June 26th - July 3rd, 2027
at Bishop's House Retreat Center, Iona, Scotland
with Kathleen McIntyre and Wendy Swanson
Iona: Soul Pilgrimage
When we embark on a pilgrimage to a sacred place it is natural that transformation, healing and awakening occurs. Iona, off the coast of Scotland, is one such place.
George MacLeod described Iona as a “thin place,” where the material and spiritual worlds seem separated only by the thinnest of veils.
It is the place where we can be both of heaven and of the earth.
Come to the sacred island of Iona, where together we will practice listening to the voice of Creation within & all around us.
Barely three miles long and one mile wide, this small sacred isle holds a profound peace and breathtaking beauty that touches everyone who goes there. St. Columba (or Colum Cille, in Gaelic) established the first Celtic Church and monastic community here in 563 CE. We will look to Celtic Christian traditions and ancient spiritual practices to deepen our own connection to the sacred. To embark on a pilgrimage is a calling, one that our ancestors understood before us. We will walk the land of Iona together as pilgrims, wandering to special places on the island to embrace the wilderness and to pray with nature.
Join us
For a 7-night / 8-day once in a lifetime transformational journey. We welcome people of all faiths or non-faiths as the voice of the Great Mystery knows no denomination. Each day you will be led through experiences that:
∙ Gentle yoga
∙ Guided meditations
∙ Breathwork, embodiment practices, and qigong
∙ Wisdom teachings and practices from the Celtic tradition
∙ Guided Sacred Walks profoundly connecting you with the Earth, Sea, and Sky.
∙ Connection with our community
∙ Pilgrimage starts with an intention, and you will be supported every step of the way to align within this on your journey.
∙ Soul writing
∙ Time to rest, restore, and sit with the sacred land
Collectively and individually, we will listen for the whispers of the sacred within ourselves, the land, water, plants, animals, Iona Abby, each other, and sacred locations that have been prayed over for thousands of years.
You will be supported with your pilgrimage from the moment you sign-up through your return home. You will receive travel recommendations, packing lists, practices to prepare for your journey, suggested reading, and more.
Special Notes on Accommodation
Bishop’s House Retreat Center
The Bishop’s House is a beautiful center built in 1894 that serves as a retreat house for the Scottish Episcopal Church—though you don’t need to be of any particular faith tradition to enjoy their warm welcome and hospitality!
Bishop’s House is a retreat house, not a hotel; it offers comfortable, simple accommodation including wholesome home-cooked meals, use of a library with open fire, access to a beautiful chapel, and a view 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 itself is just a short walk from the ferry, this retreat will require some walking over rough ground, short uphill walks, and muddy terrain. In order to participate fully in this part of the pilgrimage, you should be comfortable walking two to three miles on uneven ground. Please see the FAQ section below for more details on location, weather, and accommodation.
Your Leaders
Kathleen McIntyre,
has been leading individuals and groups into the wilderness since 1998. She received a Masters of Forest Resources in 1999 and began the journey of fusing her passion and knowledge of land conservation and restoration with Nature’s wisdom teachings for her own healing and to support others in their healing process. She incorporates somatic therapy, nature therapy, and Presence-based coaching into working with individuals and groups. Kathleen believes connection both inward, the felt experience of inhabiting your body, and outward with the natural world is the healing balm we all have been searching for.
Wendy Swanson, L.Ac., RYT500 is a yoga, breath & meditation teacher, licensed acupuncturist, international retreat leader, published writer and former yoga studio owner. For Wendy yoga, meditation and breath are tools to live a more balanced and vibrant life. Wendy’s classes are soulful, with awareness to alignment as well as just plain fun.
You will meet Wendy and Kathleen in Oban. Travel to Iona is a pilgrimage in itself; we’ll travel together by ferry, coach across the island, and another ferry to arrive on Iona. Oban is a three-hour train journey from Glasgow; we recommend that you arrive in Oban on Friday and stay overnight at your choice of hotel or B&B to avoid a very early-morning train journey from Glasgow.
After breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to the island and travel by ferry and coach back to Oban to part ways.
RHYTHMS OF OUR DAYS (06/26/27 to 07/03/27)
Morning: Create openness as we arise to experience the sacred. (Rising of the new day sun in the east – opening ourselves to new possibilities of connecting with the sacred within and around us.) Begin the day with prayer, meditation, or gentle movement. People of all spiritual traditions, or no tradition, are welcome. Following morning service and breakfast, we’ll explore our theme using movement, reflection, journaling, and connection through the island.
Midday: Embodied wisdom and Sacred alchemy (deep connection within and the land -spaciousness for the inner work of the soul) Lunch will be followed by an afternoon break with time for personal reflection, wandering the island, or rest.
