Imbolc Yoga Retreat
at St Nectan’s Glen

The Cailleach, Brigid and the Returning Light

22nd to 25th January 2027 | £500 | Payment Plans avaiable

A winter-to-spring retreat of yoga,
myth, ritual, sound, rest & re-emergence

As winter begins to soften and the first quiet stirrings of spring rise beneath the earth, this Imbolc retreat invites you into a sacred threshold: the handing over from the Cailleach, ancient winter woman and keeper of the wild, to Brigid, goddess of flame, healing, poetry, renewal and returning light.

Held in the liminal days between deep winter and early spring, this retreat is a space to pause before rushing into the year. Rather than beginning with pressure, resolutions or urgency, we will begin with rest, listening and gentle re-emergence.

We will honour the wisdom of winter, the stillness that has held us, and the ancient stories of the Cailleach before welcoming Brigid’s flame as a guide for what is ready to awaken.

This is Imbolc as initiation.
A quiet return.
A remembering.
A flame lit in the dark.

The Retreat

This retreat is for those who want to begin the year slowly, soulfully and intentionally.

Across the weekend, our yoga practices, workshops, rituals and sound journey will follow the seasonal shift from darkness to light, from dormancy to inspiration, from winter stillness to the first breath of becoming.

We will explore the origin stories and mythic teachings of both goddesses: the Cailleach as the ancient crone of winter, weather, stone and wild places, and Brigid as the bright one, the keeper of the sacred flame, the healer, poet and bringer of Imbolc.

Brigid is also associated with imbas, the illuminated inspiration that rises from deep within. Through movement, breath, story, ritual and reflection, we will listen for the wisdom that has been forming quietly in the dark and tend the small flame of what is ready to return.

St Nectan’s Glen

St Nectan’s Glen is more than a venue.

It is a threshold place.

Hidden within ancient Cornish woodland, the Glen carries the sound of running water, the hush of trees and the feeling of stepping out of ordinary time.

At its heart is the waterfall, long held as a place of pilgrimage, prayer, reflection and deep connection with the land.

For an Imbolc retreat, this setting feels especially potent. The woodland, water and stone hold the energy of the Cailleach, ancient winter woman and keeper of the wild places, while Brigid’s returning flame can be felt in the promise of renewal beneath the surface.

During our time together, the Glen itself becomes part of the practice. We will be held by the elements: water, earth, air, fire and spirit.

We will walk gently with the land, visit the waterfall, listen to the wisdom of the season and allow nature to guide us back into a more intuitive rhythm.

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What to Expect

This will be a nourishing, intimate retreat with space for both depth and rest.

The weekend will include:

2 x daily Goddess-themed yoga practices
Imbolc ritual and seasonal ceremony
Storytelling around the Cailleach, Brigid and the turning of the year
Sound journey and deep rest
Reflection, journaling and soul enquiry
Time in nature and access to St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall
Shared meals and gentle community
Space to rest, soften and re-emerge

The practices will be suitable for mixed levels, with a focus on embodiment, seasonal wisdom, intuitive movement and deep inner listening.

This retreat is held in the space between winter and spring.

It is not about forcing yourself into the new year.
It is not about pushing, striving or becoming someone else.

It is about listening.

Listening to the body.
Listening to the land.
Listening to the old stories.

Listening to the small inner flame that knows the way forward.

Accomdation

Accommodation is in shared rooms at St Nectan’s Glen.

The retreat will initially be held in The Retreat building, which sleeps 9.

If the retreat fills and there is enough interest, there may be the possibility to add St Cleder, allowing the group to grow.

Rooms are shared and simple, held within the peaceful woodland setting of the Glen.

The Retreat

This is the main retreat accommodation and sleeps 9 people.

Ground floor bedroom 1

Ground floor bedroom 2

Upstairs bedroom

Twin room, sleeps 2

Triple room, sleeps 3

Four-bed room, sleeps 4

There are shared bathrooms, a large living room, kitchen and dining space.

The Celders

This can be added if the retreat expands beyond 9 people. It sleeps 6 people.

Upstairs bedroom

Downstairs bedroom 1

Downstairs bedroom 2

Twin room, sleeps 2

St Cleder also has its own lounge, kitchen, bathroom, wet room and conservatory-style galley looking onto the lower garden.

Optional Extra Night

There is an option to stay for an additional night at no extra accommodation cost.

This would extend your stay until Monday 25th January.

Please note: the optional extra night includes accommodation only. There will be no additional retreat activities or food included during the extra night.This may be a lovely option if you would like more time to rest, walk, integrate and enjoy the Glen before travelling home.