Group Forest Bathing

Group Forest Bathing is a one-day wellness retreat in the woodlands of Hill Farm, Tintern, run by Forest Retreats. It suits anyone who wants a slower day in nature: a yoga session and an introduction to Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, among the trees above the Wye Valley. The day is hosted by Hayley Court, an experienced yoga teacher and holistic therapist, in a setting of woodland, river views and quiet.

What to Expect

The day is built around two things: yoga and an introduction to Shinrin Yoku. Forest bathing is not a hike or a workout. It is the practice of being unhurried among trees, letting the senses settle and noticing the woodland around you. The aim is to step away from the pace of ordinary life and nurture your wellbeing in a peaceful place.

A past guest who took a Shinrin Yoku experience at Hill Farm described spending hours immersed in the forest, led quietly to connect with nature by a knowledgeable and insightful guide named Tom. They found it worked just as well as a walk in the woods would, with the difference that the guidance gave it depth. They noted the experience would have been equally enjoyable in the rain, so expect to be outdoors whatever the weather.

About Hayley Court

Hayley Court established Forest Retreats in 2015 and has been running yoga and wellbeing retreats for ten years. She is an advanced yoga teacher and holistic therapist, and her retreats have been recommended by The Guardian, including a place among its top 10 wellbeing retreats in the UK. Guests often describe her as technically skilled yet kind and helpful, and many return for further stays. Her sessions are described as well pitched for all abilities, with a balance between movement and relaxation.

The Setting

Hill Farm sits in Tintern, in a picturesque 12-acre woodland with views of the Wye Valley river and Tintern Abbey. Forest Retreats runs its retreats here as a small eco retreat centre. Guests describe the farm as idyllic, and one notes it is about 45 minutes from Bristol on a good run. Another mentions the drive up through the countryside as a pleasure in itself.

The yoga studio is equipped with mats, blocks and straps, and its patio doors look out over the surrounding countryside. Other days at Hill Farm are known for locally sourced, vegetarian-friendly food, and guests regularly praise the cooking, though the material does not detail meals for this particular day.

Before You Go

Hayley's yoga teaching is described by guests as suitable for all abilities, and the forest bathing introduction is just that, an introduction, so no previous experience of Shinrin Yoku is needed. Since the day is spent outside among the trees, dress for the weather and the woodland. A guest once brought a dog along on a private forest bathing day, but check with the hosts before bringing any animals to the group session.