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Feral Church Retreat with Byron Ballard

Feral Church Retreat with Byron Ballard

$3,995.00 USD
$3,995.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Type of Room

March 16, 2026 - March 22, 2026
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Feral Church Retreat with Byron Ballard

Step beyond the ordinary and into the wild spirit of the sacred with Feral Church, a six-day immersive retreat in the heart of historic Muncaster Castle. Led by the incomparable Byron Ballard, Appalachian folk witch, author, and teacher, this gathering is a deep dive into radical land-based spirituality, resilience, and the power of decentralized sacred practice.

Through storytelling, ritual, and hands-on practice, we will explore what it means to create and sustain a Feral Church, a practice of spiritual connection unbound by walls, institutions, or dogma. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s ancient stones and mystic landscapes, this retreat will weave together history, folklore, and personal gnosis to rekindle our connection to the land and our own spiritual sovereignty.

Expect deep discussions, daily practices, and sacred wanderings through the city and beyond. Whether you are called to build your own Feral Church or simply seek a transformative experience with like-minded souls, this retreat offers the wisdom, tools, and inspiration to walk your own wild path.

Join us for six unforgettable days of magic, community, and reclaiming the sacred...on your own terms.

What You Get:

  • Included

    • 24 hours of in-person instruction by esteemed author, mentor and folklorist Byron Ballard. 
    • Full-time assistance from our tour leaders.
    • 6 nights accommodation in a double occupancy room, with single rooms available for an extra fee.
    • All meals included, as well as table wine for dinner.
    • Ground travel from Edinburgh to Cumbria and back.
    • All excursions and activities listed in the daily programme.

  • Not Included

    • Airfare.
    • Tips and personal expenses.
    • Personal insurances (cancellation, luggage, early departure, etc).
    • Optional activities not listed in the week programme.
    • Everything else which is not clearly specified in the Included list.

Itinerary

March 16: Monday

  • Guests arrive and check into Edinburgh’s Bruntsfield Hotel, in a nice walkable area with a view of the mythic mountain known as King Arthur’s Seat. 
  • 7pm Welcome dinner at The Neighborhood restaurant for a get-to-know-you Opening Meal with your tour guides and mentor, Byron Ballard. After dinner, we have our first deep-dive learning session.

March 17: Tuesday

  • After a hotel breakfast, we check out of the hotel and jump in our private coach south. We head to historic Carlisle where Byron lectures on the history of this area, the Appalachian connection and the Reivers, followed by lunch in Carlisle. This is also your opportunity to purchase any personal UK snacks, drinks or forgotten  toiletries to take with you on the road.

March 18: Wednesday

  • Our own chef Paolo will be on hand making porridge and either omelets or gluten-free crepes for breakfast each morning. After breakfast, we take a long leisurely walk out to the stunning Terrace to soak up the vista of the mountains, followed by class with Byron.
  • We’ll have lunch in the onsite cafe, followed by a guided tour of the Museum and its 800 years of lore. The site features an iron age burial mound and ancient yew tree in the family churchyard, so before the evening meal, Byron leads us in ancestor work among the trees.
  • At 6:30pm we enjoy dinner in the Coachman’s Quarters before settling into the Lounge for the evening session with Byron.

March 19: Thursday

  • Breakfast with Chef Paolo will be followed by a lovely walk through woods to the village of Ravenglass for some lessons in the field with Byron. Once a key port for both Vikings and Romans, it now boasts Roman ruins and several delicious pubs where we can eat lunch.
  • After the meal we will meander back home for an afternoon class, building on everything we have seen and felt today. 
  • Once again we will tuck in at 6:30pm for dinner in the Coachman’s Quarters before settling into our cozy Lounge for the evening class with Byron.

March 20: Friday

  • Chef Paolo will make another bespoke breakfast for everyone before we shuttle down to Ravenglass, for an incredible journey via the renowned narrow-gauge train called the La’al Ratty. We train through the countryside to the village of Eskdale, home of a 500 year-old functional mill. After a leisurely walk to the mill, Byron leads meditation and magic upslope.
  • After a tasty lunch in Eskdale, we will catch the train home, freshen up and enjoy some class time with Byron in the warmth of the Coachman’s Quarters.
  • Our 6:30pm dinner is followed by the evening class with Byron.

March 21: Saturday

  • Breakfast with Chef Paolo is followed by a meditative walk through the Cino-Himalayan Garden to enjoy theSea View spot. Next we enjoy a late morning class with Byron.
  • After lunch in the castle cafe we go to the Hawk and Owl Center for some very special  hands-on Owl encounters. Prior to our evening FINAL FEAST, we have our last class and ritual of the Retreat with Byron. 
  • Our Final Feast will be held in the Castle’s historic formal Dining Room at 7pm, with fine dining presentation, toasts, and entertainment. Fancy, whimsical and witchy dress is optional.

March 22: Sunday

  • It’s off to Edinburgh for the next adventure! After breakfast in the cafe, we check out of the B&B and jump into our private coach to Edinburgh. We drop everyone off at the airport or back at the Bruntsfield. Guests should not book flights departing EDI until after 6pm to allow for coach travel time, airport security etc.

LAWS, WISDOM & CAUTION:

    • Guests MUST get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK. Apply for an ETA at this link - GOV.UK
    • Arrange with your cell phone provider IN ADVANCE to have international phone coverage.
    • It is NOT possible to fill US prescriptions in the UK. Bring any required medications with you!
    • The UK uses different PLUGS, so plan to bring or buy a CONVERTER to charge phones and other personal electronics. 
    • Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate food allergies and preferences and lodging requests. To facilitate that, please complete our Food & Lodgings form ONE MONTH before the tour begins.
    • The hotel and B&B are comfortably modern BUT be aware that UK buildings, terrain, and weather may be different from what you are accustomed to. Guests must be able to safely walk a half mile of gentle terrain as well as climb up and down several flights of stairs.
    • Pack only what you can personally manage. Plan to dress in layers for variable weather and mild winter temperatures, including sun, rain and cold. Good dry walking shoes are a must. Fancy and/ or whimsical clothes for the Feast are optional!
    • Bringing your own car to the Castle as part of a longer vacation? Not a problem. There is plenty of parking. 
    • Bring a journal or sketchbook, and any books you would like Byron to sign.