The Living Mountain Retreat

15th - 19th April 2024

Nethy Bridge, Cairngorms National Park

Of walking in the Cairngorms, Nan Shepherd once said 'my eyes were in my feet'. For those who have experienced that feeling, you will know that walking is not just a means of travel but, when walking as Nan did, a guide within itself. On this retreat to the Cairngorms National Park, we will place foot over foot, using Nan's words to step us both outside of ourselves and deeper within.

We will come together in community; walking, cooking, and circling together. Being held by this breathtaking landscape and connecting to sound, silence and wilderness. With the Cairngorms as our guide we hope to discover, as Nan did, that 'to aim for the highest point is not the only way to climb a mountain'.

“Yet often the mountain gives itself most completely when I have no destination, when I reach nowhere in particular, but have gone out merely to be with the mountain as one visits a friend with no intention but to be with him.”
— Nan Shepherd

Co-led by myself and Katie Flaxman, poet, writer and qualified gong practitioner, come write, rest and retreat with us in the wilds of The Cairngorms National Park, Scotland.

Over five days and four nights we will reconnect with the land, ourselves and each other through sound, silence, wanderings, wonderings and the writings of Nan Shepherd.

What to expect:

  • 5 days 4 nights beautiful accommodation in Nethy Bridge within the Cairngorms National Park

  • Guided walking in the Cairngorms National Park

  • Gentle standing yoga and Qigong

  • Nourishing gong baths

  • Sound and vibration

  • Writing and circling

  • Exploration of self, landscape and community through Nan Shepherds' book The Living Mountain.

  • Medicine walk

  • Hot tub

  • Outdoor Shower

  • Wild Swimming

  • Plenty of time for personal reflection

  • Meditation

  • Silence

  • Breathtaking wild landscapes

  • A chance to be in community with other adventurous soulful women

Our exclusive use accommodation is in an incredible location within The Cairngorms National Park itself. An Cala is a haven, surrounded by trees, and permeated by the sounds of the river.  It has the luxury of an outside hot tub and outside shower on the big private deck overlooking the river, a generous kitchen and dining area, four bathrooms and two cosy wood fires.