# Vibrant Watercolor and Journaling Retreat with Artists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling in Scotland

Join internationally acclaimed watercolorists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling for an unforgettable plein-air watercolor journaling retreat set in the majestic landscapes of Scotland. With over 25 years of experience teaching workshops together around the world, Cindy and Theresa offer a warm, uplifting, and nurturing environment where artists of all levels can grow, explore, and express their creativity.Each day features engaging classes filled with step-by-step demonstrations, expert instruction, and personalized support to help you confidently capture your experiences in watercolor. Much of the retreat is focused on painting en plein air, surrounded by the inspiring countryside views right outside your door. You’ll have abundant opportunities to sketch and paint directly from life, immersing yourself in Scotland’s atmosphere and colors.Stay in a historic countryside estate surrounded by rolling hills, enjoy nourishing meals prepared with care, and experience the beauty of Scotland with visits to the historic city of Stirling, the peaceful shores of Loch Lomond, and the charming village of Buchlyvie. You’ll walk through ancient castle halls, wander medieval streets, and learn to journal your journey with expressive sketches and vibrant watercolor. Throughout the retreat, you'll draw inspiration from nature and historic architecture while developing a meaningful collection of artwork. Leave with lasting connections, joyful memories, and renewed artistic energy.

## Details

- **Dates:** July 15 - 22, 2026
- **Location:** Buchlyvie, Scotland, UK
- **Starting Price:** $4,050
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

What's includedArt classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artists Cindy Briggs & Theresa GoeslingFresh flowers for reference for the workshop component7 nights of accommodation at a Scottish countryside estateExclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the art studio, outdoor hot tubs, terraces, and gardensMeals: 7 breakfasts, 5 mid-morning power juices, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chefWater, coffee, tea, herbal tea, and snacks available at all timesDelicious wine served with dinner every dayAn in-house gin-tasting experienceArt trip to Loch LomondArt trip to Stirling, including an entrance ticket to Stirling CastleTrips to Buchlyvie village at your leisure (15-minute walk away)A night of Scottish (Ceilidh) dancingPrivate transportation for all planned activitiesExperienced UpTrek host available throughout the dayRound-trip transfers at pre-arranged times from/to Edinburgh Airport (EDI)All local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Cindy Briggs, Theresa Goesling and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceOne lunch during the full-day trip to StirlingArt materials — a detailed list with all the necessary supplies recommended by Theresa Goesling and Cindy Briggs will be sent five months before the retreatTips for staffOther expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Vibrant Watercolor and Journaling Retreat
Join artists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling for a plein-air watercolor journaling retreat in the Scottish countryside. With over 25 years of teaching together, they’ll guide you in capturing rolling hills, village scenes, and shifting skies directly in your journal. Most sessions take place outdoors, painting en plein air, with a welcoming studio available for rainy days and finishing touches. Work with watercolor, pen, and gouache to create pages that reflect both the beauty of the landscape and your personal experience.Sketch directly from life using loose lines, layered washes, and thoughtful composition. Begin with organic shapes from the landscape, then gradually build in architectural elements like medieval stonework and weathered facades. Use texture techniques to bring depth to walls, trees, clouds, and open fields. Focus on how to simplify complex scenes into clear shapes and values that work on the page. Explore how to balance wet-in-wet softness with crisp pen marks and opaque gouache details. Play with line variation, layering, and minimal palettes to create pages that are both personal and dynamic. Cindy and Theresa will guide you through each step, offering tips on layout, spontaneity, and capturing fleeting moments on the go.Walk the historic streets of Stirling, reflect beside the peaceful waters of Loch Lomond, and take in the quiet charm of Buchlyvie. Record the textures, colors, and shifting light of each place as you fill your sketchbook with moments that feel alive. By the end of the retreat, you will carry home a collection of layered watercolor pages, a visual journal of your week in Scotland, shaped by your eye and guided by two artists who have spent decades teaching others how to truly see.Some topics covered in the classes include:Breaking down compositions into essential shapes and values for quick, impactful sketchesCreating harmony in your paintings to reflect the mood of a locationUsing flowing lines and gestural brushstrokes to express movement and energyBalancing wet-in-wet and wet-on-dry techniques to build depth and dimensionWorking efficiently to capture fleeting moments on locationRefining your voice through exploration in plein-air and studio painting...and many more.Your venue for this art retreat is a breathtaking holiday estate nestled in the peaceful Scottish countryside, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy lavish accommodation spaces, bespoke design, a spacious art studio, and electrically heated outdoor hot tubs. Immerse yourself in Scottish history and culture with delicious meals prepared by a private chef, a gin-tasting event, and a night of traditional Gaelic dancing.

