4 Days Walking and Yoga Holiday Snowdonia, UK

Dru Yoga

The yoga and walking retreat include sessions of Dru yoga which has its roots in Hatha yoga. The sessions include classical yoga postures (asana), pranayama (the science of breath), mudras (hand gestures), positive affirmations, empowering visualizations, and powerful sequences which performed in a flowing and dynamic style. Dru Yoga classes are tailored to the level of the individuals within the class and usually contain Energy Block Release Sequences (EBRs), postures, flowing yoga sequences, pranayama, relaxation and Dru Meditation.

Dru Yoga is playing a leading role in the developing the therapeutic application of yoga in the UK. In a number of research studies undertaken at Bangor University and published in peer-reviewed journals, Dru Yoga is shown to be beneficial in reducing stress and back pain at work. Research also show it helps professional footballers decrease injuries.

Benefits of Dru Yoga

• Joints are kept relaxed and soft during movement (as in Tai Chi). This creates flexibility and a free flow of subtle energy. It protects your joints and increases strength and stamina
• Dru Yoga teachers are trained to make their classes suitable for all levels of fitness from ‘full sweat’ to ‘no sweat’!
• Dru Yoga’s Energy Block Release (EBR) sequences; easy-to-practice, flowing movements that help to release tension physically, mentally and emotionally
• In Dru Yoga all movements originate from the spine, because a flexible, healthy spine supports your entire yoga practice
• The spinal wave and spinal twist are the core features of Dru, enhancing spinal health and vitality
• An understanding of core stability and muscle balance is a major focus of the Dru style
• Dru Yoga works to balance the chakras (energy centers of the body) and access the powerful energy of the heart
• Within the flow of movement, Dru Yoga creates powerful moments of stillness which we call ‘Dru points’

Dru Meditation

More and more research is also being conducted on the benefits of meditation. Studies have shown that meditation helps a variety of conditions including stress, depression, heart disease, cancer, back pain, asthma, anxiety, high blood pressure, sleep problems and allergies. Meditation has also been shown to decrease general pain levels, boost your immune system, improve mood, increase self awareness and even increase brain size.

In Dru Meditation, you will learn to access a deep inner peace, no matter what challenges you may be facing in life. Dru takes you deeply into the science of meditation, showing how to bring your awareness from the physical body, through to the deepest layers of your being. Dru meditation uniquely makes a focus of the five koshas, which are the different levels through which you experience the world.

Benefits of Dru Yoga and Meditation

• Reduce stress and tension
• Ease back pain, headache, and other physical discomfort
• Transform painful emotions into positive and better emotions
• Ease negative thinking
• Resolve conflicts more successfully so you can have better relationships
• Improve feelings about yourself and others
• Boost your energy and vitality

Below is a sample of your daily schedule:

Day 1

• 17:00 Welcome and check-in
• 18:45 Supper
• 20:00 Introduction to Dru, stretch and relaxation

Day 2

• 08:00 Breakfast
• 09:30 Dru yoga session, dynamic flow
• 11:00 Tea break
• 11:30 Dru meditation for inner calm  
• 13:00 Get changed and preparing yourself for walk
• 13:15 Lunch
• 14:15 Leaving in minibus for walking session
• 18:45 Supper
• 19:30 Optional therapies or mentoring

Day 3 

• 07:00 Optional valley walk
• 08:00 Breakfast
• 09:30 Dru yoga, awaken your inner energy and relaxation
• 11:30 Tea break
• 11:45 Dru meditation, the power of breath
• 13:00 Get changed and ready for walk
• 13:15 Lunch
• 14:15 Leaving in minibus for walking session
• 15:00 Guided walk around hills, lakes, waterfalls or coast
• 18:45 Supper
• 19:30 Optional therapies or mentoring

Day 4 

• 08:00 Breakfast and check out
• 10:00 Gentle valley walk with outdoor yoga
• 11:45 Meditation and sound session - three steps to keeping calm no matter what life throws at you!
• 13:15 Lunch
• 14:30 Departure

Every afternoon you will enjoy guided walks in the Snowdonia countryside or along the coastal paths of Anglesey. The walks will be around 3 to 4 hours long, including breaks, and will take you to hills, forests, waterfalls and lakes.  

This retreat will take place at Snowdonia Mountain Lodge which is situated in the beautiful Nant Ffrancon valley in Snowdonia National Park. The lodge is easily accessible by rail and road, based on the A5 (the historic main route from London to Ireland). It is 8 miles to the city of Bangor and 3.5 hours' train ride from London or 2.5 to 3 hours from Manchester.

It is the perfect place for you to relax and rejuvenate because it has spectacular panoramic views. The valley is home to rare alpine orchids and arctic saxifrages, buzzards, and families of otters. The river Ogwen tumbles from the glacial lake at the valley head and in spring and autumn runs of salmon and sea trout swim upstream to spawn.

The peace monument's water feature is a relaxing place to sit and soak up the sunshine, or you can meditate by a mountain stream. Teaching sessions are held in the spacious yoga hall, and in between classes you can browse through the extensive yoga shop. Then, you can explore the rugged beauty of Snowdonia National Park and the beaches of Anglesey.

