Following the Golden Thread

Do I need to be a Buddhist or have any meditation experience?

You dont have to be a Buddhist to attend this retreat, but it is aimed at those with some experience of meditation as taught by Triratna.

What does the cost include?

The retreat cost covers the full cost of the retreat, including all food.

When does the retreat start and end?

The retreat will begin with a light dinner on the first evening at 6.00pm. You are welcome to arrive any time from 5pm. If you think you might need to arrive later than this, please contact us before booking. We will finish on the last morning by 11.30am.

Is it OK to come for only part of the retreat?

We ask that you commit to attending the whole retreat and that barring emergencies and short walks, you stay onsite during it, including refraining from phone or video calls. This helps us create and maintain the special conditions we have on retreat where we are apart from the outside world for a while and build a temporary community of people focussed on their spiritual practice for the duration of the retreat.

What will the accommodation be like?

Glenbarr provides simple, but comfortable accommodation. Living communally is an important and enjoyable part of the retreat. We will be in shared single-sex rooms with 2-4 people in each, and will eat together communally.

Living communally means caring for each other. The team leading the retreat are volunteers who are on retreat as well and we will ask you to help out with simple chores. Working together is a good way of getting to know each other, and it also helps us keep the cost of the retreat to a minimum.

Can I have a single room?

In order to allow us to accommodate as many people as want to come, we are not normally able to provide single rooms. If you have special circumstances which requires a single room for you to be able to attend, please contact us before booking to discuss.

What will the food be like?

Many Buddhists practice veganism as an expression of compassion / non-violence. As such, all food will be vegan.

If you have any allergies that aren't listed on the booking form, please contact us before booking to ensure we can cater for you.

What do I need to bring?

Please bring your own sheets and/or a sleeping bag (pillows and blankets are provided), a towel and sufficient medication and toiletries to last for the whole retreat.

It can be surprisingly cold in the early mornings and evenings, and quite hot in the middle of the day, so bring clothes suitable for all weather: we suggest you bring layers as well as a warm jumper or jacket and a sun hat.

In addition you might want insect repellent and sun screen. It is also a good idea to bring a torch if you have one and you may also want to bring a notebook and pen.