January 31, 2025 - February 3, 2025
Kilmalieu
Where is Kilmalieu?
Kilmalieu is a Christian retreat centre where individuals and small groups come to pray and reflect amid rugged beauty and rich biodiversity. It is available for groups of up to 22 people, an ideal base for retreat or outdoor activities. Facilities include a chapel, art room, lounge, library, drying room, a secluded bothy, sports hall, games room and gym.
Features
Many of the themed retreats on offer involve activities that both deepen faith and connect with nature. Some of these provide opportunities for guests to be involved in the work of nature conservation and restoration. Visitors to Kilmalieu can see eagles, otters, some of the UK’s scarcest butterflies and fragments of ancient rain forest with rare and unusual mosses, liverworts and lichens. It is a beautiful and diverse estate which will have a lasting effect on you long after you leave.
Upcoming Retreats
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February 21, 2025 - February 24, 2025
Banner-making and Personal Retreat
May 19, 2025 - May 23, 2025
Look at the Birds: A Birdwatching Retreat
October 10, 2025 - October 13, 2025
Surprised by Joy: Inspiration from CS Lewis Retreat
To see more Retreats and other Events, click the button below.
The Story of Kilmalieu
A rugged beauty… a place of prayer
Abernethy’s centre at Kilmalieu sits at the heart of a 3000-acre estate that includes mountains, coastline and woodland. It is a remote place, more than 10 miles from the nearest shop and almost 20 miles from Fort William, but accessible by a short hop over the nearby Corran Ferry.
At the heart of Kilmalieu’s small community is a rhythm of prayer, a passion for hospitality and an eagerness to help guests to go deeper in their journey of faith.
The story so far…
The centre at Kilmalieu has been under the management of the Abernethy Trust since 1991. For most of that time it operated under the name ‘Abernethy Ardgour’ and for many years it housed the School of Adventure Leadership.
In 2023, after the centre being dormant for the years of the Covid pandemic, the Abernethy Trust embraced a vision to re-purpose the centre as a facility for Christian retreat: a place of prayer, hospitality, adventure, and nature. That transition is in process, with a small team growing and a variety of opportunities for retreat available
Looking back… looking forward
The name ‘Kil – Malieu’ refers to the prayer cell of Saint Moluag, a contemporary of Saint Columba. His main base was on the island of Lismore, in Loch Linnhe, a short boat journey from Kilmalieu.
He and his team established many Christian communities throughout the north of Scotland. The development of Kilmalieu as a retreat centre is a returning to its ancient purpose as a centre of prayer and springboard for mission. Our hope is that all who come on retreat at Kilmalieu will be refreshed, strengthened and equipped for their part in God’s mission.
Prayer and nature
Staying at Kilmalieu is an opportunity to participate in, and witness to, what is happening in the natural environment. In experiencing an area of outstanding beauty and rich biodiversity, guests are encouraged to see the Creator’s fingerprints, find inspiration and experience restoration.
Kilmalieu is home to the UK’s smallest and biggest birds, some of its rarest butterflies and moths, fragments of ancient rainforest, otters, pine martens and much more. Alongside opportunities for rest, prayer and reflection, guests can be involved in practical tasks related to nature conservation.
Facilities for individuals and groups
As the redevelopment of Kilmalieu progresses, as well as offering a programme of themed retreats, the centre will also be available for small groups (up to 22) who would like to use the space for their own break or retreat.
Facilities include a chapel, art room, lounge, library, drying room, secluded bothy, sports hall, games room and gym. There will also be times when individuals can book in for either self-guided retreat or to be supported with spiritual accompaniment or coaching.
The Lodge
The Lodge is available for a more private space to retreat to. It is a comfortable wooden chalet in the grounds of Kilmalieu, nestled between the mountains and the shore of Loch Linnhe. The main living area is bright and open plan, with a comfortable lounge area, dining space and kitchen. Large windows look out over the meadow and past mature trees to the shore of the loch.
The bedrooms comprise a double and a twin room. Both have handy sinks that supplement the shared bathroom. The Lodge has a well-equipped, standard home kitchen and there is a manual on arrival should you need further assistance.
Make a booking enquiry
Would you like to book Kilmalieu for your group or church?
Get in touch now to begin the journey.
