Watery Landscapes as a Natural Prescription

We can live on land, but not forever, not without trips to the water and to home.

- Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women Who Run With Wolves

Blue Spaces: How and Why Water Makes You Feel Better

I’ve just finished reading Blue Spaces: How and Why Water Makes You Feel Better by Dr Catherine Kelly. In the book she talks of using blue spaces as a natural prescription - don’t you LOVE that idea? It reminds me of the Poetry Pharmacy book series by William Sieghart which I love too.

Without ever having given it a name, I’ve used watery landscapes as a natural prescription for most of my life.

I’ve always been a water baby. If you’d asked me as a kid what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’d have said a mermaid.

If you asked me now where I’d like to live, my reply is by the sea, and then, perhaps, at the edge of a lake. (Although I’m open to switching the order around!)

When I feel like an adventure, or when I’m feeling a little lost, it’s watery places I’m drawn to - coast lines, rivers, waterfalls, Welsh mountain llyns and Scottish lochs - I love them all.

I’ll confess that I’m not a person who is drawn to summit mountains, but tell me there’s a mountain lake at the top, and I’ll race you there.

Water cleanses, purifies and washes the weight of the world from my shoulders.

It helps me get in touch with my own true nature.

I know I’m not the only one.

That’s why I’ve intentionally woven water into almost all our guided walk offerings at Heartlands and Wild Edges. On each walk you’re invited to draw on the restorative power of watery landscapes and interact with these blue spaces in your own way - whether you enjoy simply sitting beside them, dipping a toe, or plunging in for a wild swim.

As Dr Catherine Kelly says, we can use blue spaces as a natural prescription to support our wellbeing.

Blue Space Adventures This Spring

Walking Wild Weekend in Dartmoor

Join me for a restorative, mindful moorland walking weekend in Dartmoor.

Walk through ancient landscapes and hidden valleys enjoying a walk to Wistman’s Wood, an extraordinary ancient oak woodland where twisted trees, hanging lichen, and boulders create a timeless, almost mythical atmosphere. We’ll also spend a day following the River Dart to a secluded pool, perfect for a wild dip (if you like), framed by granite rocks and moss covered trees.

Let’s Retreat Together in Cornwall

Private single cabins are running low - so if you are planning on joining, but haven’t got around to booking yet - now is the time!

Join me, Alice and a small group of friendly, adventurous women in St Agnes this spring as we take in the wild beauty of the North Cornish coast. This retreat promises to be a weekend of gentle adventure, heartfelt connection, and soul nourishment.

Payment plan available - secure your place with a £70 deposit.