Reclaiming Your Soulskin
Join Us for a Camping, Walking and Swimming Adventure on the Wild West Cornish Coast
Hello, it’s been a while.
The last few weeks - well, month’s really, I’ve felt somewhat out of sorts. Akin to the Selkie seal-woman in the popular folklore tale who lost her pelt, it was taken and hidden from her. I first discovered the story in Sharon Blackie’s ‘If Women Rose Rooted’ (if you don’t know it, you can read more about it Sharon’s post ‘Random Thoughts About Skelkies and Mermaids’) and recently rediscovered the tale in Clarissa Pinkola Estés ‘Women Who Run With The Wolves’.
(Keep reading/scrolling for an invitation to join us on a camping, walking and swimming adventure.)
Something resonated when I read Clarissa’s words, ‘the pelt in this story is not so much an article as the representation of a feeling state and a state of being - one that is cohesive, soulful, and of the wildish female nature. When a woman is in this state, she feel entirely in and of herself instead of out of herself and wondering if she is doing it right, acting right, thinking well.’
An extract from ‘If Women Rose Rooted’ from Sharon Blackie
'The Selkie story is the story of a woman who breaks. Taken literally out of her element, trapped on the land, where she cannot find a way to belong. She has lost her place in the world, and consequently has lost her stories. Like the Selkie, so many of us lose our skins, and all too often we lose them early. This can happen in so many ways: it may be stolen by another who does us harm; we might give it away to someone we trust, who then betrays us; or we might hide it for safekeeping and then forget where we hid it.
This skin which we lose is our power: our unique, authentic power as women. The power to create, to guard, to transform. We become disconnected from our female body-wisdom and instincts. We lose that power to the Wasteland. We lose it in so many ways. It is taken from us, with threats and violence. Or we follow the wrong path in life, a path without heart. We leave behind what sustains and nourishes us. ... But sooner or later, no matter how cleverly we try to hide ourselves, to turn away from the truth, we are called to change. To wake up, and to see, and so to take responsibility. To reclaim our power, and to participate in the remaking of the world. Joseph Campbell named it the ‘Call to Adventure’ – but it should be so much more than merely an adventure. It is a Call to Life – a full, authentic life. It is a Call to rise from the half-sleep of our existence and take up our part in the great unfolding of the world. ... We must answer the Call, or forever be lost in the Wasteland.'
First, a little reminder:
You can join our Radiating Heart session tonight (and every Sunday night for that matter) at 8:30pm via Zoom. It’s free and everyone is welcome.
An Invitation to Join Us on an Adventure Reclaiming your Selkie Soulskin
Last summer Lindsey and I set off to walk all 630 miles of the South West Coast Path. This year we’re heading back to one of our favourite parts of the path and inviting you to join us. This adventure is as much about exploring the outer landscapes and seascapes of windswept west Cornwall, as it is about traversing our inner landscapes, settling into a sense of belonging in the natural world, coming home to ourselves, discovering a warm welcome within, and reclaiming our selkie ‘soulskin’.
Reclaiming Your Soulskin
A Camping, Walking and Swimming Adventure in West Cornwall
Monday 2nd - Thursday 5th September 2024
Whether you’re looking to take some time away from the pressures of daily life, feel supported by a sense of community, or build your confidence in the outdoors, we trust you’ll leave you feeling replenished, empowered and inspired.
We are keeping our group number small, with a maximum of 10 people to encourage a safe, held, friendly and intimate experience.
Send any booking enquiries to: camillevh@googlemail.com
Cornwall is a county of wild and inspirational beauty, and September in particular is a time of colourful abundance. The coast path is lined with coconut scented gorse, pink and purple heather, ripe and red rowan and hawthorn berries and deeply jewelled sloes.
The peninsula of West Penwith is blessed with some of the most dramatic landscapes and rugged coastlines on offer. Here the land is immersed in the elements, shaped by the sea and the hardy souls who have made it their home, past and present. It is shrouded in myth and legend, rich in folklore and a magnet for creative spirits drawn to bathe in its beauty and share their artistic interpretation and expression with others.
Thalassophile - someone who is drawn to the sea
Our base will be located at a campsite not far from Land’s End and from here we’ll venture out each day along the South West Coast Path. We’ll spend our days soaking in the beautiful surroundings, swimming in the bracing blue atlantic, discovering hidden coves perfect for selkie spotting, and deepening our connection with nature and each other in a supported group.
Each morning find your flow with some gentle yoga based movement and meditation practices at base camp before setting out for a day of adventure. We will guide you and share our local knowledge of the area including creative inspiration, folklore and nature connection practices. In the evenings we will gather for a wholesome plant based meal provided by a charming, plant based, local cafe. We’ll end the evening, sipping a nourishing warm drink under a canopy of stars with the opportunity to share how your wildish soul is faring on the journey.
Trip Information
Cost: Sliding scale, pay what you can afford pricing £180 - £280
We are committed in our aims to make the trip and teachings available to all that want them, alongside our need to make the offering financially viable. If you are unable to join us due to your financial circumstances, please get in touch via email: camillevh@googlemail.com
Itinerary:
Day 1: Monday 2nd - Arrival
Arrive late afternoon Monday 2nd. Warm welcome, and set up our tents together (we’re happy to lend a hand) in time for an early evening supper.  After supper, we’ll head off for a short sunset clifftop walk and hot chocolate.
