Creative Wellness Weekend in the Lakes

A unique opportunity to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with yourself

Set in a quiet corner of the north-west Lake District, Loweswater is a hamlet overlooking Crummock Water and the mountains. The location is an important element of this weekend - it not only offers easy access to both the lake and mountain streams, but also allows us to share our vision of how it feels to truly switch off and tap into our creativity. 

They say opposites attract!

Sara @bumblebarnes is the 'arty' brain in the team: a published author of two books, The Cold Fix and The Winter of Our Lives and has created two award-winning films: Dear Heart and Skinny. Jay @covidicebath, with three degrees in scientific subjects, is an 'analytical' powerhouse.

Together we have created a powerful blend of cold water dipping, outdoor activities, reflective time in nature, round-the-table group sessions, film screenings and more.

We want to nourish your brain, elevate your spirit and push your body just that little bit out of its comfort zone!

Where you'll be based

Our venue for the weekend is the old school in Loweswater, now a thriving village hall, which hosts community activities across the year. There are many 'luxury' retreats in the Lake District and we're sure they're amazing, but the aim behind our weekend is to strip back the physical pampering in exchange for a focus on mental and spiritual nurturing.

There are no bedrooms in the village hall, however, there is parking for up to 10 small to medium campervans in the grounds of the building or, if you'd prefer to camp, potential for a few tents on the grassy areas. Inside, there are toilets and washbasins, but no showers. There is a well-equipped catering kitchen and two 'living' areas, with tables and chairs. We'll make sure there is always ample tea, coffee and snacks available.

We will have exclusive use of the property across the weekend. It's where we'll be gathering for breakfast and our evening meals, relaxing over cups of tea or coffee, refilling our thermos flasks and packing picnic lunches on Saturday or eating soup on Sunday, writing, reading, drawing, learning and generally hanging out.

What you'll eat

Included in your ticket price is a delicious and healthy evening meal on both Friday and Saturday evenings, along with two breakfasts and two lunches. Our plan is to take a pick and mix, packed lunch out with us on Saturday and then on Sunday there will be soup available before our closing ceremony and saying goodbye.

Safety

Between the two of us we have nearly 15 years of cold water experience. All dips will be guided and supervised by Sara who has a STA Level II Award in Open Water Swim Coaching and an Outdoor First Aid qualification. Jay brings a lifetime's experience of field biology across North America and is a fountain of information about almost anything to do with the outdoors.

Sara reserves the right to amend dipping plans in the event of adverse weather conditions. Your safety is our priority at all times.

Weather and kit list

It is the Lake District and the weather can be unpredictable, even in late March. Expect rain and wind, pray for sunshine and a light breeze. We strongly advise warm layers, including waterproof and windproof outer layers; hats/gloves and tough walking shoes or boots. Carry your swim kit in a comfortable rucksack and be prepared to walk across reasonably challenging terrain, but nothing technical or too demanding. There will be at least three dips across the weekend, so bring a change of swimwear, and we will provide a drying rack in the hall. Bring your own flask for hot drinks and a water bottle to keep yourself well hydrated (even in inclement weather). The water temperatures will still be cold, so we advise neoprene booties and gloves. Bring a couple of blankets and a camp chair for sitting outside watching the stars if the weather is kind to us!

Rewarming post dip: We will follow several well established protocols at the dipping spots and back at the venue. Participants will be receiving a small gift on arrival, which they can use during the weekend and beyond.

Why come on this weekend?

A word from Jay: We believe that the average person rarely spends time away from physical comfort in one form or another. Our bodies are coddled in ways they've never been before in evolution. This isn't an eiderdown/duvet kind of weekend, but it's not a boot camp either. It's a nourish your soul experience and so people should expect small and safe doses of adversity to help stimulate the freedom and growth, which is our overarching goal. 

On a different note, Sara says: Spending time with a bunch of like-minded strangers, without the familiarity of daily routine, is a gift to yourself. It is designed to unlock whatever personal creative outlet you might have, whether you know it or not! For me it is writing and painting, for you it might be rock stacking or stone skimming. 

Who it might appeal to

For anyone with a thirst for knowledge, conversation, curiosity for how things work and how being in nature can make you feel and why.

Probably not for someone who doesn't enjoy wearing a cosy woollen bobble hat indoors or going without a bubble bath for three days.

Weekend price

The cost for this weekend is £295 and includes all of the above.

We recommend that you take out your own holiday insurance policy. Please read and sign our terms & conditions for refunds or cancellations. It is also required that you read and sign the waiver.

On a lighter note

Influencer training is optional, but having fun, feeling joy and releasing our inner child are definitely key elements of the weekend!