“Meet me there, where the sea meets the sky.  Lost but finally free.” Raynor Winn (author of The Salt Path, an autobiography of her journey along the South West Coast Path)

Join us as we explore North Devon, a beautiful county in the Southwest of England with rolling hills and rugged coastlines that beckon you to adventure. Probably best known for its award-winning coastline, much of North Devon is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Led by our professional hiking & nature guide, Emily Harding, we will take long walks across the moors, away from the crowds, to see what Devon really has to offer: panoramic views, babbling brooks, waterfalls, peace and tranquility and an abundance of wildlife. Many of the walks are steeped in history, with evidence of medieval settlements and battle areas as well as being the home to the well-known stories of Lorna Doone and Tarka the Otter.

Experience the wilderness of Exmoor National Park, where sightings of wild Exmoor ponies, red deer and birds of prey are not uncommon. Delight in the peace of being immersed within the lush green landscapes with tranquil rivers and streams: a perfect place to kick off your hiking boots and cool your feet, or even have a quick dip, if you are feeling brave!

The trails we hike will showcase North Devon's varied terrain and rich history. Some walks will be deep in the Moors while others will follow the famous South West Coast path, taking you to the highest Sea Cliffs in England and showing off North Devon’s (and sometimes Somerset's!) breathtaking views. As you hike the wild coastline, you’ll see seals and hear some nautical legends about smuggling, theft and plundering that happened in the area long ago. 

Lunches on our hiking days will include a visit to a traditional English tearoom one day and an English pub another day, three more traditional picnic days, as well as a proper Devonshire Cream tea stop with nature as an inspired backdrop one day. 

Holwell Holistic Center, our home for the week, is a 13th century historic farmhouse set in a gentle rolling valley with beautiful countryside views. Holwell is a place that invites you to relax, unwind and slow down, the perfect location for a yoga retreat. 

Originally named “Holy Well” due to its natural water source, this charming hotel features an 18-foot restored water wheel and mill pond, as well as traditional stone farm buildings that have been converted into comfortable living spaces, gourmet kitchen and dining room, double occupancy bedrooms with en suite or shared bathrooms, a yoga space with heated floors and a massage room. 

Of course, no Global Yoga Trips’ retreat would be complete without healthy, delicious meals! we always seek the best and most local. For this reason, we have invited Dan Tugwell, owner of Nomad Dining to be our private chef for the week. With 16 years of restaurant experience, many of those years working in Michelin starred restaurants, Dan prides himself on creating elevated interpretations of local specialties, featuring fresh produce and ingredients. Whether you are an omnivore (yes, meat eaters!), a pescatarian or a vegan/vegetarian, Dan’s dishes will delight you with every bite! 

We will begin each day with a yoga practice to help us stay balanced in the experience of being in a foreign country and more comfortable in our bodies so we can enjoy walking, hiking, wild swimming and exploring all that North Devon has to offer. When the walking schedule allows, we will also offer a restorative yoga or yin practice in the afternoon. 

This retreat is a journey of the senses that will stay with you long after you've returned to your routine.  As Raynor Winn said, "It’s a gift. The path (is) a gift to us.”