Group Forest Bathing, Hill Farm Tintern

Group Forest Bathing is a one-day wellness retreat in the woodlands of Hill Farm, Tintern, with Forest Retreats. It pairs a yoga session with an introduction to Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, and suits anyone who wants to slow down and spend a day among trees without a demanding programme. It is hosted by Hayley Court, yoga teacher and holistic therapist, in the Wye Valley on the Welsh border.

What to Expect

The day is described as an eco-retreat, a chance to step out of ordinary pace and nurture your wellbeing in nature. You begin with a yoga session, then move into the woods for an introduction to forest bathing. Shinrin Yoku is not a hike. It is a slow, quiet way of being among trees, using the senses to settle into the surroundings rather than cover distance.

One past forest bathing guest described spending hours immersed in the forest, led quietly to connect with nature. She noted that the day would have been just as enjoyable in the rain, and that having a knowledgeable, insightful guide made it a different experience from an ordinary walk in the woods. She left thoroughly relaxed.

About Hayley Court

Hayley Court founded Forest Retreats in 2015 and has been running yoga and wellbeing retreats for ten years. She is an advanced yoga teacher and holistic therapist. Her retreats have been recommended by The Guardian on four separate occasions, and one of her weekend retreats is named among the publication's top 10 wellbeing retreats in the UK. Guests often describe her teaching as technically skilled yet kind and helpful, and her yoga sessions as well pitched for all abilities, with a good balance between movement and relaxation. Many guests return again and again.

The Setting

Hill Farm is a twelve-acre woodland near Tintern, with views over the Wye Valley river and Tintern Abbey. Guests have called it idyllic and peaceful. It is about 45 minutes from Bristol on a good run, and the drive up through the countryside is, in one guest's words, a treat in itself.

The farm has a yoga studio equipped with mats, blocks and straps, with patio doors looking out over the surrounding countryside. Forest Retreats also offers a wood fired eco spa on other retreats, and its longer stays are known for good food from Sam, who cooks for guests.

Before You Go

The day is open to people of different abilities, and no previous experience of yoga or forest bathing is needed to take part. Wear clothes and footwear you are comfortable in outdoors, since the time among the trees is part of the day whatever the weather. Dogs have been welcomed on private forest bathing sessions here, but check with the hosts before bringing one to a group day.