Highlights
I think that’s what feels so cool about what you do. You don’t just give people answers or tell them what they should do. You help people reconnect with the part of themselves that might have got a little lost on their journey. That’s a really beautiful gift and I feel very lucky to have experienced it. LC
My counsellor recommended a retreat for me and she found Hayley, knowing I love wild swimming and walking. What she couldn’t predict was just how amazing a healer Hayley is. RB
Hayley made the whole experience for me, we were able to have deep and meaningful conversations but equally we laughed out loud together, something I hadn’t done for a while. TB
If you’re in the middle of a difficult chapter and need space to reset without pretence, I can’t recommend this enough! TN
I came away from the experience smiling, full of food and a sense of self worth, something I’ve not felt in a long time. Thank you Hayley. AW
What a wonderful treat!! From the minute we got there we felt like we were visiting a friend! KM
We learnt a lot about how strong we were. I now have the wild swim bug and will remember this weekend for ever. Thank you Hayley. CW
Hayley is such a calm, kind person, and she looked after us so well. We felt truly nourished – mind, body and soul. JR
I couldn’t recommend a retreat with Hayley highly enough. She’ll look after you and nothing is too much trouble for her. We came away feeling relaxed and refreshed! KM
Hayley was so calm and accommodating. Her house is a truly relaxing space. She was in tune in everything we wanted to eat and do. CW
It was perfect from beginning to end. JR
Putting myself first for once, by booking this retreat, was an enormous accomplishment for me. Having a safe place in which to speak and listen was so positive. LD
It was a perfect time from a perfect hostess in a lovely area. FW
This was my first solo retreat and I loved every minute. Hayley is such a warm and welcoming person and her home is such a comfortable space. LT
Hayley is an amazing cook and I felt nourished not only in my body with her gorgeous food but also in my mind and soul with our talks and outdoor therapy time. LT
From the moment Hayley opened the door on my arrival with a big smile and warm welcome to the final farewell I felt totally safe, accepted, seen, heard and supported. KH
Hayley has created a beautiful, peaceful, welcoming environment, spotlessly clean but full of soul and heart and my stay truly felt like a home from home. KH
I haven’t smiled and laughed so much for quite a while so all that is left to say is Hayley – a BIG THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. KH
Hayley definitely has some special withcraft in her toolbag! RB
I have had a difficult mental health history for nigh on 40 years. I have had a lot of different counselling and therapy over the years but nothing has got to the depths and created the healing response that I got with Hayley. RB
If you’re stuck, grieving or just don’t know where to turn, turn to Hayley. She’ll soon set you on the best path. RB
I chose this retreat as I wanted time and space to explore a difficult period in my life and it did not disappoint! LC
Sandy B
Loved, loved, loved being with Hayley on my 3 day retreat.
So happy the universe brought me to this lovely, understanding, fun, encouraging, warm woman to share time with.
Life changing.
I felt so comfortable from the moment I arrived and ran into her beautiful home for a wee!
Hayley’s home is such a warm, welcoming, safe space and spotlessly clean, something I really appreciate and need, with my ADHD!
I could be myself and totally authentic, silly and expressive with Hayley.
I felt seen, heard and supported.
We shared some great belly laughs.
My inner girl loved it all too.
I arrived a stranger and left with a new soul sister.
I’ll be back.
Big hugs, thanks and much love Hayley xx
Now “go do a spreadsheet girl!”
April W
I have just spent 3 lovely days with Hayley on her retreat. I’m in my mid 60s and was struggling with several situations in my life. I came across Hayley’s retreat and felt drawn to the idea of wild swimming and walking.
Hayley is a lady who is welcoming, caring, kind, intuitive and has a wonderful spark to her. Her home is tasteful and extremely comfortable.
Hayley really listens, We spent time chatting and talking, a very safe space.
The days are organised and led by Hayley but at every stage you are involved and at every stage if you don’t feel comfortable it can be changed, no pressure whatsoever but strange as it seems, having no pressure actually gives you choices and it was interesting how I pushed myself. I felt super safe with all we did and was so proud of myself overcoming my fear of swimming in the sea after a scary experience a couple of years ago.