### Days 1: Arrival
Get transferred from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at 3:00 PM and arrive at your venue at around 4:00 PM, a stunning countryside estate with gorgeous views of the Highlands. Unwind in your well-appointed room, freshen up, and gather with Theresa, Cindy, and your art group for a pleasant orientation tour. Discover the stately accommodation spaces, the spacious art studio in the barn, the hot tubs, and the gardens. Enjoy a special welcome dinner prepared by the in-house chef to kickstart the retreat. Discuss the upcoming week with your fellow artists over delicious wine.

### Day 2: Art at the venue
Start your morning with a nourishing breakfast before joining Cindy and Theresa in the studio.Ease into the day with focused warm-up exercises using watercolor, permanent fine-point pens, and gouache. Get comfortable with your tools and materials while working into your journal pages. Use this time to loosen your hand, test out color combinations, and explore how your brush and pen respond to different marks and pressure. Cindy and Theresa will offer guidance as you settle into the rhythm of the day.Pause for a relaxed lunch, then pack up your journal kit and head outdoors for plein-air painting on site. Begin with how to read the landscape, identifying where to place elements and how to move your eye through the composition. Learn how to mix vibrant and subtle greens directly from your palette, adjusting your color temperature based on what’s in front of you. Observe light on water and explore how to layer pigment to reflect surface movement and subtle shifts.In the final stretch of the day, prepare your materials and mindset for tomorrow’s visit to Loch Lomond. Cindy and Theresa will walk you through how to work efficiently on location, select your palette, and organize your page for fast sketching in changing light.Close the evening with a freshly prepared dinner, unwind with the group, and share thoughts on the pages you filled throughout the day.

### Day 3: Trip to Loch Lomond
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before traveling with Cindy and Theresa to the scenic banks of Loch Lomond. Located within the wide, open landscapes of Trossachs National Park, the loch offers a peaceful setting full of natural rhythm and texture. Take time to observe how the light shifts across the surface, how reflections soften edges, and how colors move through layers of water, trees, and sky.Settle into your plein-air sketching with watercolors, fine-point pens, and touches of gouache. Focus on fluid marks, loose layering, and capturing the scene without overworking the page. Study how organic forms connect to larger shapes, how shoreline meets sky, and how contrast defines the structure around you. Work at your own rhythm, collecting reference photos and capturing quick impressions in your journal as you go.Return to the venue for a light lunch, then continue your work in the studio. Review your sketches and photo references with Cindy and Theresa, pulling details that stand out. Use these elements to develop new pages or expand on what you started outdoors. Refine textures, adjust values, and explore how to add complexity through architectural forms and layered structure.Later in the afternoon, begin preparing your kit and journal layout for the upcoming visit to Buchlyvie. Review your palette, select pages, and organize materials for working quickly on location. End the day with a freshly prepared dinner and reflect on the flow of your work from morning to evening.

