Wild Self Retreat
A three day journey and solo adventure in nature
Reset & Adventure
In the midst of life’s responsibilities and routines, there are moments when we feel the need to step away.
The Wild Self Retreat is a mini-adventure and complete reset away from the noise and distractions of modern life.
Come away with renewed energy, clearer focus and a stronger sense of purpose from this powerful, three-day journey and solo adventure in Dartmoor National Park.
Perhaps you want more…
Space - are you yearning for space to take stock?
Connection - with your purpose, with nature, with yourself?
Clarity - are you unsure of your direction, questioning if you're on the right path or sensing something's missing?
In a world focused on speed and accumulation, this experience invites you to slow down and simplify, and to explore who you are when the distractions fall away.
The centrepiece - a 20hr solo adventure in the wild
At the heart of this journey is a powerful, transformative experience - a 20 hour solo adventure of reflection and fasting in the wild.
Alone with your thoughts, surrounded only by nature. No distractions. No to-do lists. Just you and the questions you've been too busy to ask.
For millennia indigenous people have gone out into nature on solo 'quests' to seek wisdom and clarity from the world around them.
The Wild Self Retreat weaves this ancient pan-cultural practice together with contemporary approaches in a supportive, intimate group setting.
Stunning Location
Your adventure is set in the rugged, untamed beauty of Dartmoor National Park, Devon, surrounded by ancient oak forests and expansive moorlands.
One of the UK's few designated Dark Sky areas, it's a place that strips life back to its essentials, making space for clarity and deep connection - with yourself and with the natural world and its wisdom.
What you will experience
A solo adventure: to strip away the distractions and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
Guided Growth: expert facilitation, plus relaxation and awareness practices like breath work and mindfulness.
Deep Nature Connection: immersive experiences designed to cultivate a renewed connection with the natural world and the wisdom it holds.
Human Connections: thoughtful, facilitated conversations with others who are asking similar questions.
Lasting Impact: pre-retreat coaching and post-retreat integration to ensure lasting results.
What you will leave with
A sense of adventure: rediscover your wild, adventurous side.
Clarity and inspiration: leave knowing what matters most to you, with the mental clutter cleared.
Renewed energy and sense of aliveness
Life Tools: strategies for staying grounded after the experience.
A challenge
This isn’t a luxury experience. It’s a challenge - to face yourself, to sit with discomfort, and to emerge stronger, clearer and more connected than you’ve felt.
You will camp out in the wild, and fast for the 20 hour duration, before returning to ‘base camp’ to process the experience with the group.
Where and When
Location: An ancient oak forest on the edge of Dartmoor, Devon.
Dates: Friday to Sunday (TBD)
“One of the toughest things I ever put myself through... deeply profound and life changing””
Your Guide
Hamish is a wilderness and purpose guide, leadership coach and facilitator, eternally committed to the wisdom and gift of the moment-to-moment experience. He has a varied and international background having served in the armed forces before going into the field of human development.
A perennial student of personal transformation, for the past 12 years he has guided groups and individuals to bring a spirit of adventure into their lives, to look inwardly and honestly and to experience the mutually restorative relationship between land and people.
At the heart of his work are the practices of presence, nature connection and breathwork.
www.hamishmackaylewis.com
Your Host
Toby is host, coach and facilitator of Campfire Circles - intimate peer coaching and personal development groups for CEOs who meet regularly for powerful conversations in beautiful places.
With a masters in Sustainable Development with Forum for the Future, Toby's work has seen him present for the BBC on ethical travel, consult on the sustainable urban planning and then lead his family business, Sawday’s and Canopy & Stars, for 8 years - a leading B Corp and pioneer of ethical business practices before they were mainstream.
He retrained as a coach and facilitator, and now lives in coastal Devon as part of a small co-housing project he set up with friends.
www.campfirecircles.co
“I had the most incredible experience and treasured the gift of spending time with Hamish. His passion for nature; along with his gentle wisdom and deep experience of journeying into wilderness was very inspiring to me. I had not realised that Mother Nature was such a strong healer, teacher and holder.”