SPRING & SUMMER SAUNTERS 2025
Mottisfont, nr Winchester, Hants;
choose from:
Friday May 9 or Friday May 23
Thursday July 10
12.30pm - 5.15pm; suggested donation £25 (NB: if you are not a member of the National Trust you'll also need to pay the entrance fee to Mottisfont of £23)
with Brian Draper and Howard Green
I'm delighted to say I'm back at Mottisfont with my good friend Howard Green for two Spring Saunters and a Summer Saunter!
Howard is co-author of Soulful Nature; he's a botanist, and an outdoor guide for the National Trust at Mottisfont. Together, we'll provide soulful guided reflection within the delightful setting of Mottisfont, one of my favourite 'thin' places in Hampshire!
We'll spend the afternoon (12.30pm - 5.15pm) sauntering slowly as a group in the grounds - with regular pauses to reflect individually, too, as well as to engage in gentle contemplative practice and to pay close attention to nature as we go.
The Saunters will follow our traditional short route within the grounds. If you haven't been before, they're an ideal way to be introduced to the place, and it's not a long walk. If you're returning, they're always a lovely way of reconnecting with the season!
Places will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Write to me at briandraperuk@gmail.com to request a place. Our groups will usually be no larger than 16 people. Please be committed to coming if you book - thank you.
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More details:
* For more details about Mottisfont, and how to get there, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont
* Mottisfont is a 20-minute drive from Winchester, Hampshire. If you don't have a car, I might be able to pick you up from
Winchester station, and drop you back there after. Do ask me about it.
* We meet at 12.30pm. You'll be on your feet for much of the afternoon, so bring a shooting stick or light fold-up camping stool if you think you'll appreciate giving your legs a rest, or be prepared to sit on the ground at times. We'll have a short break halfway through when you can get yourself a takeaway cuppa or head to the loos!
* A word about our spirituality: Howard and I are Christians, and our spirituality naturally flows from that particular well-spring.
...
"I feel particularly energised and ‘fired up’ coming away from Mottisfont, a completely inspirational place. I can't thank you enough for such a beautiful afternoon." Paul A
"I will treasure the memory of the special places we encountered. I left with a feeling of peace that's impossible to describe." Diane H
“Thank you so much for such a profound and brilliant retreat, and for hosting and leading so amazingly and naturally. It was simply incredible.” Matt C