Walk the Way
A Cornish pilgrimage to the sea for men
Thu 9th - Sun 12th July 2026
Coast-to-Coast (Padstow to Fowey)
Just Imagine… Mid-July. Warm sun. You’re breathing in the salty air of the Celtic Sea, after a night ‘out’, not in the bars and clubs, not under canvas, but beneath the vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows of a hidden church. It’s your first morning in the company of men you’ve only just met. You already sense the depth of shared experience, and you feel unexpectedly at ease speaking your truth.
The second day is calling. There’s a crossroads approaching, you can feel it. A question or a commitment you want to make. For yourself, for your kin, for your work.
You’re not entirely sure how you found your way here, it felt like a risk when you signed up, but now you’re speaking to the part of you which knew you had to come. You’re feeling more alive than you have in months. You can’t wait to take the next step into the unknown.
Walk the Way
The best journeys answer questions you didn’t even know how to ask.
What is the centre of your life? And what are you moving towards?
For some men, it’s to be a better brother, father, husband, friend. For others it’s to let go of people-pleasing and stand for something.
What are you going to bow your head to?
The old word for this is pilgrimage. Going ‘through the territory’.
Our pilgrimage takes us across Cornwall. North to south. Padstow to Fowey. Sleeping in churches, surrounded by other men going through the same ‘territory’. Together, we’ll explore spectacular Cornish coastlines, hidden valleys and ancient sites - while also exploring the terrain within.
We don’t promise that it will be easy.
But it will be worth it.
Some highlights:
❈ A memorable, invigorating adventure in wild Cornish nature
❈ Connect to a deeper sense of purpose
❈ Simply have some time for yourself amongst all the commitments you are currently holding.
❈ Renewed energy, connection and inspiration
❈ A deeper understanding of what healthy masculinity looks and feels like for you
❈ See what steps you might want to take next in your life from a place of clarity
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"Positive, life-changing, supportive, beautiful and wonderfully curated. A must do... One of the best weeks of my life!"
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"Life-changing… A rare opportunity to learn so much about ourselves in a landscape that has lots to teach us."
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"A shared journey guided wisely with fun, spirit and voice... All with the amazing backdrop of the mystical landscapes of spell binding Cornwall."
Daring to move through mythic terrain
Our route, The Mariner’s Way, tracks a 27-mile line across the Cornish county, from the Atlantic ocean to the English channel. It’s been followed for thousands of years by early Christian pilgrims (some call this route the ‘Saints Way’), ancient celtic traders and something more mythic…
The story of Tristan and Isolde. The brutal and beautiful Cornish story which obsessed medieval Europe and inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Walking the valleys and woodlands, crossing medieval footbridges and pausing at sacred sites which gave birth to the story, we’ll also explore what the deeper, mythic images can offer us in our modern lives.
It’s unusual business, choosing an ancient story to be your map and compass, but the opportunity is extraordinary. Something shifts when you see yourself reflected in the idea that we’ve been going through the same challenges for thousands of years. A better sense of what’s happening inside you. Courage to take a bold next step. Wisdom to show you how.
This might be for you if….
You’re standing at a threshold moment - becoming a parent, changing jobs, moving home, retiring, or sensing a transition on the horizon.
You’re holding important questions about your life and would value the space, support and perspective to explore them.
You feel drawn to walking alongside other men - sharing adventure, conversation, silence and the wild edges of the Cornish landscape.
You’re seeking a circuit-breaker: a meaningful experience that shakes up routine and offers something fresh and different.
What to Expect
Our time together is designed to support clarity, reflection and connection. Expect:
Gentle daily walking (up to 10 miles), mostly in silence, to deepen awareness of the land, our fellow travellers and ourselves
Cold-water swimming
Solo time walking and resting in nature
Evening fireside gatherings for story, reflection and connection
Practices to reawaken the senses and deepen connection with self, others and the natural world
Ceremonial thresholds to leave old ways behind and commit to new ones.
Learn simple ritual moments in service to your future self which you can take into everyday life.
A support vehicle to carry sleeping equipment and belongings (you walk with only a day pack)
An abundance of wild Cornish landscape as your companion
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"Follow the pilgrims of Change in Nature, you will be carried on the wings of angels."
Where will we sleep?
In true pilgrimage style, we will sleep together in large communal spaces along the route - one village hall and two beautiful old churches. These sanctuaries are atmospheric, welcoming and full of character. You bring your own a sleeping bag and roll mat (which is transported each day in a support vehicle).
We recognise that communal sleeping can feel both exciting and a stretch. We will do everything we can to make this a comfortable and restful experience, ensuring there is sufficient personal space and opportunities for co-regulation.
Why men?
This experience is open to men of all ages and backgrounds, yet it is not “men’s work” in a traditional sense. It is a rare opportunity for men to gather, walk, laugh, reflect and simply be together - without pressure, roles or performance.
We feel that men need more spaces where community, depth and healthy masculinity can emerge naturally. Bring the spirit of what you want this adventure to be and we will co-create it as we go.
Many of our retreats have been oversubscribed in recent years, so early booking is recommended
Secure your place
Key info:
Early bird: save £200+
Sliding scale: Guidance on which rate to pay
Bursaries – apply here
Instalments - please contact us!
Fees include: Accomodation + breakfasts + dinner on the first night. BYO lunches (or buy on route) and options for reasonably priced dinners on nights two and three (£10-£15). Fee also includes your own “Pilgrim Passport” from the British Pilgrimage Trust for the journey.
T&Cs: Please read T&Cs before booking
Timings: 4pm on Thu, finish 3pm on Sun (Padstow). Shared taxis from Bodmin Parkway Train Station.
Facilitators and Guides
Sam Crosby, Recalling Fire
Sam Crosby is a traditional oral storyteller (aka public speaker and facilitator), based in Cornwall. His work explores the role of myth, elderhood, initiation and big-sky nature in activism, leadership and organisational culture.
His ‘ancient clarity’ approach is based on a simple phrase: “Wisdom isn’t learning something new but being reminded of what you’ve always known”.
He is the founder of Recalling Fire, host of Drop The Map podcast, author of “The Re-Eldering Manifesto, ReFIREment, not retirement” and has delivered projects for The Wildlife Trust, NHS, Blue Earth Summit and TEDx.
Andy Raingold, Change in Nature
Andy Raingold is a coach, facilitator, speaker and social entrepreneur who inspires transformation and supports people to grow their capacity to catalyse meaningful change in the world. He is a Co-Founder and Director of Change in Nature, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals, teams and organisations reconnect with what truly matters through nature-based experiences, expert facilitation training and purpose-driven coaching.
Both Andy and Sam are mentors for A Band of Brothers in Cornwall - an award-winning charity that helps young men involved in the criminal justice system to grow and develop, improve their lives and communities. Andy also sings with Many Men Soundsystem and has been involved with a number of men’s groups.
He has written for the Guardian and been interviewed by BBC Newsnight, The Sunday Times, BBC Radio 4, The Independent and Guardian Environment Podcast.
