Self~Nature Connection ~ Venford Reservoir to Bench Tor & River Dart Explore

A RELAXED BLEND OF GUIDED WALKING (SOCIAL AND SILENT MINDFUL) AND TAKING TIME TO STOP, BE AND CONNECT WITH OURSELVES AND THE LIFE ALL AROUND US THROUGH A VARIETY OF HEART-LED GENTLE MOVEMENT AND MEDITATIVE EXERCISES

About

This Self~Nature Connection is a real gem and includes a 2.5 mile circular walk from Venford Reservoir over to Bench Tor - a granite spur with magnificent views down through the beautiful wooded wild Dart valley. We'll then descend into the valley and explore a section of the magical River Dart, taking our time to connect with nature in all it's glory in this vibrant, tranquil place. There will be opportunities for a dip/swim. We'll then ascend along Venford Brook (which flows into the Dart), back up to Bench Tor and the reservoir. 

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We invite participants to see our Self/Nature Connection walks as gentle pilgrimages, both outer - amongst nature's beauty, and inner - to our true selves in the present moment; just slowing down and stopping here and there to just be in a beautiful place can captivate us into being deeply present in the now, which is deeply satisfying, soul-nourishing and restorative.

On all of our Self/Nature Connection days, Paul, Kate and/or Chris will lead you with a blend of social walking, mindful, silent walking, and at some of the natural power places along the way, stopping, breathing and connecting with ourselves/nature-earth. You may have heard of the Japanese practice of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku)... this is it! We'll also invite you to take part in some loosely guided intuitive movement we call 'Yopo' (inspired by our slow flow Hatha Yoga and slow flow non-contact Kenpo practices), or gentle Qi Gong led by Kate.

Our pilgrimages aren't primarily about the distance covered, but about creating space to be and connect to self, others and Nature/Earth, whilst at the same time honouring the holistic benefits of walking.

BYO lunch. Please wear stout footwear. There are public toilets at the Venford Reservoir car park.

This is an adult only event and no dogs please (we do love dogs! but they could be a distraction from the exercises we'll be doing).

Weather

The forecast, as of Monday 2nd, is mainly dry, sunny intervals, light to moderate breeze, max 14C.  In general, our walks go ahead whatever the weather, unless there is a weather warning in place (yellow, amber, or red) covering the location. In this event, we'll monitor the situation and then give everyone booked a decision on whether we're still going ahead, or not, at least 24 hours in advance. We'll offer a full refund to participants if we have to cancel, unless you wish to carry forward your payment to another Soul Warriors event.

Bookings and Cancellations

Please note that your event booking is only confirmed once you have booked your ticket through Ticket Tailor.
We can offer a full refund if participants cancel with at least 24 hours notice. Refunds are not given if cancellation is less than 24 hours before the commencement of this event, but participants are welcome to carry their payment forward to/towards another Soul Warriors event.

See below for some recent Self/Nature Connection pilgrimage testimonials.

See more from Soul Warriors (including our interactive talks, discussion groups, workshops and other self/nature connection pilgrimages) at soulwarriors.net, or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093443484299

Email soulwarriorscommunity@gmail.com  Contact Paul Beard 07587 226122.

Testimonials

Dear Paul and Kate,
Here's a big Thank you to you both and the lovely group of people sharing the day with me. Lustleigh Cleave in May is one of the most beautiful spots with seemingly never ending carpets of bluebells in ancient woods. Sitting on the rocky remainders of an ancient settlement in this enchanted place to be treated to a guided meditation introduced and completed by the sound of Kate's ocarina, rounding off the vision. Taking in the breathtaking view from the Harton Chest ("heart on chest") rocky outcrop view point, connecting with the rocks whilst listening to a wise tale about the rock beings. Swimming in the ice cold river- how invigorating, mindful and focussing! Enjoying a reading of moving poetry by one soul warrior and other soul warriors carrying a 'wood dragon' all the way back to the meeting point for a fellow soul warrior.
A wonderfully mindful journey through- and connection with- this enchanted landscape, being able to just be- brilliantly facilitated by Paul and Kate.
Namasté, Sylvia

"On Sunday I went on one of the Pilgrimages with Soul Warriors. For me it was a great escape from the usual daily routines of life, a day for me to take in the energies of nature to relax and enjoy. Paul and Chris were very attentive of us all throughout the day. The pace of the walk was gentle with several stops to spend time connecting with the land, with nature and honoring the land. Soul Warriors are from the heart, with love to us all and Mother Earth. This gave me a place, a time, to just Be. After the walk I felt very relaxed and peaceful within myself"

Rowena

"I recently had the pleasure of joining Power Placed Pilgrims on a guided walk to Scorhill Stone Circle and Kestor Rock on Dartmoor. The experience, led by the knowledgeable guides Paul and Chris, seamlessly blended intuitive movement and stillness, creating a profound connection to the energy of nature. The walk was a serene journey, fostering calm, relaxation, and reflection. The group's warmth and welcome made it an incredibly enjoyable and peaceful experience. Grateful for the memorable moments and the rejuvenating power of nature, I highly recommend Power Placed Pilgrims for those seeking a harmonious connection with the natural world."

David, Gunnislake

“What an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday. Thank you so much Chris and Paul for a wonderful walk on the moor today. We connected with nature in so many ways. We connected with the earth, got in the river and connected with the flow of the water, the breeze was gently blowing around us and we connected to each other around someone’s remnants of a fire. So that was all the elements covered. We then stopped at two spots and connected to the trees, which was inspiring, and supportive. We chatted, and had periods of silent connection to the beautiful energy of the moor. It was a great day, with lovely people in the most healing environment. Bless you both for encouraging us out, to connect, give and receive.”

Louise Barrett

"Hi Paul and Chris, I just wanted to say thank you for last Sunday... it was truly a magical and peaceful day. It did me the world of good just to slow down and enjoy the wonders of nature. I enjoyed every minute and will treasure the memories made."

Lisa Cann

“What a wonderful and powerful experience this 'Power place pilgrimage' has been! Not solely walking over this beautiful area and admiring the stunning views, but rather opening all senses and soaking up the glorious ancient Landscape , becoming part of it. Helped expertly by Paul and Chris' guidance in mindfulness-, breathing-, movement - and silence - practices. It was a deeply calming, balancing, centering, energising, spiritual and emotional experience for me. Heartfelt thanks to Paul and Chris!!! Also to the lovely group of people who all contributed to a relaxed and genuine atmosphere. So looking forward to the next event!

Namasté, Sylvia”