'Yesterday was absolutely wonderful – quite literally full of wonder! Thank you so much for leading it with such sensitivity and openness and helping us to see so much we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.' Marianne


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Choose from:

Thurs Oct 8, Thurs Oct 15, Sat Oct 17

12.45pm - 6.30pm, in Winchester, Hampshire.

Booking essential

£25.

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Autumn is an astounding season - it evokes our deeper feelings, stirs the soul and invites profound reflection. That's why I love to get outside and get in to it, to feel its pull again, to breathe its air, to listen for all that it has to teach afresh.

In this half-day walking retreat in Hampshire, we use John Keats’ ode ‘To Autumn’ - which he wrote here in Winchester – for poetic inspiration as we walk, share, pause, listen, and step into a richer kind of space together.

 

We gather on the green of Winchester Cathedral for an afternoon’s walk (of about five miles) which takes in the water meadows where Keats once strolled, the climb to St Catherine’s Hill and its ancient turf labyrinth, and a gentle meander back along the river Itchen in time for evensong at the cathedral.

 

As we go, we'll be as present as we can be (through contemplative practice) to the season, to our surroundings, and to God within it all. We'll share wisdom, walk the labyrinth, make space for silence, stillness and creative response, and above all settle into the gently powerful rhythm of footfall and fellowship.

 

Ode to Autumn is an essential part of the rhythm of my own year. Do join me for this gorgeous opportunity to welcome the season, and to feel its embrace.

 

TO BOOK:

 

Please e-mail briandraperuk@gmail.com to reserve your place for 2026.

First come, first served. I'll e-mail you back to confirm your booking.

 

The suggested donation is £25. Payment instructions will be sent once you book.

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Just Before You Book - A Few Extra Details

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Please only book the Saturday if you cannot make a weekday, so that people who work in the week can come too!

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While most of the walk is quite flat, the ascent of St Catherine's Hill, which is a mix of steps and a chalky path, is relatively steep and strenuous. You don't need to be an Olympian to scale it, but you'll need to be steady on your feet and physically healthy.

 

We're on our feet for most of the afternoon, from 12.45 through to 5ish when we return for evensong at the cathedral. There aren't many benches en route so you might like to bring something to sit on like a light coat or a shooting stick.

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There are toilets close to our meeting point at the cathedral, but none after that until we return to the cathedral at 5pm. Evensong starts at 5.30pm, and tends to finish between 6.10 and 6.30pm.

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While I fully understand if circumstances change suddenly or dramatically, please don't drop out too casually, close to the day. Thanks!

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There is no plan B if the weather isn't good. If the forecast is weather-warning bad, we'll need to cancel. Otherwise, simply dress sensibly - it's usually wonderful to be outside whatever the weather!

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The retreat flows from my contemplative Christian faith. I've found that people of many different backgrounds have enjoyed and benefited from my work, but please be aware that it will contain Christian reflection!

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I'll send you further instructions upon booking, including how to pay, etc.

 

I hope you can join me!

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And remember: please e-mail briandraperuk@gmail.com to reserve your place for 2026.

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