The Mens Retreat
Fri 29th Jan - Sun 31st Jan 2027
No amount of hours spent thrashing the treadmill can equal the elation of reaching the top of a mountain as the mist clears. No amount of connections on LinkedIn will replace a few solid companions in the wilderness, and even the newest smartphone won’t feel better in your hand than a sharp old axe.
This is a men’s weekend retreat in Scotland’s Trossachs National Park. It will be a chance to exist side by side with nature and appreciate some magnificent scenery, cook some traditional food over a campfire, learn a few ancient and modern outdoor skills, dip in the cold waters of the loch, learn some primal strength techniques and do a few miles on the trail. Its also an opportunity to just relax; to feel the wind on your face, to breathe the scent of a pine forest, to see a distant horizon and to look up at the stars in a big sky. Lastly it's a chance to enjoy something modern men often lack - community.
No gongs, no robes, no role play, no ceremonies.
So why are we doing this midwinter in Scotland when we could be in Ibiza?
As men we were designed and built to function and thrive in harsh environments. Scotland’s magnificent natural heritage has the potential to make us physically stronger, more confident, more productive and readier to go the distance to get the things we really want. It also reminds us that no amount of connections on LinkedIn will never replace a few solid companions round the campfire.
The Place
We've hired the Rowardennan Hostel and its all ours. Situated on the east shore of Loch Lomond, right at the waters edge and at the foot of Ben Lomond, it's remote and comfortable. Ideal for our purposes! There are no staff onsite so we're taking care of business ourselves. Your help with food prep and keeping the communal areas tidy is not compulsory but it'll be appreciated.
The plan
FRIDAY
Arrival and welcome
Intro to using axes, crosscut saws and knives.
Sourcing and prepping firewood with same.
Intro to firelighting
Dinner
Campfire discussion and some local history
SATURDAY
Breakfast
Hike up Ben Lomond.
974 meters high. Approx 4-5 hours round trip. Jaw dropping views of the south end of Loch Lomond.
Lunch
Intro to functional fitness; rocks hammers, clubs, partner bodyweight exercises
Burning torch walk to Rowardennan Hotel for dinner
Movie and discussion
SUNDAY
Cold dip and fire on the beach
Breakfast burritos
Introduction to solo wildcamp skills
Time for reflection alone, journaling
Closing circle
Your host
I'm Tom, Life Coach, Bushcraft Instructor, Personal Trainer.
I've worked with a lot of different men. From incarcerated gang members in the US to military veterans dealing with PTSD, and from asylum seekers to senior managers.
I've learned that men need space to talk but they also need space to be men. Its one reason why the outdoors is very important to me.
Next steps
Total cost, not including transport, or dinner at the Hotel on Saturday, is £500.00, payable via Stripe
If you're not coming by car please talk to me about transit to the hostel (there's no public transport), we can help you.
FAQs are below. For anything else just contact me
Questions
Do I need to be super fit?
No, the hike up Ben Lomond is quite demanding though.
Will I have to talk about myself?
You don't have to bare your soul but your voice, your experiences and your opinions matter. Feel free to share them.
I've never been on a men's retreat.
If you're man looking for new experiences, new perspectives and new friends then you're qualified.
Why the bread picture?
Because I don't have a 'question' picture.
What men are saying
Customers reviews, as at Monday, the 10th of August 2026:
"Never experienced anything like this before.
Thoroughly enjoyed the night away and learned a bit about basic outdoor bushcraft.
Would recommend anyone interested give it a try.
Thanks for having me Tom 👍."
"Myself and my 3 children had a brilliant time with Tom, learning new skills and enjoying the great outdoors with Tom. Highly recommended."
"I spent the weekend beside Loch Lomond.
Cold water, chopping firewood, the campfire conversations, climbing (most of) Ben Lomond
That silence can be as valuable as speaking.
With all our devices, notifications, and virtual connections, nothing replaces a handful of good people beside you on a walk or around a fire.
The honesty of the whole experience. No roles. No labels. No Egos.
A massive thank you to Tom Gold, who created the space for all of this with no fuss and no pretence, just authenticity and a genuine belief that men need community, outdoors and in.
A brilliant weekend with some amazing men.
Highly recommended."
"Well-structured but far-from-bossy stint in the woods away from distractions. Sense of humour most important than initiative. Well worth a try. Thoroughly recommended. Tom puts much work in involving all. Glad I went."
"This was an enlightening and practical experience. Something I had wanted to do for some time and the Wilderness Reset under Tom’s guidance and professional guidance delivered a magical experience. There is nothing better than like minded guys sitting around a fire passing comments and views on anything they wish. The learning was excellent and I will certainly return to experience again."
"Tom is a great outdoors mentor, thoughtful listener and really cool to get along with. Being outdoors, standing around a fire, drinking coffee or eating some fire-cooked meal is unbeatable to wind down from the daily hustle. Highly recommended!"
"Wonderful weekend, just the break I needed after an intense period of life. Tom is a fantastic guide, what he doesn't know about the wilderness/outdoors isn't worth knowing. I will definitely be doing this again."
"What a tremendous retreat!
Fire torch marching, wild swimming, incredible food, mountain climbing and great conversation- hands down the best retreat I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to loads - Tom Gold = True Gentleman and Legend!!"