In her book Weathering, author, psychotherapist and geologist Ruth Allen explores geological processes as a metaphor for human life and experience. In this first-of-a-kind workshop, in the beautiful wilds of the NW Highlands, Ruth will take you on a sensory and creative journey of self-discovery around sites of geological interest where you will have the chance to learn about this stunning part of the world, and connect deeply with yourself and the landscape around you, inspired by some of the oldest rocks in Europe.
Together we will consider our relationship with deep and dynamic time, connect with themes of resilience and resourcing for the pressurised lives we live, spend nourishing time learning to listen to the slow world of rock, and plenty more besides.
This is a chance to ground; to deepen rather than widen, and take the time you need for space and contemplation in ancient landscapes that have the power to connect us to both stillness and aliveness.
Though we will move around different locations together, getting to know the rocks and each other along the way, you will be invited through facilitated exercises and prompts to take the time you need to connect with yourself in order to ask yourself (and perhaps start to answer) the questions we often don’t have time for in the rush of our day-to-day lives. For example, What do I want and need more of in my life? What matters to me? In what ways do I need to look after myself differently?
Whether you are in particular need of some time spent in solitude, if you have a curiosity or draw to geological landscapes, or you are looking for new ways to deepen your relationship with the natural world for your health and wellbeing, this workshop will offer you creative space to engage with the world around you a little differently and help you make the geological, personal. You do not need to have any prior experience, or any particular fitness level. Just an openness to meeting and listening to yourself and the world around you.
Programme of Events
- Monday 17th May – 7.00pm – 8.30pm. Meet the team. An introduction to methodology plus any Q & A.
- Tuesday 18th May, Wednesday 19th May and Thursday 20th May will be half day excursions visiting various locations such as Knockan Crag and Inchnadamph, Achmelvich and Clachtoll with a lunch break at the Rock Stop.
- Two optional evening sessions are also being considered – Authors event on Wed 19th (with John McLellan and Ruth Allen) and a final evening event.
What you will need to bring (in addition to usual all-weather gear):
Notebook, pens and/or drawing materials
Something portable to sit (or lie!) on – sit mats, small portable chair etc
Ruth Allen, PhD(MNCPS) is a writer, embodied outdoor psychotherapist and facilitator working primarily outdoors in landscape, and online.
Combining her background in geology, with innovative body-based and creative techniques drawing on a multitude of teachings and influences, she offers therapy, mentoring, workshops, classes and adventure retreats – all practical, slow magic – designed to help others connect with their bodies and the rest of nature in expansive new ways, for the greater whole-health of planet and people. Ruth is the lead facilitator on this Geotour.
She is also the author of two books: Grounded (2021) and Weathering (2024) and is an Ambassador for the NWH Geopark.
John McLellan is co-facilitator on this field trip. He is an Ambassador for the Geopark and has participated in a number of Geotours. He is a geology graduate, a qualification which incorporated extensive fieldwork in the North West Highlands.
He is also an accredited coach and has provided coaching support for managers and individuals across the public and private sector and now provides coaching for senior staff in a large NHS hospital where he also works as a volunteer.
Now retired, John has supported and led geology field excursions in England and in Scotland. He is Chair of the West of England Geologists’ Association and has recently become an author of three novels.
Pete Harrison is co-facilitator for this course. He is the geologist and a director with the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark and has worked in several capacities for the geopark since 2012. He was a school geology teacher and has worked with the Open University, Aberdeen University Extracurricular Department, The University of Keele’s Earth Science Education Unit and the Macphail Centre in Ullapool.
Pete has led many field excursions in the Highlands for groups with widely differing prior experience and desired outcomes. He enjoys sharing his knowledge of the story recorded in the rocks and landscape of the NW Highlands. They have much to tell us about the contexts of our life and times. He is the co-author of a book called Hutton’s Arse which explains the importance of the rocks and landscape of the NW Highlands to our understanding of how our planet works.
Booking Information
17th – 20th May 2027
The cost for this Geotour is £439 and includes transport, early bird discount of £20 if booked before 4th March 2027. £50 Deposit required. Friends of the Geopark and Geopark Ambassadors also qualify for a further £10 discount. Fee includes tuition, insurance, transportation and materials.
Accommodation and meals are not included. Ullapool is a fishing village on the NW coast of the Highlands of Scotland. It has a range of accommodations to suit different tastes. That includes Self Catering, Guest Houses, Hotels, A bunkhouse, YHA and also a campsite.
Some Geopark Ambassadors offer accommodation and Ullapool.com provides enquiry assistance, however please feel free to contact us for advice.
There will also be an optional author’s event at the Ullapool Bookshop probably early evening on Wednesday 6th and an optional final evening social meet up.
Expressions of interest to receive full details when they are available please contact Pete Harrison by email at pete@nwhgeopark.com