We couple our retreats with two virtual coaching and mindfulness sessions on Zoom to meet the group beforehand, build confidence, support connection and ease any anxieties.
FRIDAY (arrive from 6pm)
We’ll meet for tea and coffee whilst we settle in with a welcome brief and meet the team. We will then join for dinner with a chance to share our stories. Our catering facilities are limited, but you can expect hearty and home-cooked vegetarian food to fuel up for days of adventure. After dinner we’ll have an introduction to mindfulness to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.
SATURDAY
Hike: Moel y Gamelin, 7.5 miles, 620m of ascent
On Saturday the early risers can take in the serenity with a morning mindfulness session before we head out walking. A lovely circuit that heads into the hills to the North of the Dee. The route starts with a gentle climb up to the summit of Moel y Gamelin. This lovely summit offers stunning views across the Dee valley. On the way we pass through the old mine workings of Berwyn Quarry. From the summit we head back down to the banks of the River Dee picking up part of the Dee Valley Way that takes us past the beautiful Horseshoe Falls before returning to the centre. Throughout the walk, we will keep the pace steady with plenty of opportunities for breaks, one on one conversations with our team and mindful moments.
As the sun sets we’ll return to reflect on our day together with tea and cake. An evening session with wellbeing team, will help us to look inwards, re-discover purpose and build inner resilience.
SUNDAY (approx 4.30pm departure)
Hike: Dinas Bran, 6 miles, 300m of ascent
After breakfast, those with the energy can head for a second walk. We will choose a slightly more steady route to ease those aching limbs following the banks of the River Dee for a short distance before leaving the river making our way up the valley on a mixture of footpaths and back roads. We then join the Offa’s Dyke path for a short section. We then head up and over Dinas Bran, from this vantage point we get stunning views back down to the river as well as across to where we where the day before. We then drop back down to the lovely town of Llangollen where we follow the canal for a short section back to Bryntysilio Hall for reflection and ‘afternoon tea’ before making our farewells approx. 4.30pm and departing, refreshed, recharged and inspired!
Please note our itinerary is subject to change dependent on weather conditions and other factors. All activities are optional, but designed to stretch you within a supportive environment.
Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre, Berwyn, Llangollen, Denbighshire LL20 8BS
Find out more about the accommodation at Bryntysilio Hall here
Accommodation is bunkbed-style dorm rooms with separate bathrooms. We keep our groups limited to 16 participants, this hostel can sleep up to 66 people, so there’ll be plenty of space. With the log burner lit in the lounge on autumn evenings, dinner in the splendid Georgian dining room and large gardens to explore throughout your stay, Bryntysilio is a real escape.