### Day 4: Trip to Buchlyvie
Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast before heading out with Cindy and Theresa for a leisurely 15-minute walk to the village of Buchlyvie.Take time to explore the streets, observe your surroundings, and gather inspiration from the landscape and buildings around you. Walk through the village at your own pace, taking reference photos and capturing quick sketches in your journal as you go. Settle into a plein-air painting session just outside the village. Use watercolor, fine-point pens, and gouache to respond to what you see. Work directly in your journal to document the scenery, the light, and the mood of the area. Paint what draws your attention, and let your materials guide the flow of your page.Return to the venue for a satisfying lunch, then meet back in the studio with Cindy and Theresa for a focused afternoon session. Review your sketches and photos from the morning and continue developing your journal pages. Add new layers, reinforce details, and experiment with your materials while you work through what you observed on site.Later in the day, begin preparing for the upcoming trip to Stirling. Organize your supplies, select your palette, and set up your journal with space ready to capture the next destination. End the evening with a freshly prepared dinner and share thoughts from the day’s work.

### Day 5: Trip to Stirling
Step into the day with a warm breakfast and the road unfolding ahead as you travel with Cindy and Theresa to the storied town of Stirling, set among sweeping hills and centuries-old stone.Spend the morning exploring the grounds of Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, both set among dramatic views and layered textures. Walk freely through the area, taking in the aged architecture, winding garden paths, and open skies that stretch over the rooftops. Use your journal to document what you see. Capture quick impressions with fine-point pen, watercolor, and gouache. Focus on travel notes, small sketches, and layout ideas that will guide your work later. Take reference photos of the architecture, surrounding landscape, and natural elements growing between stone and soil.Pause midday to enjoy lunch at your own pace in town before continuing into the afternoon. Return to a quiet spot in Stirling for a plein-air session with Cindy and Theresa. Work directly from your journal studies and photos to paint the scene in front of you. Combine fluid brushwork with focused detail, layering soft washes and linework to reflect what you've observed throughout the day. Pay attention to how stone textures meet sky and greenery, and how forms begin to build from simple to complex as the page develops.Head back to the venue in the evening for a carefully prepared dinner. Let the day settle around you as you share your pages, reconnect with the group, and carry the atmosphere of Stirling back to your work.

### Day 6: Trip to Buchlyvie
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before setting out with Cindy and Theresa on a relaxed 15-minute walk to the village of Buchlyvie. Known for its quiet pace and views of the surrounding hills, Buchlyvie offers a chance to slow down and take in the rhythm of everyday life in the Scottish countryside. With small shops, a pottery studio, and inviting streets, the village makes an ideal location for gathering inspiration.Spend the morning exploring at your own pace. Take reference photos, fill your journal with quick impressions, or sit with your materials and begin sketching what you see. Capture the flow of the landscape, the shifting lines of rooftops, or the textures of the natural growth around town. Use watercolor, permanent fine-point pens, and gouache directly in your journal as you respond to the moment.Return to the venue in time for lunch, then rejoin Cindy and Theresa in the studio for a quiet afternoon of painting. Work back into your pages using the images, sketches, and memories from Buchlyvie. Refine your work or start new spreads that combine observation with imagination. Focus on adding depth, adjusting composition, or building out areas of texture and detail.As the day winds down, step away from the table, let the paint dry, and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner with the group. Share your pages, talk through your process, and carry the quiet energy of Buchlyvie forward into the next day.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Gather with your art group for a final hearty breakfast before heading into the studio with Cindy and Theresa. Use the morning to bring everything together. Add finishing touches to your pages, sharpen lines, refine edges, or build out areas that still feel open. Review the textures, colors, and details that have shaped your journal over the week. Revisit places you painted, moments you captured, and notes you took along the way.Spend time one-on-one with Cindy and Theresa as they offer guidance, answer last questions, and walk you through any specific techniques you'd like to revisit. Ask for feedback, talk through ideas, and take the space to reflect on your growth. Work quietly or chat while you paint, letting the final layers fall into place.Take a short break in the afternoon before gathering for a closing art show. Set up your journal or sketchbook in a gallery-style display. Walk through the room and see how others have captured the same places in different ways. Take a group photo, get dressed up if you’d like, and join the closing circle as the retreat comes to an end.Celebrate over a freshly prepared dinner, raise a glass with the group, and take in the creative momentum that’s still moving through your work.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast and get ready for your transfer to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:00 AM.

