Is prior outdoor experience required?

No prior experience is necessary; the retreat welcomes all levels and teaches skills from the ground up.

What is included in the accommodation?

Cozy shared accommodations with communal meals and access to wood stove heating are provided.

Yes, all meals are included, focusing on nourishing, locally sourced seasonal foods.

Pack warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, a yoga mat, and personal toiletries as well as any medications.

Can I attend if I am not physically fit?

The retreat is designed for moderate fitness levels; activities can be modified to accommodate varying abilities.

Is this event suitable during pandemic conditions?

Organizers follow local health guidelines to ensure a safe environment; details should be confirmed upon booking.

Winter Wild Weekend in Forest of Dean: A Women-Only Outdoor Retreat | Self-Guided Tour | Eco Tour

Set in the ancient and sprawling Forest of Dean, England, the Winter Wild Weekend offers a unique women-only retreat to reset and rejuvenate amid one of the UK's most iconic woodlands. This intimate getaway combines nature, adventure, and wellness in a balanced program designed to inspire and energize. The Forest of Dean, a historic forest dating back to Norman times, is celebrated for its dense oak and beech trees, meandering streams, and seasonal wildlife such as red deer and woodpeckers. This retreat taps directly into that natural vitality, offering an experience that is as grounding as it is invigorating. Held near the village of Parkend, the location is accessible yet peaceful, making it a perfect spot for disconnecting from daily distractions. Over the course of the weekend, participants engage in hands-on bushcraft workshops, learning essential survival skills like fire lighting and shelter building under expert guidance. These activities, held outdoors regardless of crisp winter temperatures, foster camaraderie and confidence. In addition, the weekend includes tailored yoga sessions that soothe muscles tired from exploring the forest trails. These mindful movement classes are well-suited for all levels and accommodate beginners as well as seasoned practitioners. Evenings are spent sharing communal meals in cozy accommodations, warm with wood stoves and thick blankets, creating a nurturing atmosphere ideal for connecting and sharing stories. The Winter Wild Weekend stands apart because it deliberately centers women, fostering a safe and supportive environment conducive to personal growth and adventure. Each element—from expert-led talks on resilience and nature awareness to the practical outdoor skills—is curated to empower attendees both physically and mentally. The event organizers emphasize sustainability, encouraging guests to leave no trace and to deepen their respect for the natural environment. For visitors staying in Parkend or nearby towns like Coleford, this weekend retreat offers a rare blend of education, connection, and outdoor exploration tailored for winter conditions. Whether you’re looking to build new skills, meet like-minded adventurers, or simply find calm in a wild setting, this trip offers a warm welcome and a rich slate of activities that enliven winter's quiet beauty.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

2–3 days.

Fitness level

Suitable for individuals with moderate fitness comfortable with standing and light hiking in cool conditions.

Wildlife

Red deer often roam the quieter forest edges in winter.
Keep an eye out for great spotted woodpeckers tapping in the treetops.

History

The Forest of Dean was set aside as a royal hunting forest by William the Conqueror and remains one of England's oldest surviving forests.

Conservation

The retreat emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to minimize human impact and protect the forest’s biodiversity.

Love Her Wild CIC is a UK-based community interest company headquartered in Parkend, England, that organises women-focused outdoor retreats and skill-building weekends. The organisation runs signature events including Wild Weekend 'South' — held at Runways End Outdoor Centre — and the Winter Wild Weekend in the Forest of Dean. Both experiences combine camping or cozy shared accommodation with outdoor skills, bushcraft, guided yoga, communal meals and inspirational talks led by guest facilitators. Love Her Wild CIC designs retreats to welcome women of varied experience levels, from beginners wanting basic bushcraft and outdoor skills to experienced campers seeking structured personal-development workshops. Events emphasise inclusive, small-group formats that prioritise safety, practical learning and peer connection. The Winter Wild Weekend is described as a women-only retreat; Wild Weekend 'South' brings similar programming in a southern setting at Runways End Outdoor Centre. As a community interest company, Love Her Wild CIC frames activities around community benefit and accessible outdoor education. Practical details such as venue choices, communal catering and outdoor-skill instruction are provided for each event so participants can plan for camping gear or shared indoor spaces as required. Public descriptions of the trips highlight opportunities to learn bushcraft, practice yoga, and join talks focused on wellbeing and personal development. Participants typically leave with new outdoor skills, stronger connections to fellow attendees, and practical guidance for future wild camping and outdoor adventures. The retreats emphasise relaxation, adventure and building new friendships while offering hands-on instruction in outdoor living and safe group practice for women.

Base locationParkend, England

Tours offered2+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace

My Trip

My Trip

Winter Wild Weekend in Forest of Dean: A Women-Only Outdoor Retreat

A full day in Parkend.

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