MFA Scottish Highlands & Isles Adventure Retreat
Preparation Guide
1–7 August 2026
Assalaamu Alaikum,
We are delighted that you will be joining us for our Scottish Highlands & Isles Adventure Retreat. Scotland is one of the most breathtaking places in the UK, with majestic mountains, dramatic coastlines, beautiful islands, ancient forests and picturesque lochs. This retreat is about much more than sightseeing—it is an opportunity to reconnect with Allah, with His creation, with your family, with the Muslim community, and with yourself.
The following information will help you prepare for the week ahead.
Accommodation
Our base for the retreat is:
Oban Youth Hostel
Corran Esplanade
Oban
PA34 5AF
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5yuqSWEzctUB3FBG9
Check-in is from 4:00 pm on Saturday 1 August.
Check-out is by 10:00 am on Friday 7 August.
Travel
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Oban.
You will also require your own vehicle throughout the retreat, as we will be travelling to different locations around the Highlands and Isles.
Car sharing is encouraged where possible.
Daily Programme
The programme combines:
Outdoor adventures
Island exploration
Mountain scenery
Family activities
Congregational prayers
Qur’an reflections
Themed communal dinners
Evening discussions
Free time for rest and exploration
Participation in optional activities is entirely your choice.
Weather
Scottish weather is famously unpredictable.
During one day you may experience:
Sunshine
Wind
Heavy rain
Low cloud
Cool evenings
Please prepare for all conditions.
Essential Clothing
We strongly recommend bringing:
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Walking boots
Comfortable trainers
Warm fleece
Lightweight clothing
Hat
Gloves
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Avoid cotton clothing for longer walks.
Day Bag
Please bring a comfortable day backpack containing:
Water bottle
Packed lunch
Waterproofs
Snacks
Extra warm layer
Small first aid kit
Personal medication
Power bank
Phone charger
Camera (optional)
Water Activities
Those participating in kayaking, paddleboarding or other water sports should bring:
Swimwear
Towel
Water shoes or old trainers
Quick-drying clothing
Spare clothes
Specialist equipment will be provided where applicable.
Walking Equipment
If you plan to climb Ben Nevis or undertake longer walks, we recommend:
Walking poles (optional)
Walking socks
Sun cream
Lip balm
At least 2 litres of water
Energy snacks
Ben Nevis is a serious mountain and suitable preparation is essential.
Food
Families may join our:
Communal Food Arrangement (£49 per person)
This includes:
Breakfast
Packed lunches
Themed communal dinners
Preparing and sharing meals together is one of the highlights of every Muslim Family Adventures retreat and provides an excellent opportunity to build friendships and serve one another.
Money
Additional costs may include:
Ferry crossings
Water sports
Wildlife cruises
Mountain bike hire
Gondola tickets
Boat trips
Personal shopping
Cafés
Please budget accordingly.
Mobile Signal
Most towns have good mobile coverage.
However, signal may be limited or unavailable in some mountain and island locations.
Take the opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.
Prayer
Throughout the retreat we will aim to pray together whenever practical.
Please remember to bring:
Prayer mat
Qur’an
Outdoor footwear suitable for easy removal
Optional Equipment
Useful extras include:
Binoculars
Camera
Nature journal
Sketchbook
Bird identification guide
Reusable coffee cup
Walking poles
Head torch
Children
Children remain the responsibility of their parents throughout the retreat.
Many activities involve:
Mountains
Cliffs
Beaches
Ferries
Roads
Please supervise children carefully at all times.
Photography
We love capturing memories.
Photographs and videos may be used by Muslim Family Adventures for promotional purposes.
If you would prefer not to appear in photographs, please let us know before the retreat begins.
What to Bring
Essentials
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Warm clothing
Comfortable clothing
Prayer mat
Toiletries
Towel
Backpack
Water bottle
Packed lunch box
Snacks
Personal medication
Power bank
Phone charger
Optional
Binoculars
Camera
Walking poles
Swimming kit
Water shoes
Nature journal
Books
Board games
Important Information
Join the Retreat Telegram Group
All important updates before and during the retreat will be shared via our Telegram group, including travel information, meeting points, weather updates, activity changes, and reminders.
Please join the group now.
Telegram Group:
https://t.me/+0txD6xjUjBkxY2Q8
Read the Adventure Essentials
Please read our Adventure Essentials guide before the retreat. It contains useful information on what to bring, clothing, equipment, health and safety, food, and how to prepare for outdoor adventures.
Adventure Essentials:
https://bit.ly/mfa-adventure-essentials
Read the Adventure Guidelines
To help everyone have a safe, enjoyable and beneficial experience, please take a few minutes to read our Adventure Guidelines. They explain what to expect, how we work together as a community, safety expectations, and how we can all contribute to making the retreat a memorable experience for everyone.
Adventure Guidelines:
https://bit.ly/mfa-adventure-guidelines
Our Aim
Muslim Family Adventures is not simply about travelling from one beautiful place to another.
Our aim is to create an environment where families, couples and individuals can reconnect with Allah, strengthen relationships, appreciate the beauty of His creation, build lasting friendships, and return home refreshed, inspired and ready to live with greater purpose.
We look forward to sharing this unforgettable journey with you.
May Allah grant us a safe, beneficial and memorable adventure together.
We look forward to seeing you in Oban, insha’Allah!