SEEKING ARIANRHOD: A WOMEN’S RETREAT
Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th March 2023
At Trigonos, Plas Baladeulyn, Nantlle, North Wales LL54 6BW
Quest for Arianrhod amid mountain, sea and lake, with storytellers Cath Little and Claire Mace.
Reclaim women’s power, voices, and connection with earth
Find sanctuary both through stories and within ourselves
Talk, walk, share, listen, and reweave our own stories in a safe space
Arianrhod is a powerful figure in ancient Welsh mythology, mentioned both in the Mabinogi and the Trioedd Ynys Prydein (Bardic triads).
We will seek her in the stars, in the sea, on the land she walked, in the mysteries of nature and water, and through the old stories of goddesses that brought our world into being.
The power of traditional stories is that they carry many layers of meaning that resonate differently for different people, and open doorways to discussion, understanding, insight, healing, and finding our place in this world as women.
Here’s what Cath and Claire are planning for you (subject to the weather goddesses):
- Hear and explore Arianrhod’s story from a feminist perspective
- Visit the shores of Dinas Dinlle and look out towards the offshore tidal reef of Caer Arianrhod
- Co-create a shared evening of stories, songs and poems around the fire
- Walk and explore this ancient, mystical land
- Gentle yoga and movement in the morning
- Take a dip in the lake or sea (if you enjoy cold water!)
Everything is optional, if what you need to do is rest, you are very welcome to do so.
Join us!
Currently we don’t have any more space for people to stay on site, but we are hoping to book a couple more rooms.If you are keen to come and want to join a waitlist to find out if a spot becomes available, email Claire: info@northwalesretreats.com
We do have space for people to join as non-residential participants, if you can stay at home or arrange yourself other accommodation nearby.
NON-RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE ROOM – SOLD OUT
SHARED TWIN ROOM (per Person) – SOLD OUT
ABOUT TRIGONOS
One of North Wales’ foremost retreat venues, the clean and comfortable environment at Trigonos is conducive to giving you permission to deeply rest, relax and unwind.
The Trigonos site has a beautifully tranquil stream running through the grounds, with woodlands and lawns to explore, and situated on the edge of the Nantlle lake, surrounded by the epic splendour of the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia).
Accommodation for this retreat will be in single, twin or double ensuite rooms in the historic Plas Baladeulyn house.
Trigonos’ chefs are legendary: the vegetarian food is always inspiring and nourishing.
ABOUT CATH AND CLAIRE
Cardiff Storyteller and Singer Cath Little is based in Cardiff. She has ‘rough magic’ in her voice, and in her words the gift of the story comes through.
She has a strong belief in the power of stories to connect us to one another, to the land, and to the people who once lived here.
She tells traditional stories from her Irish English heritage and her Welsh homeland, including re-imagining and retelling stories from The Mabinogi.
Cath helps run the Cardiff Storytelling Circle and curates their seasonal concerts, Tales for the Turning Year.
She tells and listens to stories at Oasis, a Cardiff Charity which offers a warm Welsh welcome to refugees and asylum seekers.
Cath has tolds stories in schools, libraries, museums, castles, cafes, fields, and at festivals across Britain and Ireland. She is the author of Glamorgan Folk Tales for Children.
Yoga teacher, singer and storyteller Claire Mace is based in North Wales. She is deeply moved by the depth of this ancient landscape and the power of nature.
Her gift is in creating safe space for people to become more embodied, through movement, ritual and stories.
She also runs yoga classes, workshops, retreats and teacher trainings that guide students to practice where they are at, working at their edge compassionately, no matter what their age, weight or flexibility.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is this for? For women and those who identify as women, who are drawn to learning more about the ancient goddesses and Arianrhod.
How do I book? If there’s spots available you can book via the orange buttons below. If we are out of spots and you want to join the waitlist in case more rooms become available, contact Claire via the contact page or call 07970 409 724.
Can I just pay a deposit now? Yes, you can pay a 50% deposit on the regular price. The remainder will be due 1 month before the retreat starts.
What’s the address? Trigonos, Nantlle, Gwynedd, LL54 6BW.
How do I get there? If you are coming by public transport, the nearest train station is Bangor (Gwynedd) and we can put you in contact with a local taxi firm (advanced booking essential). If you are driving, there is ample free parking on site.
When should I arrive? You can check in from 4pm on the Friday, and there’s an optional walk on offer at 5pm if the weather is amenable. We’ll all gather to dine together at 7pm. The retreat will end after lunch on the Sunday at around 2pm.
What’s included? Two nights accommodation and all meals from dinner on the Friday to lunch on the Sunday. All retreat activities with Cath and Claire.
What’s not included? Additional nights or meals at Trigonos. Transfers to and from Trigonos.
What are your COVID-19 protocols? As a site, Trigonos are following all the relevant guidelines, with extra cleaning and hygiene measures in place.
What if I can’t come because of COVID? We recommend you have travel insurance to cover you in case you have to cancel due to a positive Covid test, other illnesses, being asked to self-isolate, or being locked down, as we will be unable to refund you. If we have to cancel we will refund you any deposits or money paid to us (minus Stripe fees for anything you paid by bank card).
What to bring?
- Boots and coats for walking outdoors
- An object that is sacred and personal to you to place on the altar
- Your journal or paper and pen
- (optional) Your yoga mat if you want to join in yoga sessions
- (optional) Your swimming costume if you fancy a brave dip into the lake or sea
- (optional) A song, story or poem to share on Saturday night
I have a food allergy, can you cater for me? The kitchen at Trigonos create delicious and healthy vegetarian meals. Please let us know when booking if you have any dietary requirements, allergies or issues we need to know about.
Can I book extra nights before or after the retreat? This will depend if Trigonos has spare capacity. Give them a call direct on 01286 882 388 to check.
Can I swim in the lake? Yes, but it would be at your own risk: neither Trigonos nor North Wales Retreats can accept liability if you go in the lake.
Join us!
Currently we don’t have any more space for people to stay on site, but we are hoping to book a couple more rooms.If you are keen to come and want to join a waitlist to find out if a spot becomes available, email Claire: info@northwalesretreats.com
We do have space for people to join as non-residential participants, if you can stay at home or arrange yourself other accommodation nearby.
NON-RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE ROOM – SOLD OUT
SHARED TWIN ROOM (per Person) – SOLD OUT