You will not go hungry! Hayley’s Food is all home cooked and you will definitely not be disappointed, very tasty.
The Northumberland coast line is so beautiful and inland is beautiful. I loved the beaches and I loved the countryside, a real flavour of nature, both different experiences but both that fill you with upliftment and fresh air.
I came away from the experience smiling, full of food and a sense of self worth, something I’ve not felt in a long time.
Thank you Hayley x
Tracy B
I chose this retreat because I wanted to explore other ways of unlocking blocked emotions and deepening my connection to self. The host seemed genuine and relatable, it was a women’s only retreat which was important to me, the accommodation looked lovely and the rural location and planned activities appealed to me. When I arrived it was everything I was hoping for and I was so glad I went!
I was able to step a bit further out of my comfort zone and begin to access parts of self which I have been shut off from for a long time.
Hayley is a wonderful host. Her home is beautiful with a wonderful calming space upstairs dedicated for guests if they want to unwind and relax. The food is nourishing and delicious and the location is stunningly beautiful.
Laura C
I chose this retreat as I wanted time and space to explore a difficult period in my life and it did not disappoint! Hayley hosted with care and kindness and nothing was too much for her!
I did things outside my comfort zone and discovered parts of me that had been a little lost.
Defo book you won’t be disappointed in the views, experience or Hayley’s hosting!
Karen M
What can I say! My friend and I have spent 3 nights at Hayley’s, what a wonderful treat!! From the minute we got there we felt like we were visiting a friend!
The house and rooms are spotless and very comfortable. The food was all home cooked, healthy and delicious. Hayley chatted to us and was interested in our lives, she spent time getting to know us and also sharing her story too. It was all very relaxed.
We went swimming in waterfalls and the sea, walked a little bit, ate delicious ice cream and soaked up the sun.
We were involved in all decisions about where to visit so it really felt the weekend was tailor made for us.
I couldn’t recommend a retreat with Hayley highly enough. She’ll look after you and nothing is too much trouble for her. We came away feeling relaxed and refreshed!
Invest in yourself, you’re worth it!
Clare W
I decided that as a treat for turning 50 I would like to wild swim. My friend Jo and I decided Hayley’s retreat sounded perfect, and it was.
Hayley was so calm and accommodating. Her house is a truly relaxing space. She was in tune in everything we wanted to eat and do. The food was so wholesome. The walks and swims were so well planned and a joy to take part in.
We learnt a lot about how strong we were. I now have the wild swim bug and will remember this weekend for ever. Thank you Hayley
Jo R
My friend and I attended a 3 day/2 night retreat focusing on cold water immersion/swimming.
It was perfect from beginning to end, with everything perfectly planned – we hiked to a remote waterfall, and swam in the sea too.
Hayley is such a calm, kind person, and she looked after us so well. We felt truly nourished – mind, body and soul.
We had excellent home cooked nourishing food, good company, and amazing hospitality. Hayley’s home is beautiful – relaxing, calm, and spotlessly clean.
She shared her passion for cold water swimming with us, and inspired and encouraged us to get out of our comfort zones. We shared lots of stories, and had a lot of giggles too.
Thanks so much Hayley, we left feeling like we had made a new friend.
Claudia S
The reason for choosing this retreat was that I wanted to ‘get away’ by myself and do something I like with someone who is situated outside my usual life. I also wanted to explore cold swimming and found Hayley’s offer of one-to-one attention very intriguing.
I truly enjoyed my experience:
- Hayley is an interesting and open person who can draw on many life experiences. She has a beautiful home and the accommodation is spotless. She is well organised and a very knowledgeable guide. We drove and walked through different parts of Northumberland and Cumbria and swam in river pools and the sea – always beautiful and off the beaten track. Food was lovely too – home-cooked, hearty and healthy.
