Iona: Soul Pilgrimage

When we journey to a sacred place, it is natural to sense transformation, healing, and awakening. Iona, just off the coast of Scotland, is one such place. As George MacLeod described it, this is a “thin place,” where the visible and invisible feel separated by only the slightest veil.

Here, we are invited to live between heaven and earth. On the sacred island of Iona, we will practice listening for the voice of Creation within us and all around us.

Though only three miles long and one mile wide, this small island holds extraordinary peace and beauty that touches nearly everyone who visits. In 563 CE, St. Columba, also known in Gaelic as Colum Cille, founded the first Celtic Church and monastic community here. Drawing from Celtic Christian traditions and ancient spiritual practices, we will deepen our own relationship with the sacred. Pilgrimage is a calling our ancestors knew well, and together we will walk the land of Iona as pilgrims, visiting special places on the island to welcome wilderness and pray with nature.

Join us
For a 7-night / 8-day transformational journey. People of all faiths, and those with no faith tradition, are warmly welcome, as the voice of the Great Mystery knows no denomination.

Each day will include experiences designed to:

Restore the Natural Rhythm of your Body
∙ Gentle yoga
∙ Guided meditation
∙ Breathwork, embodiment practices, and qigong

Reawaken your Heart
∙ Wisdom teachings and practices from the Celtic tradition
∙ Guided Sacred Walks that connect you deeply with the Earth, Sea, and Sky
∙ Connection with our community

Reclaim your Center
∙ Pilgrimage begins with intention, and you will be supported every step of the way as you align with yours
∙ Soul writing
∙ Time to rest, restore, and sit with the sacred land

Together and individually, we will listen for the whispers of the sacred in ourselves, the land, the water, the plants, the animals, Iona Abbey, one another, and the sacred places that have been prayed over for thousands of years.

Support begins the moment you register and continues through your return home. You will receive travel recommendations, packing lists, preparation practices, suggested reading, and more.

Special Notes on Accommodation
Bishop's House Retreat Center
Bishop's House is a beautiful center built in 1894 and used as a retreat house for the Scottish Episcopal Church. You do not need to belong to any faith tradition to receive its warm welcome and hospitality.

This is a retreat house, not a hotel. Accommodation is simple and comfortable, with wholesome home-cooked meals, access to a library with an open fire, a beautiful chapel, and views of the Sound of Iona. All bedrooms are up one flight of stairs, and each bathroom is shared by several guests. Although Bishop's House is only a short walk from the ferry, this retreat involves walking over rough ground, short uphill stretches, and muddy terrain. To participate fully, you should be comfortable walking two to three miles on uneven ground.

Your Leaders
Kathleen McIntyre has been leading individuals and groups into the wilderness since 1998. She earned a Masters of Forest Resources in 1999 and has woven her love of land conservation and restoration together with Nature’s wisdom teachings for her own healing and to support others in theirs. She brings somatic therapy, nature therapy, and Presence-based coaching to her work with individuals and groups. Kathleen believes that connection inward, through the felt experience of living in your body, and outward, through relationship with the natural world, is the healing balm we have been seeking.

Wendy Swanson, L.Ac., RYT500, is a yoga, breath, and meditation teacher, licensed acupuncturist, international retreat leader, published writer, and former yoga studio owner. For Wendy, yoga, meditation, and breath are tools for living a more balanced and vibrant life. Her classes are soulful, alignment-aware, and fun.

Arrival
June 1
You will meet Wendy and Kathleen in Oban. Travel to Iona is a pilgrimage in itself: we will travel together by ferry, coach across the island, and another ferry to reach Iona. Oban is a three-hour train journey from Glasgow, and we recommend arriving there on Friday and staying overnight at a hotel or B&B to avoid an early-morning departure from Glasgow.

Departure
July 1
After breakfast, we will say farewell to the island and return by ferry and coach to Oban before parting ways.

RHYTHMS OF OUR DAYS (06/26/27 to 07/03/27)
Morning: We begin by creating openness as we rise to meet the sacred and the new day. As the sun rises in the east, we open ourselves to fresh possibilities of connection within and around us. The day starts with prayer, meditation, or gentle movement. All spiritual traditions, and no tradition at all, are welcome. After morning service and breakfast, we will explore our theme through movement, reflection, journaling, and island connection.

Midday: Embodied wisdom and sacred alchemy offer space for deep inner work and spaciousness with the land. Lunch is followed by an afternoon break for personal reflection, wandering the island, or rest.