## Instructors

- [Cindy Briggs, NWS, NWWS](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/cindy-briggs,-nws,-nwws) — Watercolor artist and educator
- [Theresa Goesling, NWWS](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/theresa-goesling,-nwws) — Watercolor artist & educator

## Accommodation

### Scottish farm estate
Your elegant venue for the art retreat with Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling is a serene countryside estate. The venue lies in the tranquil village of Buchlyvie, amidst the wild beauty of Scotland. This exquisitely restored farmhouse blends traditional Scottish architecture with modern elegance. The boutique-style venue, with its amenities, facilities, and décor, commands breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands and the expansive countryside beyond.The estate has six distinct housing units, each boasting its own unique style. The Farmhouse (serving as the main villa) houses four stunning rooms and an elegant dining area where all meals will be served. The other units include The Lodge, with four bedrooms adorned with luxurious wallpaper, and spacious common areas; The Stables, a two-bedroom unit facing the Trossachs; The Coach House, a wonderfully restored three-bedroom house; The Cottage, a 200-year-old suite with one bedroom and a cozy vibe; and The Barn, housing a dedicated art studio.Rooms can be shared or single, with ensuite, adjacent, or shared bathrooms. The interiors are adorned with bespoke furnishings, splendid designer fabrics, and 100% Egyptian cotton linens and towels.Each accommodation unit features spacious and inviting common areas, equipped with amenities such as the fireplaces in the Farmhouse, and fully equipped kitchens for a homely experience. Add the five electrically heated outdoor hot tubs (shared between guests occupying the same accommodation unit), and you'll get the perfect spot to unwind after a full day.Your classes will be held in the well-lit, spacious art studio with vaulted ceilings located in The Barn, or on the expansive estate grounds.Please note that getting around the venue (accommodation spaces, the building where meals are served, and the art studio) requires a short walk, and certain rooms are only accessible via stairs. The venue may not be suitable for participants with limited mobility.

### Shared standard room
You will share this room with one other same-gender retreat participant. Located in the Coach House on the second floor, the shared standard room is accessible via a spiral stairway. It includes two comfortable double beds. Its adjacent bathroom (equipped with a tub) is accessible by descending a few steps.Guests will benefit from shared access to an outdoor hot tub on the terrace of the Coach House, an airy kitchen, and a bright, comfortable common room.

### Shared superior ensuite room (female only)
You will share this room and its bathroom with another same-gender participant. The three shared superior rooms are located in the Lodge on the first floor and feature ensuite shower bathrooms. They contain comfortable twin beds and have direct access to the shared terrace of the Lodge.Guests will benefit from shared access to an outdoor hot tub on the terrace of the Lodge, an airy kitchen, and a bright, comfortable common room.

### Shared bathroom - single room
You will share the bathroom with one other retreat participant, but you will have this room to yourself. These single-occupancy rooms share a bathroom with another single-occupancy room nearby; two participants will share a spacious bathroom on site. Equipped with comfortable king-size beds, the rooms feature large windows with beautiful views over the surrounding gardens. The rooms are located in The Farmhouse on the second floor.Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terrace, and the hot tub of the Farmhouse, the main villa where all meals will be hosted.

### Single standard room - external bathroom
Two single rooms with private, external bathrooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms are located in the Lodge and The Stables. Both rooms are found on the first floor of their respective units. Each room features a comfortable king-size bed, a private shower bathroom, and luxurious, bespoke décor. Access to the private external bathroom of the room located in the Lodge requires climbing 6 steps.Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terraces, and outdoor hot tubs of their respective buildings.

