Part of the growing “Finding God in Eden” series, this one-day walking retreat offers an opportunity to encounter God through nature, guided prayer and mindful reflection. Led by Sarah Young of the Jesuit Institute, the day combines walking, silence, conversation and Ignatian spirituality in the peaceful landscapes of Cumbria.
The workshops were first launched in 2025 and have since expanded following positive feedback from participants. This year’s programme includes walks of varying lengths to make the experience accessible to a wide range of people and abilities.
Sarah Young explains that the inspiration for the retreats came from her own experience of prayer in the Cumbrian countryside and her desire to create “a mini-pilgrimage shared with others who also love the outdoors.”
Throughout the day, participants will be invited to slow down, listen attentively, and discover how God may be speaking through creation, conversation and silence. The retreat draws on the Ignatian tradition of “finding God in all things” and offers a welcoming space for anyone seeking spiritual renewal in the outdoors.
The June retreat takes place on Saturday 7 June 2026 and is hosted in the Eden Valley near Askham. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and suitable clothing for walking outdoors.
To find out more or book a place, visit the Jesuit Institute events page, or you can go straight to the booking form.
