Mountain walking and Yoga Retreat with Rachel and John

Following a beautiful weekend in April together we’re really grateful to be invited back to Mary’s home in Capel-y-Finn at the end of September for another weekend retreat.  

Rachel has been qualified as a yoga teacher for almost 20 years. Those that attend her classes will know exactly how yoga with Rachel can make you feel - connected, whole and ready for all that life brings. Those that make use of the space she has created at Stroud Yoga Space will understand Rachel's commitment to creating a calm, peaceful place to enjoy wellbeing practices to nurture the body and mind. Dru Yoga is gentle, fluid and mindful and suitable for everyone of all ages.

" I enjoyed holding my first yoga retreat with John at Bleanau, a mix of my yoga students and a few new to me were looked after by Mary in her wonderful home and fed delicious food, the energy of the house is calm and relaxed, and the surrounding energy of the mountains, streams and rivers is majestic and really special...I am really looking forward to hosting this next retreat"

John was an IT guy for 20 years. He's now back following the path his heart desired and taking people to the beautiful mountains of the UK. After a decade of restorative walking trips to the Llanthony valley, John knew this was place he would base his first mountain trips from. In 2021 John found Mary, and her home the Bleanau, a thoughtfully restored farm nestled in the heart of the valley. It also has a yoga studio. Accommodation is in 4 twin bedrooms, food is lovingly prepared by Mary and is Vegan (though non vegans have claimed not to notice because they're focused on how good it is). John runs a handfull of mountain yoga weekends a year alongside the other adventures he offers via Step Outside and Connect Outside.

What lead to us holding our first retreat here?...

When John suggested running a retreat to Rachel after attending one of her classes, the conversation quickly moved on to 6 weeks prior when Rachel had walked past Mary's Farm and proceeded to get lost on the hill! 
Turns out we both have a deep affinity with the Llanthony Valley. 

Timetable

Arrive in your own time on Friday from 16:30, settle in and join us for an evening meal. We'll have some relaxing yoga too before the day is done.

Saturday will start with yoga and meditation to awaken and prepare the mind, body & spirit for the day. Breakfast will be relaxed yet all that you need for a big day. We'll walk in the nearby hills, at a steady place with plenty of time to pause and admire the views. John may be a mountain goat, but he specialises in making sure those he walks with are comfortable and get the most out the day when he is in shepherds clothing. Rachel will lead a short outdoor yoga sequence or two to keep us present and connected. The day will end with a relaxed meal and evening restorative yoga and deep relaxation

Sunday will begin with yoga and a smaller walk. We'll regroup over lunch and those that are ready to head straight home afterwards can do. Those that want to talk through navigation techniques or get help to plot future mountain trips, or take advantage of Rachel's knowledge of yoga and meditation and chat about any specific concerns you may have are more than welcome to make use of a qualified mountain leader, yoga teacher and a wide range of tea. You can also simply relax in the garden, listen to the stream flowing through it and perhaps help plant the gift to the farm that this trip will help to provide. We hope you'll feel like attending all of the planned activity, but of course it's all optional.

Sleep

Accommodation is based on sharing a twin room. We hope that those attending will welcome the chance to get to know each other as friends and as there are only 4 rooms available, we're not offering a single supplement on this weekend. We know that's not for everybody and would welcome feedback if you'd prefer a solo room so we can shape any future trips.  We've included a photo of each bedroom here, each room has two beds even if only one is shown, 3 of the rooms have 1 double bed and a single, and 1 room has 2 single beds If you'd like any clarity or to reserve a specific room please call John on 07964 556240 (first come first reserved)

Covidsafe: we're going to ask all participants to take a Lateral Flow test before they set off for the weekend. We'll be taking care to wash hands, surfaces and keep the air flowing. If you need to cancel or the event can't happen for any reason we will be very happy to refund or offer you a space on a rearranged trip.