Evening: Rest and Reverence (as we make our through the daily medicine wheel we end up being held by the earth, landing in deep rest and reverence for all of life) We’ll come back together with a reflective gathering to integrate our day’s experience, followed by dinner and evening prayer.
Pilgrimage Fee
$500 Non-Refundable Deposit
Single $3,495
Double $2,885
Included
What is included in the price:
- 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; you are responsible for your travel to and from Oban
Not Included
What is not included in the price:
- Travel to Oban, Scotland (3 hours by train from Glasgow)
- Lodging in Oban if you choose to arrive early
- Any extra meals or drinks not indicated above
- Travel insurance, highly recommend
What past Iona Pilgrims Are Saying
Policies and FAQs
Where are we staying
We’ll have exclusive use of Bishop’s House retreat center. Expect simple, comfortable, and cozy accommodation, bathrooms with a private tub or shower shared among a few guests. We’ll be asked to help set and clear away dishes from the table, and help with a few very simple housekeeping tasks before we depart.
Will I have a private room? Will you match me with a roommate?
There are a limited number of single rooms available. Register early to reserve one of these. If you are traveling with a companion please let us know this when you register. If you are traveling on your own 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?
Food is home-cooked, traditional Scottish fare served family style; expect wholesome and hearty but basic meals: fish, meat, or poultry, cooked vegetables or salad, soups and fresh-baked bread. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available; if you have a specific food allergy the staff will do their best to accommodate. Tea, coffee, and herbal teas are freely available. You are welcome to enjoy meals out at one of several wonderful restaurants on the island serving higher-end meals, including local organic produce. A guest-use refrigerator is also available. There is no alcohol served at Bishop’s House, but participants are welcome to bring their own alcohol for thoughtful consumption on the premises, or enjoy a visit to the local pub!
Is WiFi available?
WiFi is available in the library and lounge.
How much money do I need to bring with me?
Although all your necessary expenses are included in the pilgrimage fee, Iona has a number of wonderful craft and artisan shops, an excellent bookshop, and several cafes, restaurants, and a pub, so you may want to budget accordingly! There is limited access to ATMs on the island, though you can pay with a debit or credit card in most shops.
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 any medical equipment that requires use of an electrical outlet, such as a CPAP, please let us know in advance so we can help you plan accordingly.
What is the weather like? Do I need any special gear?
Scotland is often rainy and cool but there can also be sunny and warmer days especially in late June and early July. It is a temperate climate and rarely gets very hot or very cold, although the damp and wind can make it feel colder.
At a minimum, bring sturdy, water-resistant walking shoes and a waterproof jacket; we recommend waterproof boots, water-resistant hiking trousers or rain pants, and a really good rain jacket! You may also want to bring a simple day pack, water bottle, and a head torch, in case you want to ramble home after dark.
How much walking is there?
Iona is a completely walkable island, and you can’t experience its full beauty without some walking. We will include different outings to sites on the island as part of our retreat experience. We recommend that you be able to walk about 2-3 miles over uneven ground in order to participate fully in this part of our experience.
What is your cancellation policy?
The deposit of $500 is an administrative fee that secures your space in this intimate retreat and is nonrefundable. There are no exceptions to the refund policy. As this is a once in a lifetime pilgrimage we expect this to sell out quickly. If you are called to this special place please do not delay. The balance of the program fee is due by December 1, 2026, and is nonrefundable after that time. We HIGHLY SUGGEST that you obtain travel insurance to include trip cancellation (“cancel for any reason” coverage will give you the widest leeway for cancellation), which will cover financial losses from any personal emergencies or other events which require your cancellation.
What happens if the organizers have to cancel the pilgrimage?
In the unlikely event that we either do not have enough participants registered six months prior (by the final payment due date) or if there is an emergency which prevents us from leading the experience, all of your retreat fees paid will be refunded. However, we are not responsible for any other losses, including travel expenses, which you may incur due to this cancellation.
What is the best way to get to lona?
We recommend flying into Glasgow airport. (You can fly into Edinburgh, though it is a longer train ride from Oban, and you may need to change trains in Glasgow.) From Glasgow Airport you can take a shuttle bus into the center of town. Trains to Oban depart from Queen Street Train Station, and it’s just a few hundred feet from the Oban train terminal to the ferry. You can buy your train tickets in advance to save some money, or you can purchase them at the time of departure. It takes about three hours to make the journey to Oban by train. Although it is possible to take a bus from Glasgow to Oban, we highly recommend the train as it’s more comfortable, and a beautiful journey!