What you need to know before you go!
PRE-TRIP PREPARATIONS CHECKLIST
PACKING CHECKLIST
- Scotland Horseback Riding Tour - Packing Checklist
- Video: Preparing For Your Horseback Riding Adventure - Boots and Chaps
- Video: Preparing For Your Horseback Riding Adventure - Protecting Your Lady Bits
PRINTABLE ITINERARY
WEBSITE TRIP PAGE
RECOMMENDED PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
RECOMMENDED POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
ARRIVALS INTO CAMPBELTOWN FROM GLASGOW
You can get into Campbeltown from Glasgow two ways:
- via bus (West Coast Motors; book through https://www.citylink.co.uk/): currently, the bus leaves from Buchannan Bus Station in Glasgow at 2 p.m. arriving in Campbeltown at 6.17 p.m..
- via plane (Loganair): currently there is a flight that departs Glasgow at 4.30 p.m. arriving Campbeltown 5.15 p.m.
Please note that bus and flight times are subject to change, and all options may not be available on weekends and holidays.
If you are driving, you can head straight to Glen Kerran farm anytime after 5:30 p.m. Take the A82 out of Glasgow, turning left (looks straight on) at Tarbet (Loch Lomond) onto the A83 signposted Campbeltown and follow the long coast-road down the peninsula. From Campbeltown take the B842 towards Southend until you see the turn-off for Glen Kerran Farm – PA28 6PJ.
If you prefer to make your way to the farm by taxi, you can arrange your own transport. Rates are £15 from Campbeltown and £20 from the airport. Roys Taxis | A Reliable Campbeltown Taxi Service | Campbeltown, Argyll & Bute
Note: If you are arriving independently, please do not check into the Glen Kerran Farm before 5:30 p.m. on Day 1.
Group Rendezvous Point:
- Date: Day 1
- Time: Between 6 - 7 p.m.
- Location: Glen Kerran Farm
Notes about Pick-Up
- A partner waiver for Wilder Ways to be filled upon arrival.
- You will be met by taxi at either the Campbeltown Airport, or the Campbeltown Bus Station. Pickup time will be between 5 – 7 p.m., depending when most women are arriving. This time will be confirmed in a final pre-trip bulletin sent out about one month before your trip.
- Look for a sign saying Wild Women Expeditions.
RECOMMENDED PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
Recommended Hotels If you’re planning on arriving early, here are our recommended accommodations:
- Campbeltown: https://machrihanishdunes.com/stay/the-royal-hotel/
- Glasgow: There are many hotels in Glasgow near the airport and in the city centre. Search online to find one that suits your budget and location.
DEPARTURES FROM CAMPBELTOWN
The group will be dropped off in Campbeltown at ~7:30-8:00 a.m. at the local bus station or at the airport. This time is based on current bus and flight schedules departing Campbeltown, and may be subject to change.
Drop Off Point:
- Date: Day 10
- Time: Between 7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
- Location: Campbeltown Airport or Bus Station
Flight: Current Loganair schedule (subject to change) departs Campbeltown 9.05am arriving in Glasgow 9.45am (except Sundays – evening fight only at 5:35 PM, arriving in Glasgow at 6:15 PM).
Bus: Current Citylink schedule (subject to change) departs Campbeltown at 8.35 AM arriving Glasgow at 12.48 PM.
RECOMMENDED POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
- Campbeltown: https://machrihanishdunes.com/stay/the-royal-hotel/
- Glasgow: There are many hotels in Glasgow near the airport and in the city centre. Search online to find one that suits your budget and location.
TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS
You are responsible for booking your own flights or other transport arrangements to the trip start location. These arrangements and any other independent arrangements that you may make are not a part of the trip booked with Wild Women Expeditions and are entirely at your own risk. Wild Women Expeditions accepts no responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any loss, damage or injury to property or person in connection with such arrangements. Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:
Megan and Zale | Now Boarding Travel, Travel Specialists
Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel
Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.
Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. We encourage you to consider arriving one or two days early, which will help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!
PASSPORTS & VISAS
You are fully responsible for your own visa requirements, permits, and certificates for your trip. It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. It is your responsibility to check with the country's Consulate and your country's travel website such as Canada’s for up-to-date information about traveling internationally.
- Passport:
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Important: A copy of your passport must be emailed to the Wild Women Expeditions office by 130-days pre-trip.
- Visa:
Visa information is available via VisitScotland.com
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
TIPPING
It is customary to leave a tip to thank waiters and other service providers. At restaurants, bars and coffee shops, it is customary to leave 10% of the total amount of the bill; if the service was very good, you may wish to leave up to 15%. Some restaurants and bars include the tip in the final bill, so be sure to check this in order not to overpay.
