Meet the leaders and hosts 

What you'll do

Give yourself permission to slow down and take time for you. Connect with nature through a sensory nature meander and forest bathing session. Listen to beautiful spring bird call in ancient woodlands. Notice new shoots offering fresh greens and colourful flowers. Have a go at walking barefoot to ‘earth’ and soothe your body after months of boot-wearing.

But that’s not all, learn the primal skill of building a fire, assisted by Georgia - our Ampleforth Abbey bushcraft expert for this session. You’ll make your own pencils which we’ll use in our later writing exercise too. And while reconnecting with these ancient skills you’ll drink warming hot chocolate made over your very own fire. 

Our time together will also include: 

• a fire-side contemplative practise
• a writing exercise using your home-made pencil 
• an exercise to shed the old and bring in the new

This event is ideal if you wish to give yourself space, time and to let go of that ‘to do’ list. Come alone or bring friends with you - either way you’ll meet other like-minded people. Nevertheless, we’re sure you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated, calmer and ready to face a new day.

Location/ walk information

Our outdoor experience is set in ancient woodlands around 30 minutes north of York in a wonderfully rural location, close to Gilling Castle.

The nature meander will be around  2 miles on well defined paths (but likely to be much less). Please note there will be rough ground and some slight gradients too.

Please note, there are no public toilets on site. There are plenty of places for a natural break however!

Prices from £39 / person**

Book for private group

* Finish time is approximate

** PLUS BOOKING FEES - NON REFUNDABLE

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions before booking

What's included

Services of a 'wellness in nature' instructor. Learning ancient arts of fire and charcoal making. Warming drinks around the fire. Calming tools you'll be able to use when back home.  Meeting new friends or bring a few of your own and spend time with them. Nature immersion. Peace of mind. Stress relief. Time away from it all. Route research, guiding and safety.

Meet your Leaders and Hosts

Alison runs Adventures for the Soul and is passionate about the natural world and the outdoors. She holds a BSc degree in Environmental Management and PGCert in Tourism, Conservation & Sustainable Development. As a nature lover, contemplative walks leader, former Zen Buddhist and qualified yoga teacher of many years, she's taken people to some of the most stunning areas of the UK on wellbeing and walking holidays since 2009. She has over 14 years running nature connection events and over 4 years experience of leading forest bathing sessions around the Lake District and North York Moors National Parks.

Georgia is the Forest School and Community Project Leader at Ampleforth Abbey. With an academic background in Ecology and over 20 years’ experience as an educator, she dedicates her working life to connecting people to nature.

Where you'll be

Our experience is held near to Gilling Castle in the beautiful Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire.

Although we cannot get access to the castle now, we will walk through its ancient woodlands close by that also form part of a huge, forested area overlooking Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire.