Self~Nature Connection - Summer Solstice Dawn Pilgrimage: Gidleigh to Kestor Rock & Scorhill Stone Circle (5.5 miles)

About

This special Summer Solstice Dawn Pilgrimage on northeast Dartmoor with Kate and Paul will give us an opportunity to experience the magic of the Moor during its transformation from the shortest night to the longest day of the year, arriving at magnificent Kestor Rock with its fine views for the sunrise. We'll then move on to sublime Scorhill Stone Circle for a Ceremony of Light led by Paul. 

In our experience, Scorhill stone circle has a beautiful, peaceful and gently healing energy. It sits directly on the Michael-Mary ley line that traverses southern England from just south of Lands End to just south of Great Yarmouth on the east coast, via famous natural power places, such as Glastonbury Tor, Avebury and Devon's own Brentor. We can't think of anywhere more fitting for welcoming in the day of maximum light. 

We'll then finish with a shared breakfast before walking back to Gidleigh. 

Cost - free

We are offering the walk freely. That said, we are inviting donations (which will go towards things like fuel for our recces, spare headtorches, and room hire and refreshments for our other donation-only events). We can take cash before or on the day, or bank transfer (Paul Beard, Lloyds, 776601, 72062868). 

Level

We use the Ramblers grading system to help people choose walks that suit their fitness and experience. The main levels are Easy, Leisurely/Moderate, and Strenuous. Easy walks are generally short, on well-surfaced paths, and suitable for all abilities. Leisurely/Moderate walks may include some hills, rough terrain, and are for those with some country walking experience. Strenuous walks are longer, often with more challenging terrain and hills, requiring a good level of fitness and experience.

This walk is Moderate. It includes some fairly steep gradients and some uneven ground.

Please note that although there may be some faint early light when we set out (depending on cloud cover), it will still be quite dark to begin with. 

KIT LIST

• Headtorch and spare batteries
• Packed breakfast to share, snacks, plenty of fluids, incl. hot drinks and water
• Good waterproofs, warm layers and spare clothing - bearing in mind that it is always colder/windier up on the moors, especially early in the morning.
• Sturdy outdoor walking boots or shoes
• Any medication that you might need to take
• A personal first aid kit is advised. Leaders carry a first aid kit
• Toilet paper, plus bag to carry it off the moor
• Swimwear and a towel if early morning wild swimming/dipping! (We will pass close to the upper reaches of the North Teigh River on the last leg of our walk, just after leaving Scorhill stone circle; there is also a Tolmen stone here.)

• If you're new to our walks, we'll also send you a very short health form once you've booked, which you'll need to complete and return to us before the walk This will be a one-off and cover you for future walks with us (unless your ability to participate changes significantly).

OPTIONAL    

• Walking poles - can be useful for night time / low light walking     
• Insect repellent

Further Information

DOGS: No dogs please (we do love dogs! but they could be a distraction from the exercises we'll be doing).

TOILETS: There are no public toilets en route.

RISK: Walks and activities are at your own risk. No liability accepted for accidents or incidents.

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We invite participants to see our Self/Nature Connection walks as 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, Chris and/or Kate 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.

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). Please wear stout footwear.

Please car share where possible. Parking is generally limited on Dartmoor and sharing lessens our impact on the environment, thank you.

Weather

The forecast will appear here 6-7 days beforehand. 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