What makes a mountain walk, coastal ramble or woodland wander into a ‘pilgrimage’? The answer has to do with our intention. During this week we will seek to be conscious of the Creator’s presence and activity as we undertake our physical journeys. You will be offered ways of praying, reflecting and engaging with nature that will transform your experience into a profound pilgrimage. The walking will be spectacular, but the experience will be deepened by our engagement with God, nature and one another.
Each day there will be the option of a mountain walk (with qualified mountain leader), a gentler coastal or woodland wander, or some activities in the Centre and grounds. The area around Kilmalieu is home to some dramatic hills, including the elegant Glengalmadale Horseshoe with its ‘Corbetts’ of Creach Bheinn and Fuar Bheinn. Lower altitude options are equally spectacular, with walks along the Morvern coastline and in the ancient oak woodlands of the Atlantic Rainforest. Participants will be invited to join morning and evening prayers in the outdoors, using a different habitat each day.
The week will be led by Richard Tiplady and Steve Aisthorpe. Both are experienced mountaineers and retreat leaders who have a love of nature and a passion for helping people to develop spiritual practices and deepen their faith.
The pilgrimage will begin from your own doorstep on Monday 2 June, as you will be sent suggestions to help make your journey to Kilmalieu the first day of your pilgrimage. Likewise, after leaving Kilmalieu on 6 June you will be offered some guidance to ensure that your journey home is an integral part of the experience.
Kilmalieu occupies a stunning position on the shore of Loch Linnhe. It is a renovated eighteenth-century hunting lodge with a mixture of comfortable single, twin and family bedrooms. Some bedrooms are en suite, others have dedicated or shared toilets and showers. Food is home-made and consistently praised for its quality. Guests have access to the chapel, a small library, art room, lounge, sports hall, games room and gym and are free to explore the 3000 acre estate, where otters, dolphins, and an amazing variety of birds, butterflies, lichens, ferns and many other aspects of nature can be enjoyed.