### Single superior room - adjacent bathroom
Two single superior rooms with private, adjacent bathrooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms are located in the Farmhouse (main villa) and the Coach House. Both rooms are found on the first floor of their respective units. Slightly larger than the single standard rooms with adjacent bathrooms, they feature comfortable king-size beds, private shower bathrooms, and luxurious, bespoke décor.Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terraces, and outdoor hot tubs of their respective buildings.

### Single standard ensuite room
Two standard single ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Each room features a modern ensuite bathroom with a shower, a comfortable king-size bed ensuring a restful sleep, and stunning bespoke design. The rooms are located in the Stables on the first floor and in the Coach House on the second floor.The rooms benefit from shared access to the common spaces of their respective buildings: the lounge, the fully equipped kitchen, a terrace, and an outdoor hot tub facing the surrounding countryside, treating you to breathtaking views.

### Single superior ensuite room
One single superior ensuite room in The Farmhouse is available for single occupancy. This master bedroom is located on the first floor and features a spacious ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, bespoke furnishings, and décor, as well as its own stately fireplace. The comfortable king-size bed ensures a restful sleep.You'll benefit from access to the shared spaces of The Farmhouse - an outdoor hot tub on the terrace, an airy kitchen, and a bright, comfortable common room.

### Deluxe private villa
One deluxe private villa (The Cottage) is available for single occupancy. This beautifully renovated, 200-year-old building offers the ultimate cocoon of peace and tranquility. It features stunning design and amenities through its incredible cathedral ceiling in the main room, exposed beams, the ensuite bathroom, and the free-standing hot tub in the bedroom. The bedroom of The Cottage comes with a comfortable king-size bed.The Cottage also has its own fully-equipped kitchen, private terrace, and private outdoor hot tub.

## Food

During your art retreat, you'll delight in delicious meals prepared by the private chef, featuring the freshest ingredients. The curated menu includes both Scottish traditional food and international cuisine, along with daily drinks and snacks.Start your morning with a variety of egg dishes or a light continental breakfast replete with buttered pastries, fruit, toast, yogurt, and a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The one-course lunch includes options like goat cheese tart, Gartmorn chicken breast with truffle mash, seasonal greens, or a variety of soups with homemade focaccia.End your evenings in style with a three-course feast featuring smoked paprika-roasted cod, pan-seared Orkney scallops, spinach dhal served with poppadoms, tamarind cauliflower steaks, roast bell peppers stuffed with caponata, and many more. Follow it up with a sweet treat, like a mandarin parfait, a warm chocolate brownie with walnut ice cream, coconut halwa, or a selection of sorbets.Your selection of drinks includes fresh power juices during the morning art class, delicious wine served with dinner every day, or coffee, tea, herbal tea, and mineral water available throughout the day. If you need a quick bite, refuel with a mid-afternoon snack or fruit from the snack bar.Experience the best of Scottish hospitality with a welcome dinner, an in-house gin-tasting experience, and a farewell dinner followed by a night of Scottish (Ceilidh) dancing in the barn.All meals are included, except for one lunch during the full-day trip. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.

## Getting There

Located near the quaint village of Buchlyvie, close to Stirling in the heart of Scotland, your retreat venue is set against a backdrop of unparalleled natural beauty and tranquility. The venue finds itself on the threshold of the majestic Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, embracing the awe-inspiring views of the Trossachs. This area is a mosaic of lochs, glens, and mountains, sheltering a diverse range of wildlife. The culture of the area is deeply embedded in Scottish heritage, from the haunting melodies of bagpipes echoing through the glens to the centuries-old castles, telling tales of Scotland's history.Vibrant Edinburgh, the beating heart of the region, is an hour away by car. During your retreat, you'll embark on several art trips, visiting Loch Lomond (1 hour away), a wide expanse of crystal-clear water surrounded by mountains, along with Stirling (30 minutes away), a historic town known for its rich Gaelic heritage and the imposing Stirling Castle.Please arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI).We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Scotland a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.How to get from Edinburgh Airport to the retreat venue:Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Edinburgh, we recommend you fly to Dublin or London and then fly to Edinburgh (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 1 hour. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on July 15, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on July 22, 2026, by 10:00 AM.Arrival Transfer:July 15, 2026 - 3:00 PM (leaving from Edinburgh Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM)Departure Transfer:July 22, 2026 - 10:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Edinburgh Airport around 11:00 AM)If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:- Spend extra days in Edinburgh before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to Edinburgh Airport.- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Rachel's Farm, Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire, Scotland, FK8 3NR, United Kingdom, 150 GBP - approximately US$195 per way. Please note that taxi fares may vary).