Day 2: Tuesday 3rd - Heading South
Total Distance 8.87miles, Active Walking Time Approx 04:38 hrs, Total Ascent 1770.39ft
Enjoy a long circular walk from base camp. We’ll make our way along the coast path pausing at secluded coves for sea dips and nature connection activities. There will be a longer stop en-route to buy a simple lunch and the optional opportunity to take a look at the Minack Theatre (ticket price not included) or wait for us down on the beach. We’ll make our way home inland at the end of the day.
Back at base camp freshen up with a hot shower before heading together for supper at the cosy local cafe.
Come together in circle with a mug of something warm to end the day.
Day 3: Wednesday 4th - Heading North
Total Distance 8.7miles, Active Walking Time Approx 04:26 hrs, Total Ascent 1561.10ft
We’ll set off via Land’s End to our morning swim spot before pausing at Sennen Cove where you can pay a visit the gallery and enjoy a coffee at the seaside cafe and pick up some lunch for later in the day.
We’ll continue along the coast towards Cape Cornwall before heading inland where we’ll end our walk at St Just where you can devour a Moomaid ice-cream (one of the best!) and wander around the Kurt Jackson Gallery. We’ll share a taxi back to our base camp to freshen up and gather for supper.
Come together in circle with a mug of something warm to end the day.
Day 4: Thursday 5th:
Sunrise swim and refreshments on the beach before heading back for breakfast, closing ceremony, pack up and farewells.
Difficulty: This trip is suitable for beginners (i.e. people who haven't hiked much in the past) but you need to be reasonably fit and used to multi-hour walks carrying a rucksack. You should be prepared to manage your health needs (blisters, knees, backs) and maintain your energy levels. We’ll be walking at a steady medium pace over undulating terrain. Please note that elements of the coast path can be quite steep and rocky underfoot - walking poles are highly recommended!Â
Pace: We will walk at a medium pace, set by the leader, considering the needs of the group. The pace is roughly 3mph, which means to participate you ought to be able to walk a mile comfortably in 20 minutes. We aim to walk always as a cohesive tribe, although small gaps between pairs will occur at times. There are rest breaks scheduled into each day’s walking, as well as allowances made for brief ad hoc stops for water and clothing adjustments. There is always a longer stop for lunch. Each day is a full day of walking and engaging outdoor activities, including facilitated group time in the evenings.
Accommodation: Campsite with shower and bathroom facilities. Bring your own tent and camping gear.
We’ll set up a communal space so that you can make yourself a hot drink in the evening/morning. If you prefer to bring your own camping stove, please do.
Includes:
Campsite fees
Plant-based breakfasts and suppers
Guided walksÂ
Morning movement sessions
Guided reflection activities
Taxi back to campsite on Day 3
What’s not included:
Lunch (there will be opportunities to purchase lunch at local cafes on route)
Snacks (eg trailmix)
We will provide a tea and coffee station at base camp, but if you’d like any other soft of alcoholic drinks, please bring these along yourself.
Travel to and from base camp on your first and last day.Â
Cancellation Policy: We are not able to offer refunds in general, but may be able to offer a partial refund (minus admin fees) if plenty of advance notice is given AND we are able to find someone to take your place.
For Your Safety: I hold a 16hr Outdoor First Aid Certificate, Certified Lowland Leader, Public Liability Insurance, Risk Assessment.
Get in touch to find out more or book you place via email: camillevh@googlemail.com
Meet Your Hosts
Lindsey Walsh
I have always enjoyed spending time in nature. Even as a young child I would roam wildflower strewn field paths, and rugged salty shores in search of precious fragments found along my path. There is something so peaceful and calming about spending time in nature and I always feel so much the better for taking the time to slow down and appreciate this bounty which surrounds us. My creative path has taken me to art school and beyond, my life is now given to creating with clay. I infuse my work with elements and observations that resonate and engage my imagination. Inspired by nature and the landscape; shapes, colours, patterns to embellish my life. And I feel so grateful to those who feel moved to choose to add my artistic interpretations to their own collections.
Whilst I grew up in West Penwith, I didn’t spend nearly enough time walking the coast paths which trace the edges of this peninsula. Only in recent years have I been fortunate enough to spend time exploring the coastline and this has reawakened in me a deep appreciation of the County that I call home. Last summer, after an unexpected invitation from Camille, I embarked on the longest walk of my life - so far at least! Out of the entire 630 miles of South West Coast Path, 444 miles are in Cornwall. We spent the majority of our 70 day trek exploring every inch of the coast along this County and discovered hidden coves and secret swim spots too numerous to mention. They are there to be discovered and enjoyed by those willing to take the time to reach them.
Camille van Hoegaerden
I have a strong belief in navigating with the heart as our North Star. As a yoga teacher, HeartMath trainer and long-time plant lover and grower, my offerings are rooted in working with nature as inspiration and balm, especially in moments of loneliness and disconnection.
My offerings stem from awakening the courage to explore new ways of being in the world, traversing the frontiers of our inner and outer landscapes and the much needed counterbalance to this - developing a practice of coming home to ourselves, a place we can infuse with warmth and welcome.
In my spare time you’ll find me in search of the next best wild swim spot, making friends with more plant allies in the garden, and writing at my desk in a cabin nestled at the edge of Dartmoor where I currently live.