One of the very few negatives of attending British Naturism events is the come down - the back to reality feeling you get the moment you put your clothes back on and return to a clothed world... particularly so after a weekend like our British Naturism Woodland Weekend in the Lake District where you can embrace two days in one of the most beautiful areas of the UK.
This year's event was another great success. With almost double the numbers, and yet still not cramped or crowded due to the beautiful off-grid 60 acre venue, Fell Foot Wood. We practically have a whole fell to ourselves! It’s a good work out for the calves too, it’s hilly but just beautiful.
At the heart of the site lies a cosy barn with a roaring log burning fire and bar serving local Lakeland ales and cider. This is also where our crafts and music takes place and is our main social hub.
And, there’s always a camp fire to welcome in the evening, with marshmallows of course.
This year we had some of the best music we have had at any BN Event with the incredibly talented Matthew Fearon on Friday night playing an acoustic set featuring some classic and new covers. His laid back, endearing and quirky charm eased us into the weekend beautifully.
Saturday night we welcomed Mobius Loop (a philosophical folk band) whose naked, non stop 2.5 hour set of all original music had the audience captivated - sometimes lulled by soft tones, other times dancing to drum filled beats, and often laughing along to satirical, edgy lyrics. We were literally putty in their hands and enchanted by their raw talent and love that filled the room.
The weekend was packed full of activity with two naked fell walks, both with Skinny Dips, and crafts in the form of fragrant felted soap workshop and making lava bead bracelets.
The weekend also had time to reflect with our morning ceremony, celebrating the wonders of the earth, and a group meditation. There were massages on tap too from Katherine and Brian.
Saturday evening gave us a drum circle around the camp fire, lead by Sean from Mobius Loop. This evolved beautifully into a spontaneous, drum-accompanied camp fire sing along.
One of the most memorable (and out there!) moments of the Woodland Weekend was the Woodland owner’s tongue in cheek, pagan-esque Moon Pond ritual including naked torch bearers, flaming horns and the opportunity to be baptised - you had to be there!
Our Woodland Retreat will return to Fell Foot Wood in 2020.
Members can see the gallery of images from the event here (log in required)