- During the retreat, I went swimming in cold water (and felt safe throughout), disconnected from my routines and mindfully engaged with what Hayley made possible and pointed out to me, during our outings but also in conversation. I felt very positive and energised after the days I spent away.
- Having Hayley as a companion worked very well for me. She really looked after me, and I liked it that her retreat is very personal, individual, sustainable, and close to the countryside and its people.
- Hayley is very attentive and flexible, but this type of retreat may be less suited for someone who prefers a group setting or a more resort-like feel.
Lesli D
I had been stuck with deeply embedded negative feelings toward my ability to allow myself to move forward with my emotional healing.
I was attracted to this retreat because it offered a chance for me to challenge myself both physically and emotionally in a safe, one on one, space.
The daily walks/hikes were a wonderful way to revisit and process what had been revealed during the one on one chats with Hayley. The hike to the waterfall for a bracing Autumn swim was so affirming for me. It pushed me physically to a place I had forgotten, a place where I felt so alive and proud of myself.
Putting myself first for once, by booking this retreat, was an enormous accomplishment for me. Having a safe place in which to speak and listen was so positive. Hayley shared her heart and her home as if we were old friends, making opening up unfold organically.
Fay W
I went along with a friend to stay at Hayley’s for one night. I have to say Hayley was an awesome hostess. From the get go she made us feel welcome. She is a good listener and is very astute and knowledgeable. Her home is not only immaculately clean but she has a great eye for designing her own place, loved it. The walks were awesome and on each walk she made sure we were safe when cars passed us by. The conversations flowed and with the conversations Hayley always had a big smile on her face. The food was delicous and plenty of it. It was a perfect time from a perfect hostess in a lovely area. Thank you Hayley we are truely grateful.
Lyndzy T
This was my first solo retreat and I loved every minute. Hayley is such a warm and welcoming person and her home is such a comfortable space. I find it really hard not to always be the carer but being away from home and all my responsibilities allowed me to thoroughly let go and be cared for. Hayley is an amazing cook and I felt nourished not only in my body with her gorgeous food but also in my mind and soul with our talks and outdoor therapy time. The location is amazing and every trip out showed me how stunning the Northumberland coastline was. I genuinely feel like I have made a new friend (or maybe 2 including the little feline visitor).
Karen H
I have just returned from a truly magical wild swimming retreat with Hayley. From the moment Hayley opened the door on my arrival with a big smile and warm welcome to the final farewell I felt totally safe, accepted, seen, heard and supported. This along with Hayley’s caring nature, calmness and sense of humour helped me to feel so relaxed that I started to get back in touch with my long forgotten ‘free spirited self’ from the offset and throughout the rest of the retreat.
I can honestly say I enjoyed every moment of the retreat and whilst Hayley’s hosting skills are second to none, her professionalism and knowledge around her skill sets and the local area was also evident during our planned activities which, included some cold water swimming in the sea and river and walking, all of which were tailored around my current abilities, strengths and weaknesses.
Hayley has created a beautiful, peaceful, welcoming environment, spotlessly clean but full of soul and heart and my stay truly felt like a home from home. Hayley is an amazing cook and I enjoyed being spoilt with her home made nutrious food.
When I booked my retreat I was initally hoping to re-gain some confidence at getting back into cold water swimming after a couple of years of not doing any and as I have also had limited social interaction over the past few years I thought that a 1:1 retreat may work better for me. However, just through my casual chats with Hayley what I gained was so much more. Hayley showed a genuine interest in finding our more about me and is a great listener who was happy to share any thoughts/ideas which may help me with my self-care moving forwards, not in an intrusive way but much more of an intuitive and encouraging way as a good friend would do.
I feel this was the retreat I needed at this time in my life combining practical interaction with the healing power of nature and the outdoors in a safe and supported way whilst having the time to rest, relax and contemplate in a safe and supported environment.
