Summer Solstice Retreat Day
Cooling down in the Llyn Padarn, Mandy enjoys the contrast of hot to cold after a spell in the Sauna.
Summer Solstice Retreat Day – A Time to Pause, Breathe, and Soak in the Light
On Sunday, we gathered at Tyddyn Siarl, our cosy cottage retreat in the foothills of Eryri, Snowdonia, for a Summer Solstice Retreat Day filled with connection, nature, movement, and deep rest. The heat of the solstice had passed, leaving us with a cooler, atmospheric day—perfect for slowing down and tuning in.
Slowing down in the studio, preparing body and mind for a series of sun salutations.
We began with tea and tasty bites before moving into our warm studio space overlooking the mountain. Our morning practice with Helen reflected on the solstice energy, grounding the body, settling the nervous system, and awakening the breath. A gently flowing session invited freedom and presence, building slowly towards honouring the light with slowed-down sun salutations.
Mid-morning brought us to the still waters of Llyn Padarn for wild swimming and a group sauna at Sauna Bach. It was a powerful ritual—moving between hot and cold, light and shadow—offering a symbolic letting go and reconnection with nature.
Washing away, cooling, cleansing - a beautiful symbol for the Solstice.
Back at the cottage, we shared a colourful summer feast prepared by Dave, with a standout centrepiece: a retro summer pudding bursting with berries and joy.
The afternoon was slower, with creative prompts from our bespoke Field Guide—doodles, sit spots, sensory awareness, and mindful tea-drinking in our grat-tea-tude practice. Guests chose their own blend, brewed slowly and sipped in stillness.
Putting some of our Field Guide prompts into practice.
We closed the day with a deeply restorative yoga session: Helen guided gentle breath-led movement towards long-held postures, supportive props, and space to completely let go. A soft landing to carry us into the rest of the summer season.
Dave shares what’s in the Summer feast with our retreaters.
Huge thanks to our guests and to our retreat sponsors:
🌿 Woodspring Co for the divine ‘Wilderness’ scent
☕ Valley & Peak for their brilliant coffee bags
🍵 The Tea Pot Company, Marple, for our loose-leaf summer hibiscus tea
We’d love to welcome you in 2025 or beyond—events are booking now into 2026!