There are some popular climbing spots include Plasy Brenin, Tryfan, Glyder Fach, Milestone Direct Route, and Great Gully. The mountains climb above the beautiful Welsh landscape tempt walkers with the promise of breathtaking views and natural beauty. Trails on the mountains are well marked and well maintained. They offer some of the best walking trails in the UK. Wild horses call the mountains home and they are a wonderful sight to behold as you make your way across the stunning natural landscape.

Snowdonia is a world-class venue for walking, cycling, paragliding, kayaking and climbing. If adventure is your passion, you can find zip line rides, white water rafting, adventure boat tours on the Menai Straits and mine exploring nearby. You can also visit a variety of historic castles, ride the Welsh Highland Railways, explore Celtic forests and tour stately manor houses.

Throughout your stay, you will enjoy freshly prepared and delicious healthy vegetarian cuisines which can complement the courses perfectly. The vegetarian meals include continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meals can be catered for your dietary requirements, allergy free options, vegan, gluten-free and other special diets. Please send Dru UK an inquiry about the food information when making a reservation.

Carnarfon Castle Tour

You can visit Carnarfon Castle, a medieval fortress (13 miles away) in the historic town of Caernarfon. This grand castle is one of the most famous of Wales's castles, and was the venue for Price Charles’ investiture as Prince of Wales. Its commanding presence and sheer scale set it apart from the rest.

Climbing Snowdon

Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and England, and is more than well worth a visit for its breathtaking views. You can choose from six different walking paths to conquer this 1085 meters giant; The Llanberis Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path, PYG Track, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path, or the Snowdon Ranger Path.

You can also let the mountain railway take you on a journey of a lifetime to the rooftop of Wales. The park's historic Snowdon Mountain railway climbs to the summit of Mount Snowdon, offering views across the sea to Ireland. The beginning of most of the tracks up Snowdon is a 20-minute drive from Snowdonia Mountain Lodge.

Exploring Ancient Anglesey

Ancient Isle of Anglesey is only 10 miles away (or a 16-minute drive) from the lodge. Numerous prehistoric stone markers and monuments are present on Anglesey which historically has been associated with the druids. Anglesey has stunning landscapes and unspoiled coastlines. Explore unusual landscapes that are home to an extraordinary amount of plants and wildlife.

You can wander through picturesque villages and explore miles of scenic walks or cycle paths on the coastal path. The beaches of Rhosneigr are great for surfing, fishing and diving. The island has a rich culture and heritage. The Isle is known as the second most Welsh-speaking local authority area in Wales.

Mountain walking and rock climbing

Snowdonia offers some of the best climbing spot in the UK. For those who prefer bouldering, there’s a variety of choice too. The popular climbing spots include Plasy Brenin, Tryfan, Glyder Fach, Milestone Direct Route, and Great Gully. The mountains climb above the beautiful Welsh landscape tempt walkers with the promise of breathtaking views and natural beauty. Trails on the mountains are well-marked and well-maintained.

They offer some of the best walking trails in the UK. You can climb past mining huts, lost caverns, and beautiful clear lakes on the way to the top of Snowdon, Conwy Mountain, and Tryffan. Even on misty days, the mountains display a mystical quality that sings with the legends of Welsh dragons. Wild horses call the mountains home and they are a wonderful sight to behold as you make your way across the stunning natural landscape.

Penryn Castle Tour

Penrhyn Castle (6 miles away or a 12-minute drive) is a country house in Llandegai, Bangor, in the form of a Norman castle. It was originally a medieval manor house with the fortification around the area. There is a lot to see in its extensive gardens regardless of the season including the snowdrops, bluebells, and daffodils. The formal gardens include a Fuchsia Arch and the 60 acres of grounds which also have woodland walks. The interior of the castle includes a one-tonne slate bed built for Queen Victoria and there is a dolls house museum and model railway museum. The castle is ideal for a family visit.

Zip lining at Zip World

Zip World is home to 11 unique adventures set in 3 stunning location within North Wales; Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda (5-10 mins drive) is home to Velocity, the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe. Zip World Velocity is the nearest thing to flying, taking you 500 meters above the quarry lake, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Zip World Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog includes the first 4-person zip lining in Europe to the unique, all-weather underground adventures.

Zip World Fforest, Betws-y-Coed offers an idyllic woodland setting for all your adventurous wishes.  Zip Safari is a journey through the canopy of the trees on 23 zip lines and 6 other ropes course elements 60 feet up into the trees. The Fforest Coaster is based on the traditional toboggan but runs on rails, which offers an all-year and all-weather experience.  You will fly through the forest at exhilarating speeds!

Surfing at Surf Snowdonia

Surf Snowdonia Adventure Park is the world-first inland surf lagoon and the UK’s most compelling outdoor adventure holiday destination for you, your friends and the whole family to enjoy. There is lots to explore but its main feature is an awesome 300 meter surf lagoon.

From Ayurvedic Abhyanga full body massage to foot reflexology, you will feel the true benefits of the whole Dru experience (optional).

• 2 daily Dru yoga and meditation classes to help you to relax and revitalize
• 3 nights' accommodation
• 4-hour guided afternoon walks in stunning scenery
• Complimentary alkaline filtered water
• Complimentary use of yoga mats, blankets, and cushion
• Daily delicious vegetarian and allergy-free meals

• Airfare
• Optional therapies
• Mentoring treatments
• Visit local attractions