Celtic Christian Retreats & Pilgrimages

An introduction to Celtic Christianity -

Possible Locations by arrangement:

Argyll (west coast of Scotland) for 3 days

Isle of Arran for 4 days

Argyll, Mull and Iona for 5 days

When Irish monks met Pictish Warriors, go to this link

Next group: 2-6 October, 2024 - 5 days Argyll, Mull & Iona pilgrimage.

2025: 14th - 18th June - Argyll, Mull & Iona.

These retreats introduce the origins of Christianity throughout Britain from 5th to 9th Centuries, told through the narrative of the trail-blazers. Most of the insight sessions and guided meditations take place out of doors, visiting the Scottish sites associated with the early saints. Reference will be made to the pagan context to help understand how Christianity broke into the warrior societies of our ancient past.

The manner of their gentle witness is shared through a series of poems and prayers, helping us to connect with an ancient spirituality. This is a sensory journey that draws on creation as a starting point for wonder and worship.

A minibus will collect participants from either Edinburgh or Glasgow and is used daily for getting around.

The ‘Dates & Offers’ tab will direct to forthcoming retreats, length and cost, or just enquire.

‘A Place of Springs’

- Seeking Spiritual Rest & Refreshment -

A 4-day retreat based on Scotland’s stunning west coast, taking in historical sites to better understand the early Celtic period. The retreat is aimed to provide rest and give a fresh perspective through reflection and vision. This is an opportunity to rediscover the natural ebb and flow of our lives that we may be better adjusted to serve coming from a place of rest and revelation.

Inspiration is drawn from Celtic prayers and poems and in engaging with the natural world to retrieve balance. The rhythm the early Celtic saints followed ensured time to draw aside to enable renewed encounter. This provides a much needed model of inspiration and service for sustainable and effective service.

‘Pursuing the heart of God’

- intimacy & perseverance -

A 4-day retreat looking at how the early Celtic saints deepened their faith to become vibrant to engage with the pagan world of the warrior Picts. This will appeal to those looking for a space to consider challenges. We will be looking at Patrick’s writings, which if you’ve never encountered before, will be a fascinating discovery of how a slave boy transcends his sufferings to find God and boldly meet kings and druids.

This is an active workshop, applying principles to our life situation, with reflection and prayer to prepare afresh to meet our challenges. Just as our subject is about pursuing and persevering, this retreat will appeal to those with a reasonable fitness to partake in a ‘Mountain Meditation’ as we summit a hill. However, there is the option of having a reflective day down in the glen if climbing a hill doesn’t appeal.

This retreat is based in the Grampian region of Eastern Scotland, close to early Pictish sites. We welcome individuals, couples, families or ready-made groups.

Please see ‘Dates’ for more details and prices, or enquire if nothing is listed.

Interested in when Irish monks met Pictish warriors?

Click here

Leave me alone with God

As much as may be,

As the tide draws the waters

Close in upon the shore,

Make me an island, set apart,

Alone with you, God, holy to you.

Then with the turning of the tide,

Prepare me to carry your presence

To the busy world beyond,

The world that rushes in on me,

Till the waters come again

And fold me back to you.

[From ‘Celtic Daily Prayer’]