Feral Church Retreat with Byron Ballard

Day 1 – Monday 

Welcome to Edinburgh, where the old stones hum with history and the land whispers its ancient magic. Upon arrival at the airport, our journey begins as we gather and shuttle to our historic hotel, a sanctuary nestled within the heart of this storied city.

After settling in, we come together for a Meet & Greet, forging the first threads of connection that will weave through our time together. As twilight falls, Byron Ballard will lead us in an Opening Ritual, setting our intentions and grounding ourselves in the wild, untamed spirit of the Feral Church.

We end our first evening with a Welcome Dinner, a feast of fellowship and laughter, complete with entertainment to stir the soul and set the stage for the transformative days ahead.

Day 2 – Tuesday 

Our day begins with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, fueling us for the road ahead. We then embark on a scenic journey to historic Carlisle, a place steeped in myth and memory, where we will gather for an immersive class with Byron Ballard, delving deeper into the roots of land-based spirituality and the untamed sacred.

After a refreshing lunch in town, we continue our pilgrimage with a 2-hour shuttle ride to the breathtaking Muncaster Castle, where we will settle into our accommodations within its storied walls. As dusk approaches, Byron will guide us through a powerful Evening Ritual, aligning ourselves with the ancient energies that linger in this mystical place.

We close the night with a hearty dinner in the Coachmen’s Quarters, sharing insights and laughter before taking time to wander the castle gardens, letting the land’s enchantment seep into our bones.

Day 3 – Wednesday

Waking within the ancient embrace of Muncaster Castle, we begin our day with a delightful breakfast in the castle café, savoring the stillness of morning in this historic sanctuary.

The day’s journey of discovery unfolds with a morning class with Byron Ballard, where we deepen our understanding of the Feral Church and its connection to the land, spirits, and those who walked before us. After a lunch on the castle grounds, we step further into the past with a guided tour of Muncaster Castle, unlocking its rich history and lingering mysteries.

The afternoon offers free time to explore, whether wandering through the lush gardens, finding a quiet nook for reflection, or letting the land’s whispers guide your steps. As night falls, we gather once more in the Coachmen’s Quarters for dinner, preparing ourselves for a profound Evening Ancestor Ritual with Byron, calling upon those who came before us to lend their wisdom and presence to our path.

Day 4 – Thursday

The morning begins with a warm breakfast in the castle café, preparing us for a journey through history and landscape. We board a historic train in Ravenglass, winding our way through the breathtaking countryside to the charming village of Eskdale, where the echoes of the past whisper through the hills.

Upon arrival, we gather at the ancient Mill water for a powerful ritual with Byron Ballard, deepening our connection to the land and the sacred flow of time. Afterward, we share a hearty lunch at a traditional English pub, savoring the flavors of the region before our one hour scenic train ride back to Ravenglass.

As twilight settles over Muncaster, we return for dinner in the Coachmen’s Quarters, reflecting on the day’s journey. The evening concludes with an illuminating class with Byron, weaving together wisdom, practice, and the ever-unfolding path of the Feral Church.

Day 5 – Friday

Our day begins with a peaceful breakfast in the castle café, followed by a morning class with Byron Ballard, where we continue to explore the path of the Feral Church, deepening our connection to the land, spirit, and self.

After a leisurely lunch on the castle grounds, we experience the magic of Muncaster’s Birds of Prey & Owls encounters, where these powerful creatures take flight before us, echoing ancient wisdom and reminding us of the unseen forces that guide our journey. The afternoon offers free time to explore the gardens, journal, or soak in the last moments of this storied place.

As evening descends, we come together for a powerful ritual with Byron, honoring the transformations we’ve undergone and the lessons we’ll carry forward. The night culminates in a final grand dinner at Muncaster Castle, complete with entertainment, laughter, and a celebration of the wild-hearted community we have built. Though our time here is drawing to a close, the journey is far from over.

Day 6 – Saturday

Our final day at Muncaster Castle begins with a last breakfast in the castle café, a moment to savor the magic of this place before we check out and journey onward. We travel through time and landscape with a 2-hour scenic shuttle to Hadrian’s Wall and other historic sites, where the echoes of ancient footsteps still linger.

In the wild expanse of this storied land, we gather for a class and ritual in the field with Byron Ballard, embracing the liminal space between past and present, structure and wildness—where the Feral Church thrives.

After a lunch on the road, we return to Edinburgh and check back into our historic hotel, where we settle in for an evening of relaxed farewells and a final dinner in the hotel restaurant. A time for reflection, connection, and honoring the journey we have shared—before we each step forward, carrying the spirit of the Feral Church with us into the world.

 Day 7 – Sunday

As our time together comes to a close, guests will depart at their own pace, catching taxis to the airport and beginning their journey home. Though we part ways, the spirit of the Feral Church travels with us—woven into our hearts, our practices, and the wild, sacred spaces we now see with new eyes.

This is not an ending, but a continuation. May the lessons learned, the connections made, and the magic experienced guide you on your path, wherever it may lead. Until we meet again—walk boldly, live wildly, and keep the fire lit.

Included:

• Full-time assistance during the tour by tour leaders.
• 6 nights accommodation in a double occupancy room, with breakfast and local taxes. Private accommodations are available at additional cost.
• All meals included, as well as table wine for dinner.
• Ground travel from June 30 through July 5. 
• Tours of historic sites by Byron, RenAdventures staff & local guides.
• All 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, which you can book through our tour leader.
• Everything else which is not clearly specified in the “Included” list.

“All our accommodations were top-notch and we traveled in comfort on a private chauffeured mini-bus.”

 – Damaris Wilcox

“My husband and I enjoyed Italy tremendously and would never have been able to plan such a visit so well on our own.”

 – Jeanne Lynch

“Would I go on another tour with RenAdventures? Absolutely—the sooner the better!”

 – Cherie Ferro

“I’d go again every year if I could, and do plan on another trip with them!“

 – Diana Ballew