Hayley’s offer for 1:1 retreats for women (in this field) is, I believe, truly unique and I am so grateful that I was able to experience a retreat for myself. I haven’t smiled and laughed so much for quite a while so all that is left to say is Hayley – a BIG THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
Tarang N
What can I say – I really needed this retreat! I was in a place in life where I just wanted to get away from everything and everyone and process things – so I chose this retreat with Hayley, who is a very warm and kind person! Choosing a 1:1 rather than a group setting was exactly right for me — as I could just be. I could just be myself, rant, and just be taken care of by Hayley!
Hayley made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. Her home is warm, spotless, full of character and genuinely relaxing, and I never felt like a guest being “hosted” so much as someone being properly looked after. Hayley took me on some very stunning drives in Northumberland. We walked and swam, and had some nice conversations. Each swim in cold water felt like proof I could handle discomfort and come out the other side, which, given the year I’ve had, was exactly the reminder I needed.
Hayley is a great listener — she listens properly, and shares enough of her own story that it never feels one-sided. Our drives and walks were mostly me ranting and I was never interrupted, at the right moment Hayley asked thoughtful questions and it was nice to just get everything off my chest. Hayley is also a very good cook! All the meals are very hearty and wholesome.
If you’re in the middle of a difficult chapter and need space to reset without pretence, I can’t recommend this enough!
Trish B
I felt I needed someone I could talk out loud to, who might understand my struggles and I wanted to be able to connect to the part of me that loves being outside with nature. Hayley was authentic welcoming and a pleasure to be with, which helped me be myself and embrace the days events. Hayley made the whole experience for me, we were able to have deep and meaningful conversations but equally we laughed out loud together something I hadn’t done for a while.
I was encouraged to push myself which I chose to embrace as I wanted the full experience and Hayley offered reassurance to try different things without force. I totally felt welcomed into her beautiful home and I was served healthy delicious meals where she was very accommodating to my dietary needs without any qualms to my requests.
I was stuck, lost and blocked both in my work life and my focus on life.
The retreat helped me face physical challenges head on which included swimming in the sea something I hadn’t done for at least 35+ years. I came away feeling anything is possible and what have I got to lose facing my fears head on!
I have been able to put things in place to face some of my own personal dreams that I didn’t even know were in my subconscious.
After attending the retreat I feel connected to myself again, and I have been able to reset, I left with a much calmer mind having given myself space just for me.
If your thinking about it just book – what are you waiting for..
Rachel B
My counsellor recommended a retreat for me and she found Hayley, knowing I love wild swimming and walking. What she couldn’t predict was just how amazing a healer Hayley is.
At 68, I arrived thoroughly immersed in grief after many losses and unable to see a future that looked attractive I thought Id spend 2 days saying “woe is me” but that formed just the beginning as Hayley listened attentively to my story.
She recognised abuse that I was making excuses for and encouraged me to express my anger at being so mistreated. That was hard to do but very liberating. And, although we swung back to it a few times, the rest of the retreat was really about building my self esteem and faith in the future.
The effect seemed miraculous and Hayley definitely has some special withcraft in her toolbag!
I followed up the 2 day retreat with 2 half-hour Zoom calls which helped me focus even more on my future. I then finished off with another 2 hours wild retreat about a month later to consolidate my new thinking.
I have had a difficult mental health history for nigh on 40 years. I have had a lot of different counselling and therapy over the years but nothing has got to the depths and created the healing response that I got with Hayley. And it was fun! And beautiful too, enjoying the coast and hills of Northumberland.
Hayley is exceptional. Kind, funny, compassionate, knowledgeable, safe…the list goes on as other reviews mention.
If you’re stuck, grieving or just don’t know where to turn, turn to Hayley. She’ll soon set you on the best path. As for me, Im going to make a refresher an annual event!
Helen D
I wanted to to talk through and think about how to transition after a series of significant bereavements and retirement.
I chose this retreat because I wanted the concentrated time that a one to one experience would provide and was also very drawn to the idea of physically challenging myself at the same time. Hayley helped me to realize things I have not thought about and was a very experienced hiking and wild swimming guide. Her home was cosy and comfortable and the food delicious and nutritious.
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