To me there is nothing better than escaping the city and enjoying a nature retreat. That’s exactly what a stay at Guardswell Farm in Perthshire Scotland provided… nature, tranquility and fresh air. The surroundings offered a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

We stayed at the Kailyard Hut, a rustic shepherds hut with idyllic countryside views. Whilst inside is small and cosy, the expansive countryside makes you feel on top of the world.

What makes the Kailyard even more special is the amazing outdoor space. The deck wraps around the hut with a
Goodland Woodburning Hot Tub, Big Green Egg BBQ and deck chairs with a fire pit. I can’t tell you how perfect it is to kick back under a starry sky in the hot tub after a day of adventure.

The hut is off-grid, so there’s no electricity for charging and therefore it is a great place for a digital detox. There is a cosy room in the main farm steading where you can charge devices if need be. There is a toilet outside the cabin and showers
are a minute walk away. This really all adds to the experience.

Not only is it the perfect getaway for nature lovers but also for adventure girls. There’s lots of lovely walks nearby or if you don’t want to venture too far, there are plenty of walks onsite too.

There are different trails you can take on the farm which are shown on the map provided when you check in. Head towards the Perthshire hills for stunning views, peaceful solitude, and a chance to spot local wildlife. There’s even a Boat Bothy which is kitted out with books, cosy blankets and a log burner for a chilly day. You can pack a picnic and stop off here on your walk.

During our stay we also visited the Tentsmuir Forest & Beach for a walk. I love it here as it’s the best of both worlds (forest and beach), plus there’s a really cool food truck Salt and Pine (open seasonally) who serve delicious sweet and savoury crepes.

I loved wearing my ACAI essentials from the retreat collection for this getaway. The pieces are practical, cosy and so stylish. The retreat hoodie in Navy is definitely my go to staple at the moment, it just makes every outfit.

If you need further inspiration for booking a getaway at Guards, my recommendations for walks and coffee nearby are as follows:

Walks…
The Birks of Aberfeldy (Perthshire)
Ability level - Moderate
Time - 1-2 hours
Parking - PH15 2DX
Top tip - Visit in autumn for the most amazing colours

The Hermitage (Perthshire)
Ability level - Moderate
Time - 2 hours
Parking - PH8 0JR (£4 charge)
Top Tip - Grab a coffee/ donut from the Full Circle Donuts food truck in the car park (check their socials for up to date opening times)

Tentsmuir Forest & Beach (Fife)
Trail - Ice House Trail
Ability Level - Moderate,
Time - 2 hours
Parking - KY16 0DR (£2 to get through barrier *must be coins*)
Top Tip - Check out the Salt and Pine food truck (check their socials for up to date opening times)

Coffee/Bakeries…
EH9 Espresso (Dundee)
The Nook Coffee Shop & Larder (Perthshire)
Newport Bakery (Fife)
Aran Bakery (Perthshire