Lughnasadh is an ancient Celtic festival marking the beginning of harvest, often linked to Lugh, the deity of light or brightness in Celtic mythology. Psychologically, this is a fitting time to think about generosity and gratitude in your life and your openness or receptivity to what life has to give, or even to reflect in less ambitious ways on your journey into the year this far.
Through a series of nature connection explorations and conversation, and by contemplative walking, the day invites you to reflect on your journey and life meaning in relation to the tale of Lugh and in “light” of Earth’s journey in this time of climate change and loss of nature.
Traditionally, Lughnasadh was often marked by climbing nearby hills to pray and give thanks to nature for the first harvest, and to gather blaeberries and visit lakes and wells. In keeping with this tradition, our walk will take a circular route in the remote Harthope Valley. We will meet deep in the valley and walk alongside the Harthope Burn to Harthope Linn. From there we will walk up to Long Crags and Housey Crags and into Threestoneburn Wood, before descending to our starting point.
“Nature is an incomparable guide if you know how to follow her.”
C. G. Jung
Practicalities
Place: We will gather near Langleeford in the Harthope Valley.
Walk difficulty: Moderate | Distance 5 miles approx.
Date/time: Saturday 30 July 2022 | 10.00am to 6.00pm.
Fee: £50 | 6 places