The Earth Mind Geotours are aimed at those interested in exploring new aspects of themselves alongside the ancient rocks and impressive landscapes of the far north of Scotland. 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.
There are two Earth Mind Geotours planned for 2027. The first includes visiting locations in Coigach and Assynt and is based around Ullapool the second in the far north based around Durness. The one in the far north is designed to be undertaken after previously participating in the one in the south, but individuals may choose to take them consecutively or for example, should the dates or locations not suit you then the far north can be taken first as the methodologies will be similar.
The geotours will be accompanied by three tutors as outlined below.
The tours will be hosted by Ruth Allen (geo-therapist), John McLellan (author) and Pete Harrison (Geopark Geologist)
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 over the last seven years. 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 this for some senior staff in a large NHS hospital where he also works as a volunteer.
Now retired, John has supported and led various geology field excursions in the UK. He is Chair of the West of England Geologists’ Association and is an author of three novels largely set in the North West Highlands.
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.
Our Earth Mind Geotours are based in two of the most unique and dramatic landscapes in the far north of Scotland – Coigach and Assynt is recommended as the entry level and the far north recommended for progression. Both could be taken in the same year or the Far North could possibly act as the entry level if the timing of the first Geotour is inconvenient. Use the links below to find out more about each opportunity.