Followers of The Way
11 September 2027 @ 3:00 pm - 17 September 2027 @ 9:00 am
Young Adults Week is a young adults retreat for people aged 18–35 who are looking for meaningful conversation, creativity and community. Together, we’ll explore how imagination can help us respond to the challenges of our time with hope, courage and a renewed sense of possibility.
Through workshops, discussion and shared experiences, participants will engage with new ideas, learn from inspiring projects and connect with others who care about faith, culture, creativity and positive change. Set within the unique setting of Iona Abbey, this young adults programme offers space to build friendships, explore big questions and imagine a hopeful future together.
Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 11.09.2027 – 17.09.2027
Led by: Ali Marshall and Ralph Patrick
About the programme
Followers of The Way is a reflective retreat for anyone seeking space to slow down, deepen their faith and explore spiritual practices that can be carried into everyday life. Whether you’re at the beginning of your spiritual journey or have been walking it for many years, the week offers an opportunity to pause, reflect and reconnect with what matters most.
Together, we’ll explore a range of practices that support prayer, reflection and spiritual growth, drawing on Christian tradition as well as creative and embodied approaches to faith. Through conversation, journalling, art, movement, music and time in nature, participants will discover different ways of engaging with God, themselves and the world around them.
This Christian retreat is designed to be welcoming and accessible, creating space for both personal reflection and shared learning. There is no expectation of prior experience or expertise—only a willingness to be present, curious and open to the journey.
At its heart, the week is an invitation to explore Christian spirituality in a deeper and more intentional way. In the rhythm of life at Iona Abbey, you’ll find space to listen, learn and discover practices that can continue to nourish and sustain you long after you leave the island.
Meet the Programme Leader(s)
Ali and Ralph are both experienced spiritual accompaniers. They met whilst working on Iona some years ago and find that the vagaries of ordinary life are teaching them to find God in what past mystics have sometimes called the dazzling darkness. They have more questions than answers and are excited to journey with you.
Ali Marshall is a Member of the Iona Community and an experienced spiritual accompanier. Rooted in the realities of everyday life, family and community, she is passionate about helping people explore faith, reflection and the presence of God in ordinary moments.
Ralph Patrick is an Associate Member of the Iona Community and an experienced spiritual accompanier. A lover of God, people and nature, he enjoys accompanying others as they explore questions of faith, meaning and what it means to walk The Way in today’s world.
What to expect
Each day will offer opportunities to explore prayer, reflection and spiritual practice in a supportive and welcoming environment. Through guided sessions, conversation and personal reflection, we’ll engage with a variety of approaches that help us become more attentive to God, ourselves and the world around us.
The programme will include practices such as journalling, creative reflection, movement, music, time in nature and shared discussion. Alongside these activities, there will be space for silence, personal prayer and exploring questions of faith at your own pace.
As part of life at Iona Abbey, you’ll share in daily worship, meals and community life, while also having time to enjoy the beauty and peace of the island. This reflective retreat is designed to be gentle, thoughtful and accessible, offering space to deepen your spiritual life and explore Christian spirituality in ways that are meaningful and sustainable beyond your time on Iona.
Key Information
Before booking, it’s helpful to know that this programme is designed for anyone who would like to explore prayer, reflection and spiritual practices in a welcoming and supportive environment. No previous experience of retreats, spiritual direction or formal spiritual practice is required.
The week combines guided sessions, personal reflection and community life, creating space to slow down, ask questions and discover practices that can support your faith and wellbeing beyond your time on Iona.
Booking Information
What's included
Your stay at Iona Abbey includes everything you need to fully take part in the experience:
+ Accommodation in the Abbey
+ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
+ All programme sessions
+ Music, art and craft opportunities
+ Guided walks
Pricing & discounts
Prices vary depending on the type of week and length of stay.
- Standard week (6 nights): from £960 (adult)
- Reduced rates available from £480
- Children aged 5–15: £480
- Children under 5: free (contact [email protected])
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
We offer a 50% reduced rate for eligible UK residents, including:
+ Students
+ Those on state benefits or pension
+ Those earning below the real living wage
+ Refugees, asylum seekers, or those experiencing homelessness
A 15% family discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more (where adults pay full price).
We also have an Access Fund to support those who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Food & dietary
All meals are provided, with a focus on:
+ Healthy, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
+ Primarily vegetarian meals (with one optional meat meal per week)
We can cater for most dietary requirements (including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free), but please let us know in advance.
Accommodation
+ 21 guest rooms (single, twin, triple and family rooms)
+ Some rooms are accessible, with lift access available to certain areas
+ Guests may be asked to share a room, particularly if travelling alone
+ Families of up to four can usually be accommodated in one room
If you have specific requirements (e.g. accessibility or room type), please let us know when booking.
For full room details and accessibility information, see our Accommodation FAQs.
Support our Access Fund
While you are making your own booking, please consider making a donation towards the Access Fund if you are able to, which allows financially disadvantaged people to stay at Iona Abbey. Thank you.
Your gift would help to pay towards:
| £1,000 | A week for a family on Iona |
| £300 | A week for a person on Iona |
| £200 | A week for a child on Iona |
| £100 | A week for a person at Camas |
| £50 | A night on Iona |
| £25 | A night at Camas |
Planning your stay
Getting to Iona
Travelling to Iona is part of the experience and involves:
+ Ferry from Oban to Mull
+ Bus across Mull
+ Ferry from Fionnphort to Iona
We recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Arrival and Stay
+ Arrival day is typically Saturday from 3pm onwards
+ You’ll be welcomed at the jetty or Abbey on arrival
+ Guests are invited to take part in daily community life, including optional worship and light shared tasks
Important to know
- No previous retreat experience is required
- No specialist knowledge is needed
- The programme welcomes questions, exploration and different stages of faith
- Full balance must be paid 6 weeks before arrival
- Cancellations within 6 weeks are non-refundable
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
- The Abbey is an alcohol-free environment
- WiFi is available but may be limited
Need help?
If you have any questions before booking, you can contact the team at [email protected]
USA North East