Rhymer’s Retreat: A Mythic Camping Weekend Exploring Nature & Scottish Lore

Thomas the Rhymer: poet, bard, and seer. Thomas the Rhymer lived in 13th Century Earlston (in the Scottish Borders), but it can be said that his spirit is as alive now as it has ever been. Legend has it that whilst he was admiring a hawthorn tree he was taken away for seven years by the Faery Queen and gifted with the apple of truth.When he returned to his community he had the gift of prophecy, straddling the realm of faerie as well as becoming a wisdom keeper in this world.

Rhymer’s Retreat will run over 3-nights, focussing upon the simplicity of nature-connection and local legend. It will be held in Abbey Wood: a secluded wild space owned by Buddhist charity Tariki Trust, used only for eco-therapy activities. This hidden corner of Earlston is just a short walk from Thomas the Rhymer’s ancient tower abode, a majestic ruin hidden in plain sight on the A68.

During this long weekend we will gather around an open fire and delve deeply into one of Scotland’s most enchanting legends. We will take the story to the trees, connecting with the beautiful Scottish Borders through the lens of its ancient lore. We will connect with Nature and the faeries, visiting key places where Thomas was said to have been, such as the River Leader, his tower home, and – according to legend – the very spot where he was taken away to Fairyland by the queen of the fae.

This is a camping retreat and we ask that you bring your own tent with you, along with appropriate camping gear to keep yourself comfortable and warm. We go back to basics; we meditate together, cook together and share stories around the fire (bring your wisdom with you!). Abbey Wood has no electricity or running water, but all that you need will be provided. Simplicity, nature and magic await on Rhymer’s Retreat. 

Please note that spaces are limited to 10 campers only, so please be quick to book your space. If you have any questions about the retreat, feel free to email stephen@naturetherapyonline.net 

This event is brought to you by storytelling eco-therapist Stephen McCabe of Green Temple Therapy, in partnership with archaeo-therapist and eco-therapist Harriet Sams of Nwyfre Earth. 

Times, location, food and practical information

Location: Abbey Wood, Earlston, Scottish Borders. (Exact location given after booking). Earlston is in the heart of the Scottish Borders: a rural, sparsely populated area that is rich with gorgeous rivers, rolling green hills and enchanting folklore.

Important Accessibility Information. During the retreat we will be walking in muddy, uphill terrain. An average level of fitness is required. Unfortunately, Abbey Wood and the surrounding area is not accessible for wheelchair users or those with other physical disabilities where walking uphill is not possible, as the woods is up a steep stony track and the camping area is wild. However, if you have another condition or illness and you are not sure if it will affect your ability to engage with the retreat, please email Stephen to discuss this and we will do everything we can to accommodate (within the obvious limitations of the spaces we are using). Email stephen@naturetherapyonline.net 

Times: Arrival is between 3pm - 5.30pm on Friday 3rd July or by arrangement. The retreat ends around 11am on Monday 6th July. We ask people to come and stay for the entire retreat, from Friday evening to Monday morning, in order to get the most out of the group experience.

Getting to Earlston: We encourage the use of public transport where possible. The small town of Earlston can be reached by taking the 51 bus from Edinburgh, and we are offering free pick ups from the town centre. The bus takes around 90 minutes and you can find the timetable here. (We provide more details after booking.)

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (all vegan) will be provided as part of your fee. If you have any food allergies, you can let us know after booking and we will do our best to accommodate this. Please note that this is not glamping and we will work together a team to prepare food as our ancestors did. A rota for preparing meals will be created which everyone is asked to contribute to.

Camping: This retreat comprises three nights of wild camping in a small woodland. There are activities planned from morning until evening, with plenty of time between activities for some silent, solo reflection time of your own. Abbey Wood is a small woodlands of between 2-3 acres and you will need to bring your own (1-2 person) tent. This is a truly wild camping experience with no electricity or running water. We have a composting toilet, rainwater for basic washing, and obviously there is plenty of drinking water, but luxuries don’t extend much further beyond this, so please be prepared for no showers! We will send you information before the retreat starts detailing everything that you need to bring with you.

Refunds are possible up until thirty days before the event. Regrettably, for organisational reasons (unless in extreme circumstances) we are not able to provide refunds within 30 days before the event begins, as we need to know exact numbers to make appropriate plans.