Evening: Rest and reverence guide us as we move through the daily medicine wheel and are held by the earth in deep rest and gratitude for life. We will gather again for a reflective integration session, followed by dinner and evening prayer.

Pilgrimage Fee
$500 Non-Refundable Deposit
Single $3,495
Double $2,885

Included
7 nights lodging at the Bishop's House retreat center on Iona
All meals during the retreat — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — beginning with dinner on June 26th and ending with breakfast on July 3rd, 2027
Round-trip transportation from Oban to Iona; travel to and from Oban is your responsibility

Not Included
Travel to Oban, Scotland (3 hours by train from Glasgow)
Lodging in Oban if you choose to arrive early
Any meals or drinks not listed above
Travel insurance, highly recommended

What past Iona Pilgrims Are Saying
“Our week on Iona was magical in every way. It nourished my spirit and soul, and Wendy and Kathleen are truly amazing leaders. Their joy and enthusiasm are infectious. I have been on many retreats, and this was the best.” - Jeanne

“The Iona pilgrimage was a delight from beginning to end. The island’s ancient spiritual history, the beauty of the landscape, and the warmth of Bishop’s House created a truly special setting. Kathleen’s guided walks made the island feel accessible and deeply meaningful. Wendy’s yoga was relaxed, creative, and welcoming for all levels, and the spiritual conversations led by both Kathleen and Wendy were rich and nourishing.” - Janet

“If I had traveled to Iona on my own, I would have missed so much: the friendships, the history of pilgrimage, the treks across the island, the yoga by the sea, daily Eucharist and Compline. The beauty of the island and the memories of this trip will call me back.” - Kim

“Is it possible to fall in love with a group of strangers in one week? Absolutely. I came with my wife and wasn’t practicing yoga, but I learned so much through the gentle flow yoga. What a wonderful balance of yoga and nature walks. My body and soul were refreshed, and I made beautiful friendships.” - Ken

“Everything about that week thrilled and blessed me. In the midst of a divorce, I truly needed time alone to meditate and reflect. You provided that beautifully.” - David

Policies and FAQs
Where are we staying
We will have exclusive use of Bishop's House retreat center. Expect simple, comfortable, and cozy accommodation, with bathrooms featuring a private tub or shower shared among a few guests. We will also be asked to help set and clear the table and assist with a few very simple housekeeping tasks before departure.

Will I have a private room? Will you match me with a roommate?
A limited number of single rooms are available, so early registration is recommended. If you are traveling with a companion, please let us know when you register. If you are traveling alone and would like to share a room, we are happy to match you with a roommate.

What meals are included?
All three meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — are included and served at Bishop's House for the duration of our retreat.

What kind of food is served?
Meals are home-cooked, traditional Scottish fare served family style. Expect wholesome, hearty, and simple food such as fish, meat, or poultry, cooked vegetables or salad, soups, and fresh-baked bread. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available, and the staff will do their best to accommodate specific allergies. Tea, coffee, and herbal teas are available freely. You are also welcome to dine at one of the island’s restaurants, which offer higher-end meals featuring local organic produce. A guest refrigerator is available. No alcohol is served at Bishop's House, though participants may bring their own for thoughtful consumption on the premises or enjoy the local pub.

Is WiFi available?
WiFi is available in the library and lounge.

How much money do I need to bring with me?
While your necessary expenses are included in the pilgrimage fee, Iona offers craft and artisan shops, an excellent bookshop, and several cafes, restaurants, and a pub, so you may wish to budget accordingly. ATM access is limited, though most shops accept debit and credit cards.

What kind of electrical adapter will I need?
For US and Canadian citizens, phones and laptops require a simple outlet adapter. Hair dryers are available from Bishop's House if needed. If you have medical equipment requiring an electrical outlet, such as a CPAP, please let us know in advance so we can help you plan.

What is the weather like? Do I need any special gear?
Scotland is often cool and rainy, though sunny and warmer days are possible, especially in late June and early July. The climate is temperate and rarely extreme, though wind and dampness can make it feel colder. At minimum, bring sturdy water-resistant walking shoes and a waterproof jacket. Waterproof boots, water-resistant hiking trousers or rain pants, and a good rain jacket are recommended. A day pack, water bottle, and head torch may also be useful.

How much walking is there?
Iona is fully walkable, and its beauty is best experienced on foot. We will include different outings to sites around the island as part of the retreat experience. You should be able to walk about 2–3 miles on uneven ground to participate fully.

What is your cancellation policy?
The $500 deposit is an administrative fee that secures your place in this intimate retreat and is nonrefundable. There are no exceptions. Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage,