Group Forest Bathing

Group Forest Bathing at Hill Farm is a one-day wellness retreat in Tintern, Wales, for anyone who wants to slow down among trees and be introduced to Shinrin Yoku, the practice of forest bathing. It is run by Forest Retreats as a day eco-retreat, and it combines a yoga session with time spent quietly in the woodland at Hill Farm.

The day is an invitation to step away from the usual pace and nurture your wellbeing in nature. Forest Retreats, founded by retreat host Hayley Court, runs its programme from this farm in the Wye Valley.

What to Expect

The day brings together two things: a yoga session and an introduction to Shinrin Yoku in the woodlands at Hill Farm. Forest bathing is not a hike or a fitness walk. It is a slow, unhurried way of being among trees, paying attention to what is around you and letting the surroundings do their quiet work.

A guest who took part in a Shinrin Yoku experience at Hill Farm described spending hours immersed in the forest, led gently to connect with nature, and said the day would have been just as enjoyable in the rain. Her words for the guide were knowledgeable and insightful, and she came away thoroughly relaxed. Her point was that this is a guided experience rather than simply a walk in the woods.

About Hayley Court

Hayley Court established Forest Retreats in 2015 and has been running yoga and wellbeing retreats for around ten years. She is an advanced yoga teacher and holistic therapist, and her retreats have been recommended by The Guardian, which has included Forest Retreats among its top wellbeing retreats in the UK. Guests often describe her as technically skilled yet kind and helpful, and many return to the farm again and again.

The Setting

Hill Farm sits in Tintern, on the Welsh side of the Wye Valley. It is a picturesque 12 acre woodland with views of the River Wye and Tintern Abbey. One guest noted that the farm is about 45 minutes from Bristol on a good run, and described the drive up through the countryside as a treat in itself.

The farm is known for its peaceful atmosphere, and past guests speak warmly of the hosts, who welcome people in a friendly, relaxed way. Other retreats at Hill Farm make use of a wood fired eco spa and a yurt, though this day centres on the woodland, the yoga and the forest bathing.

Before You Go

Nothing in the day calls for previous experience of yoga or forest bathing, since the session is an introduction to Shinrin Yoku. As the time is spent outdoors in woodland, it makes sense to dress for the weather and for walking on natural ground. Guests have come alone, as couples and even with a dog, and have found the setting welcoming.