## Reviews

Reviews of the venue:"The location of the retreat was beautiful. The accommodations were lovely. Our room was spacious, the bedding was comfortable, and the linens and bath supplies were appreciated. The art studio was spacious and well lit. My dietary needs were met, which I really appreciated. The variety of recipes offered was all delicious.""Very organized and things ran very smoothly. The food was superb and every request was met with immediate provision.""This is my second Uptrek retreat and hopefully not my last. The venue was outstanding. The hosts were so kind, friendly and really went out of their way to accommodate our needs. Our chef Carly was the best and I’m hoping she writes a cookbook someday. I loved my adventure in Scotland.""Great retreat! Awesome venue, good food, fantastic side trips, wonderful studio space..!""The venue was a respite from our busy worlds and provided luxurious comfort and fabulous food for the week.""I had THE most luxurious and private quarters at the venue! It was worth every extra cost to sleep and rest there. The food so was very well prepared. I felt like we had a trained chef and dietitian feeding us."

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is the art retreat available to all levels? The art retreat with artists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling is open to all levels of art experience.When is the art retreat available?The art retreat with artists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling in Buchlyvie, Scotland, the UK, takes place between July 15 - 22, 2026.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on July 15, 2026. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, July 22, 2026, after breakfast.Is Wi-Fi available?Yes.I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.How do I get to the retreat venue?Please arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI). We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Scotland a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Edinburgh, we recommend you fly to Dublin or London and then fly to Edinburgh (round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately one hour. For more details, please see the Location tab.What should I pack? Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a raincoat, a jacket for chilly weather, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.Can I do laundry while on the retreat?Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue, and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.What art supplies do I need for the workshops?A detailed list of art materials recommended by artists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat begins. Fresh flowers for reference for the workshop component will be available at the venue.What’s the weather like in Scotland in April?The weather in April in Scotland is usually mild and moderately chilly, and rainy on occasion. You can expect average highs of 19°C / 66°F during the day that drop to around 12°C / 54°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather yourself before your departure to the art retreat and to pack accordingly.How many people are to be expected at the retreat?Maximum 18 participants.Do I need a visa?Guests traveling from the US, Canada, EU, and other visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK. For more information on the ETA, including eligibility and application steps, please visit the official UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta Please contact us for further guidance.Are there any age restrictions?The art retreat is open to anyone aged over 18.What language is used during the art retreat and other activities?The retreat is available in English.Can a non-participating guest join me?We do not accommodate non-participants at our art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.Is the art retreat available to guests with limited mobility?Unfortunately, the retreat venue is not well suited to host people with limited mobility. Most accommodation spaces and main facilities are only accessible via stairs. Furthermore, there will be plenty of walking during the art trips.What happens if I need to cancel?Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. Please review our cancellation policy.Do I need travel insurance?Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. Click here to purchase your insurance plan.Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the reference code F215276 so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.Do I have to pay a deposit?No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artist or by UpTrek?If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the artist's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/vibrant-watercolor-journaling-retreat-artists-cindy-briggs-theresa-goesling-scotland#book)** — no deposit required.

See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance).

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**Last updated:** 2026-04-15