wild ways retreat
Dates and Times:
12-14 September 2025
LOCATION:
Lake District, Cumbria, UK
About
Welcome to our Retreat. Wild ways is about realising non-separation through movement. Allowing movement to be a teacher that shows us the connective tissue that ties us together with earth.
Through this experience, participants will be guided through a process of building a network of relationships that can afford a much more intimate connection with the land.
The gateway for relationships will be our senses. We will use these to give us a way into intimate relationships with every living entity we interact with. Throguh this, we can ultimately find a true way into wildness.
Come to Wild Ways.
What will we be exploring?
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Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
An immersive, meditative experience in the forest, designed to connect deeply with nature through all the senses, promoting relaxation and well-being.
Exploring Nature and Ecology
An exploration of the local ecology and tree phenology, alongside discussions about access rights and local regenerative practices.
Ecosomatic Research
The study of how our bodies interact with nature, blending ecological awareness with body awareness. It encourages movement, exploration, and mindfulness in natural settings, fostering a deeper connection to the environment and enhancing overall well-being.
Human and Landscape Art
Integration of the human form into the landscape through art.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Inner reflective practices that include mindfulness and meditation.
Somatic Exploration
An exploration of the human body, diving into our inner somatic layers and worlds.
Contact Improvisation
We will explore this spontaneous form of movement that emphasises physical interaction between dancers. It involves exploring balance, weight-sharing, and momentum through touch, fostering a deep connection and communication between partners. The practice encourages creativity, responsiveness, and a focus on the present moment.
Tuning into Listening
Attuning ourselves to listen to the trees, the land, and each other.
Effortless Movement
Researching how to move with minimal energy while maximizing joy and expression.
Communication Skills
Enhancing verbal communication skills to help navigate adversity and conflict.
Live Music and Campfire Time
Sharing time with friends by the fire, eating, playing games and listening to live music by various different artists.
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Natural Parkour
Exploring the elements, skills, and principles of natural parkour.
Gorge Scrambling and Waterfall Jumping
A thrilling adventures that involve climbing through rocky river gorges and leaping into natural pools beneath waterfalls. These activities offer an exciting way to connect with nature, challenge your limits, and feel an exhilarating rush of freedom and joy. Perfect for anyone seeking adventure and fun in the wild!
Underwater Exploration
Engaging with the underwater world and how our bodies interact with these spaces.
Tree Movement
Learning movement patterns, skills, and techniques to navigate the dynamic landscapes of the tree world.
Martial Arts and Physical Contact
A journey into physical contact through martial arts, cultivating strong hearts, deeper human connections, and boundary setting.
Fireside Ecstatic Dance
Dancing ecstatically by the fireside in the wilds of the woods.
Climbing and Exploring Heights
Testing our limits in the heights of trees and cliffs.
early-bird Pricing
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Camping in big bell tents in the forest (options to also bring your own tent)
You will need to bring a Sleeping bag/ Mat and Pillow.
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There will be 3 meals per day cooked by our fantastic chef Anna Parkinson.
Anna will create a breakfast of, breads, jams, fruits, oats etc
As well as a hot lunch and dinner eaten outside by the fire in the forest.
All meals will be plant based.
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We will be staying in a sunny meadow next-door to a 500 acre woodland in Witherslack Estate, Lake District UK (Precise location will be sent upon booking confirmation)
The surrounding area has a fantastic array of geological features as well as massive ancient trees, rivers and lakes. The ecology and wildlife is incredibly diverse and a spectacular visual spectacle.
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Closest airport is Manchester Airport
The nearest Train Station is KENDAL
The Bus X6 will take you from Kendal station to Long Howe End
From Long Howe End it's either a 30 min walk to the location or you can organise lift shares with the other participants.
(You will be added to a group chat upon booking where this can be discussed)
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12-14 SEPTEMBER 2025
Please arrive promptly at 11:00am
We will kindly ask you to have departed the premises by 4pm
If you wish to stay in the landscape longer there are wonderful local campsites to book into.
Additional information
