the weekend.

The Workshops

Scapa Fest offers a varied programme of workshops and events which are “inspired by the natural world”, and delivered by experts in their respective fields. The activities include yoga, meditation, foraging, kayaking, star-gazing, storytelling and learning about herbal remedies. There’s even live music and a ceilidh! The workshops are held in wee tents which are scattered around the estate – or on the loch itself, if you decide on a water-based activity. Your ticket price includes entry to as many workshops as you like; on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

The Food 

Scapa Fest Market is where you’ll find the catering options, water tap, and sinks for washing dishes. The food was all high-quality and local; from the venison and Isle of Mull cheddar served by Food from Argyll, to the ‘Pure Highland’ ice-cream – with rhubarb sauce – from Highland Fold Ice Cream. The star of the show for me was the Nomad Wood-fired pizza stand; possibly the best pizza I’ve ever had, and so good I ate here twice. Most of the food on offer cost between £5 – £10, and a gin & tonic was £5 (the tonic could be used for two gins).

There are also several market stalls selling herbal products, hippy-style clothing and crafts. Kids (and big kids) can get their faces painted, which I sadly had to miss out on – I didn’t think the paint would last long when I went paddle boarding on Loch Fyne!

The Campsite

Scapa Fest campsite sits behind the main tent, with a stunning mountain backdrop. The site is spacious and scenic, with chemical toilets and some market stalls within close walking distance. Camping with your own tent is included in the ticket price, and there are also glamping bell tents for couples, groups and families which can be hired at additional cost – be sure to book in advance, as they get snapped up quickly. There is also some dedicated space for campervans.

Due to my lack of camping gear, and limited time to acquire some, I stayed in the Cairndow Inn – which is a 10/15-minute walk from the festival grounds so, also a possibility. The historic inn looks out to Loch Fyne, and has a seriously old-school charm. I enjoyed the comfort of a proper bed, cooked breakfast, and giant bath – and I noticed other festival goers were staying there too. If you can though, I would recommend staying on the campsite, for the full festival experience.

Top Tips for Scapa Fest

Making the Most of Scapa Fest

The best advice I can give on making the most of Scapa Fest, is simply to take from it what you want and need. When I first arrived at the festival, I felt anxious about throwing myself into the yoga side of things; I was a complete novice, and felt uncomfortable at the mere thought. I was conflicted and distracted by my inner dialogue – “imagine going to a yoga festival and not doing yoga”. I knew this wasn’t benefiting me at all, and so I made the decision not to put pressure on myself – and to only do what I really wanted. The relief was instant.

Yoga is an activity which has multiple benefits for physical and mental wellbeing, and is known to instil calm while increasing energy. My gut-wrenching worry about whether to partake was counterintuitive – and went against what I was looking to gain from the festival. Instead, I took a relaxed approach to my involvement, and that’s when I really started to enjoy myself.

What I Took from Scapa Fest

I meandered round the festival grounds, soaking up the scenic surrounds, and stopping to close my eyes and feel the sun on my face. I relished the fact I had nowhere else to be, and no reason to rush. Being in the outdoors is my therapy, so that’s what I focused on. I also prescribed myself some delicious wood-fired pizza from the Nomad pizza van, and several Kintyre gins – which I drank in a tea cup.

I intently browsed the market stalls, and learned about the benefits of herbal medicines. I chatted to Jason Bradley who runs Haund An Ee at the boatbuilding drop-in, and left feeling totally inspired. Jason did a woodwork course after being on long-term unemployment with chronic illness, and became involved in boatbuilding at Ben Wilde’s Archipelago Folk School. Now, he teaches these skills to children from deprived areas and with additional support needs. Amazing.

I also tried stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) for the first time, even though I have a distinct lack of coordination, gracefulness, or physical fitness. I was nervous, but this was underpinned by excitement and adrenaline, which gave me the push to try it. When I first stood up on the board, I looked like I was impersonating some dance moves from Elvis, but after the initial panic and (literal) shaky start, I loved it.

I managed to stay dry and upright the whole time, until right at the end, when I was posing for a photo, just shy of the shore. My board hit a rock and I flew straight into chilly Loch Fyne. Rather than feeling embarrassed, I was instantly refreshed – and found it hilarious! I stood up, raised my paddle above my read, and received a lovely round of applause from over a dozen bystanders. Classic!

So, what exactly am I getting at here?

Scapa Fest should be whatever you want it to be. If an outdoor activity requires more energy than you’re willing to expel, don’t do it. If you’d rather spectate than participate in yoga or meditation – or anything else for that matter – that’s perfectly okay. We all seek calm and contentment in different ways. I do advocate ditching the comfort zone to try new things, but never to the detriment of your enjoyment.

Scapa Fest is a unique and inspiring experience, which is yours to embrace. I wasn’t sure if the festival would be “my thing”, but I benefited from it in ways I didn’t expect. Since the festival, I have:

Looked into doing stand-up paddle-boarding again – now that I’ve mastered the basics of this tranquil (yet tiring) activity, I’m keen to try it again. I’m setting off on a couple of foreign adventures this year, and have already researched where I can hire a SUP. It will be nice to adopt this as a new hobby, and to try it in the sunshine – without having to wear a wetsuit!

Started listening to new audiobooks – in the past, when I was struggling with stress and anxiety, my friend recommended signing up to Audible, so that I could listen to audiobooks while travelling to and from my day job (which I left to pursue blogging). Honestly, this changed my life. I have since learned about psychology, mindfulness, affirmations, breathing exercises – you name it!

When I became self-employed, I was distracted by business matters, and cancelled my subscription. I’m now signed up for another 30-day free trial and am currently listening to The Anxiety Solution by Chloe Brotheridge. This woman speaks SO MUCH sense, and I can really resonate with her points about comparison, overthinking, the impact of social media, procrastination, and decision making. I feel like she’s talking to me directly, and I have already started to take on board some of her suggested exercises. My goal is to fully master meditation!

Started taking herbal medicine daily – Lucie Bradley is a Glasgow-based Medical Herbalist & Holistic Therapist, who set up a stall at Scapa Fest. I sipped a sample of the herbal teas, while the lovely team introduced me to the benefits of various teas and tinctures: there were options for digestion, mood lift, and stress etc. I purchased two small tinctures (bottles of herbal medicine) – one for stress and one for sleep – and I take 5ml of each per day. I’m delighted to report that my sleep improved from the very first time I took them. My mind would race at bedtime, and I used to wake up feeling full of adrenaline in the middle of the night, but now I’m falling asleep more quickly, and staying asleep all night. I’m totally converted, and will be ordering more. Thanks Lucie!

Booked a yoga course for beginners – I may not have done any yoga when I was there, but Scapa Fest has given me the motivation I needed to get started, in my own time. As soon as I got home from the festival, I began researching options, and I’m now booked onto a 5-week course in Edinburgh for absolute beginners. Rather than feeling worried or intimidated, I’m really looking forward to it.

Thank you, Scapa Fest – for all of the above!

How to get to Scapa Fest

Scapa Fest is held on the Ardkinglas Estate next to the village of Cairndow on Loch Fyne. The festival is easy to reach on public transport from Glasgow, on the Scottish Citylink Service 976 to Oban or the 926 to Campbeltown.

• A return ticket from Glasgow to Cairndow costs £19.20
• The journey only takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the scenery is stunning!
• Get off at the Cairndow War Memorial, and follow the signs through the village to Scapa Fest
• To check times and book tickets, please visit the Scottish Citylink website here

This post is sponsored by Scottish Citylink. As always, all content, opinions & chaotic behaviour are my own.

Happy travels!

Kay