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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20270911T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20270917T090000
DTSTAMP:20260717T140723Z
CREATED:20260410T171134Z
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UID:61576-1820674800-1821171600@iona.org.uk
SUMMARY:Followers of The Way
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”container tabletfullcol reverse_column”][vc_column_inner el_class=”centertext_mobile”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”” el_class=”largeheading navy_title” el_id=”faqrooms”]\n\n\nWhat does it mean to follow the way of Jesus in today’s world? This reflective retreat offers an opportunity to slow down\, explore spiritual practices and deepen your connection with God\, yourself and others. \nDrawing on Christian wisdom\, creativity and reflective practices\, we’ll explore different ways of nurturing faith and attentiveness in everyday life. Through prayer\, conversation\, journalling\, movement\, art and time in nature\, participants will discover pathways into deeper reflection and spiritual renewal. Whether you’re new to these practices or looking to reconnect with them\, this Christian retreat offers a welcoming space to explore Christian spirituality in the unique setting of Iona Abbey. \n\n\n\n\nCosts: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.\nWhere: The Iona Abbey\nWhen: 11.09.2027 – 17.09.2027\nLed by: Ali Marshall and Ralph Patrick\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Book Followers of The Way” style=”custom” custom_text=”#666666″ css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fbooking-directly.com%2Fwidgets%2FZ8ayvaEvw2SsrbCpGHLzeQZxQGqxQJy163aSHXVJnHbgCb53vffml4WKihlt5%2Fproperties%2Funit-selection%3Fsearch_stay_dates%3D%257B%2522checkInDate%2522%253A%25222027-09-11%2522%252C%2522checkOutDate%2522%253A%25222027-09-17%2522%257D%26search_occupancies%3D%255B%257B%2522numberOfAdults%2522%253A2%252C%2522children%2522%253A%255B%255D%257D%255D|target:_blank” el_class=”tealbtn generalbtn”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=””][vc_column_text css=””]\n\n\nAbout the programme\nFollowers 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. \nTogether\, 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. \nThis 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. \nAt 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. \n\n\n\n\nMeet the Programme Leader(s)\nAli 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. \n\nAli 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. \n  \n  \n\nRalph 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. \n  \n  \n  \n\n\n\n\nWhat to expect\n\n\n\n\nEach 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. \nThe 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. \nAs 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. \n\n\nKey Information\n\n\n\n\nBefore 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. \nThe 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. \n\n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Book Followers of The Way” style=”custom” custom_text=”#666666″ css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fbooking-directly.com%2Fwidgets%2FZ8ayvaEvw2SsrbCpGHLzeQZxQGqxQJy163aSHXVJnHbgCb53vffml4WKihlt5%2Fproperties%2Funit-selection%3Fsearch_stay_dates%3D%257B%2522checkInDate%2522%253A%25222027-09-11%2522%252C%2522checkOutDate%2522%253A%25222027-09-17%2522%257D%26search_occupancies%3D%255B%257B%2522numberOfAdults%2522%253A2%252C%2522children%2522%253A%255B%255D%257D%255D|target:_blank” el_class=”tealbtn generalbtn”][vc_separator css=””][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”” el_class=”largeheading navy_title”]\nBooking Information\n[/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”What’s included” css_animation=”none” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23568ea4″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”” use_custom_heading=”true”]Your stay at Iona Abbey includes everything you need to fully take part in the experience: \n+ Accommodation in the Abbey \n+ Breakfast\, lunch and dinner each day \n+ All programme sessions \n+ Music\, art and craft opportunities \n+ Guided walks[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Pricing & discounts” css_animation=”none” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23568ea4″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”” use_custom_heading=”true”] Prices vary depending on the type of week and length of stay. \n\nStandard week (6 nights): from £960 (adult)\n\nReduced rates available from £480\n\n\nChildren aged 5–15: £480\nChildren under 5: free (contact abbeybooking@iona.org.uk)\n\nA 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. \nWe offer a 50% reduced rate for eligible UK residents\, including: \n+ Students \n+ Those on state benefits or pension \n+ Those earning below the real living wage \n+ Refugees\, asylum seekers\, or those experiencing homelessness \nA 15% family discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more (where adults pay full price). \nWe also have an Access Fund to support those who would not otherwise be able to attend. \nLearn more about financial support and how to apply.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Food & dietary” css_animation=”none” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23568ea4″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”” use_custom_heading=”true”]All meals are provided\, with a focus on: \n+ Healthy\, seasonal\, and locally sourced ingredients \n+ Primarily vegetarian meals (with one optional meat meal per week) \nWe can cater for most dietary requirements (including vegan\, gluten-free\, and dairy-free)\, but please let us know in advance.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Accommodation” css_animation=”none” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23568ea4″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”” use_custom_heading=”true”]+ 21 guest rooms (single\, twin\, triple and family rooms) \n+ Some rooms are accessible\, with lift access available to certain areas \n+ Guests may be asked to share a room\, particularly if travelling alone \n+ Families of up to four can usually be accommodated in one room \nIf you have specific requirements (e.g. accessibility or room type)\, please let us know when booking. \nFor full room details and accessibility information\, see our Accommodation FAQs.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Support our Access Fund” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23568ea4″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”” use_custom_heading=”true”]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. \nYour gift would help to pay towards: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n£1\,000\nA week for a family on Iona\n\n\n£300\nA week for a person on Iona\n\n\n£200\nA week for a child on Iona\n\n\n£100\nA week for a person at Camas\n\n\n£50\nA night on Iona\n\n\n£25\nA night at Camas\n\n\n\n\n[/vc_toggle][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”” el_class=”largeheading navy_title”]\nPlanning your stay\n[/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”Getting to Iona” css_animation=”none” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23568ea4″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”” use_custom_heading=”true”]Travelling to Iona is part of the experience and involves: \n+ Ferry from Oban to Mull \n+ Bus across Mull \n+ Ferry from Fionnphort to Iona \nWe recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing plenty of time. \nView full travel guidance and advice on getting to Iona.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Arrival and Stay” css_animation=”none” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23568ea4″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”” use_custom_heading=”true”]+ Arrival day is typically Saturday from 3pm onwards \n+ You’ll be welcomed at the jetty or Abbey on arrival \n+ Guests are invited to take part in daily community life\, including optional worship and light shared tasks[/vc_toggle][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]\nImportant to know\n\nNo previous retreat experience is required\nNo specialist knowledge is needed\nThe programme welcomes questions\, exploration and different stages of faith\nFull balance must be paid 6 weeks before arrival\nCancellations within 6 weeks are non-refundable\nTravel insurance is strongly recommended\nThe Abbey is an alcohol-free environment\nWiFi is available but may be limited\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Essential Booking Information” style=”custom” custom_text=”#666666″ size=”lg” align=”left” css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fiona.org.uk%2Fvisit-and-stay%2Fiona-abbey-essential-booking-information-2026%2F|target:_blank” el_class=”tealoutlinebtn generalbtn rightbtn”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”FAQ” style=”custom” custom_text=”#6F2C3E” size=”lg” align=”left” css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”.vc_custom_1780672460027{border-color: #6F2C3E !important;}” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fiona.org.uk%2Fvisit-and-stay%2Fiona-abbey-centre-faqs%2F|target:_blank” el_class=”tealoutlinebtn generalbtn rightbtn”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]\nNeed help?\nIf you have any questions before booking\, you can contact the team at ionaabbeybookings@iona.org.uk[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://iona.org.uk/event/followers-of-the-way/
LOCATION:Iona Abbey Centre\, Isle of Iona\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Iona Abbey Programme 2027
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