There is no obligation to tip your guides, but many participants do when they feel they were provided great service. We are often asked what an appropriate amount is; most participants who provide a gratuity for their guides and ranch staff have each tipped a total of £200 to be split evenly between 2 guides and 2 staff.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
- Rooming Arrangements:
Rooms are available as follows:
-
- Downstairs Triple = Large room with 3 people in 3 twin beds
- Upstairs Double Loft = 2 people, 1 in a double bed, 1 in a twin bed
- Upstairs Single = 1 person in 1 double bed (or couple)
- Upstairs Double = 2 people in 2 twin beds
- The Upstairs Single room is available for an upgrade fee, on a first come, first served basis. If no one selects the single upgrade, the rooms will be allocated based on roommate preferences first (those traveling together in twos and threes) and then by random selection. Please contact support@wildwomenexpeditions.com to enquire about this upgrade.
- Bathrooms
- Electricity / Internet / Wi-Fi / Cell Coverage
Scotland enjoys a constant electricity supply throughout the country (including the Highlands and Islands). Power cuts are rare and are usually fixed very quickly. You will need a Type G electrical adapter will be required. Voltage is 220-240 Volts. For North American appliances (110-120V electronics) you will also need a step-down transformer unless otherwise specified on the electrical device. Wifi is available at Glen Kerran Farmhouse and cell coverage is quite good in the area.
- Potable Water
Tap water throughout is drinkable, unless otherwise specified.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
GRAYL Canada | OnePress™ Global Protection
Travelers Against Plastic | Take the TAP pledge
- Overnight Arrangements During Your Stay
Glen Kerran Farmhouse
Each night, we will be staying in a traditional, 150-year-old stone farmhouse. There is ‘point to point’ riding and activities in different locations, and you will get to come back to the same venue each night.
The farm sits in beautiful countryside which you are welcome to roam in your spare time. There is an eclectic menagerie of animals for you to pet and care for as much as you wish during your stay. During the evenings there is plenty of time and space to enjoy the company of like-minded folk, reflect on your adventures and have the chance to be creative, whether that is writing poetry, playing some music, singing, painting or just hanging out and chatting in the tranquillity of the farm. Why not even try it the old Scottish way of the women and learn to sing Scottish songs whilst you spin some wool from our very own flock of Shetland Sheep.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT SCOTLAND
- Time Zone
- Climate & Weather:
MONEY MATTERS
Wild Women Expeditions recommends that each participant should bring enough cash in local currency or available credit/debit funds to cover their meals during travel to and from their destination. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, meals not included in the trip package, shopping, etc., and we also suggest you have access to emergency funds.
Please note that ATM cash machines are not available in the area where you will be staying, and not everyone accepts credit cards, so it’s important to make sure you plan ahead.
- Scotland's Currency
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks:
If you need to change currency you will usually find a currency exchange counter at international airports. You may have to show your passport in order to be able to exchange money and a fee is usually associated. Best to change large amounts so you only pay the fee once.
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
- Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
One of the most convenient ways to get cash is by using an ATM. You will often receive better exchange rates, even though you have to pay a service fee, as with most ATMs outside your bank network. Ask your bank if there are branches at your destination where you can take advantage of free cash withdrawals. (ex. Scotiabank (in Canada) and Barclay’s Bank (in the UK) have this arrangement).
If you plan to use an ATM on arrival, do so at the airport or city centre, before you head out to the farm, where you will not have access to cash.
- Credit Cards
Widely (but not universally) accepted in Scotland. If you have a credit card, you can use the ATM to purchase local currency directly. Your monthly balance usually shows the exchange rate you received on purchases made with the credit card.
- Cash
Cash machines are very infrequent in this part of the world so we recommend you carry some cash.
This is the best way to pay for items in the communities we will be visiting. Local artisans and craft shops may not have credit/debit machines. As well, cash is best for tipping your guides.
- Goods and Services Taxes
Scotland (part of the United Kingdom) is subject to VAT (Value Added Tax). VAT is included in prices and is redeemable on purchases over £50 upon exiting the UK. Ask for the VAT return slip at point of sale.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Useful Websites:
GETTING FIT
Please be sure to provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information about your health & fitness level and keep us updated if there are changes. Wild Women Expeditions trips travel to remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist.
A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely; however, should it arise we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you.
Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their medical travel insurance or personal expense. Generally, our expeditions are intended for travelers in reasonably good health for their safety, along with that of their fellow travelers.
Tips:
You don't have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You'll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.
That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
- Ride!
You will be spending many hours each day with your bum in a saddle, so please ensure you get some riding in before this trip. While this trip is rated “novice (comfortable at walk and trot)”, we do recommend that you have some familiarity with horses, being around them and riding, at least a little bit, to make it a more comfortable and enjoyable adventure.
- Work your Core.
Keeping good posture and balance on a horse requires a strong core, especially when going up and down steep trails. Doing pilates, or a balanced (focused on strength as well as flexibility) yoga program, can be a great way to prepare for this trip.
- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
- Join a local walking or running group.
This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
- Hydration.
When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
- Nutrition.
Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
- Have fun!
The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.
- More information on getting fit!
Check out our blog, Getting Fit: For a Horseback Riding Trip, which includes a 20 minute workout video specifically aimed at preparing the muscles you’ll need for riding.
GENERAL FAQ'S
For general Wild Women Expeditions FAQs please click [HERE].