A quiet, spacious women’s retreat held in the beautiful, ancient landscape of Glen Esk. This is your time to slow the pace, reconnect with the land, and be held in the gentle rhythm of nature, community and rest
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Nature Connection: Women's Spring Retreat
3 Night Residential
Thursday 21 – Sunday 24 May 2026
The Lodge, St Drostan’s, Tarfside, Glen Esk, Scotland
Investment: £495
THE LAND AT GLENESK
Set within the wide, open valley of Glen Esk, Scotland, this retreat takes place in one of the most unspoilt landscapes in Scotland. Glen Esk is a place of ancient pathways, shaped by ice, water and time, where river, hill and sky meet in a way that invites slowing down and deeper presence.
This glen has been inhabited and walked for thousands of years, from early Pictish settlement through medieval pilgrimage routes and rural Highland life. There is a strong sense here of continuity - land that has witnessed generations of people living close to nature, the seasons and the elements. Although easily accessible, Glen Esk retains a feeling of remoteness and spaciousness that is increasingly rare.
The surrounding hills, open moorland and winding river create a landscape that feels both grounding and expansive. It is a place that naturally encourages a pace of life that begins to match the slower rhythm of the land itself.
This setting is not just a backdrop for the retreat, but a gentle part of the experience, offering beauty, stillness and a deep sense of being held by the land.
WHAT WE'LL EXPLORE
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Practices that deepen presence and a sense of reciprocity with the natural world
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Slow, mindful sensory walks (for all abilities and weather-permitting) deepening relationship with the land
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Shamanic journeying and guided drumming for insight, guidance and connection
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Time for reflection and nature-inspired journalling, allowing nature to mirror what is alive within you
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Gentle healing practices focused on blessing, restoration and wellbeing
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Creative integration through simple expression such as drawing or journalling
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Gentle evening practices each night, including a fire gathering (weather-permitting), with elements of storytelling, song, drumming and simple ritual
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Plant-based crafts to support integration and healing, creating something meaningful to take home
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Shared meals and an easy community rhythm, held as part of the retreat practice
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Spacious time for individual rest, reflection and being in nature
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Grounding closing practices to support integration and a gentle return home
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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3 nights’ accommodation (Thursday–Sunday) at The Lodge, St Drostan’s, Tarfside, Glen Esk, Scotland https://www.stdrostans.org/
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All meals and light refreshments from Thursday evening supper to Sunday morning breakfast
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Guided retreat sessions and all materials for practices and crafts
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This is a women-only, alcohol-free retreat, held in a spirit of care, presence and shared community.
A TYPICAL DAY
While each day will unfold in its own way, mornings always begin quietly. Some may rise early to sit with the land, enjoy the light, or journal with a cup of tea. There is no rush to be anywhere.
After breakfast, we gather for guided nature-based practices, which can include shamanic journeying, drumming, reflection or creative expression. These sessions are invitational, with ample space for reflection, rest and integration.
Lunch is then shared, followed by more nature-based practices and spaciousness. There will be time spent outdoors in short, accessible ways, in the garden or in the land around St Drostan’s which offers open views, places to pause, welcoming paths, and wildlife. There is always permission to do less.
As the day softens into evening, supper is shared, conversation flows, and the pace naturally slows. We come together again for gentle practice and, if weather allows, gather around the fire outdoors with drumming, storytelling, song or simple ritual - or indoors by fire and candlelight.
Nights are for rest. Glen Esk holds a deep quiet, and many people notice how quickly their bodies begin to settle into the peace of the land.
PRACTICAL NOTES
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Arrival on Thursday 21 May from 5:00pm
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Retreat ends Sunday 24 May at 11:30 am
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Single-occupancy rooms are provided for all participants
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This is a simple, community-style retreat setting - St Drostan’s is not a hotel. Meals are shared, and light support roles are part of the retreat rhythm
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Travel is the participant’s responsibility
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Full directions and practical details will be shared closer to the date
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A short registration form will be sent after booking to gather essential details including dietary requirements and accessibility needs
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The retreat will go ahead with a minimum of 6 bookings and is limited to a maximum of 12 participants to maintain an intimate, held group
This retreat is held by Andrea Lawrie, a certified shamanic practitioner and teacher who enjoys bringing people together to slow down, relax, and spend time in nature in good company.
Andrea’s work weaves shamanic practice with a background in women’s health and education, creating grounded, welcoming spaces where people can rest, connect, explore something new, and return home feeling refreshed, supported, and more at ease in themselves and the natural world.