A SUMMARYFind your tribe for a New Year's Eve with a difference!
Join a team of like-minded people for a wilderness micro-adventure that will set you up to approach the new year with courage in your heart, a spring in your step and a group of new friends at your back.
This is a 24hr wilderness expedition on the South Downs, featuring a spectacular day-hike, a secret wild camp, and a cold sea swim to welcome in 2026 with a roar (or squeal!), led by Julia, a qualified expedition leader and eco-therapy guide.
We will be hiking a section of the South Downs. The walk is guided, incorporating talking prompts inspired by the landscape and some opportunities to connect with nature. The aim is to encourage gentle self-reflection and a spirit of gratitude. You'll be invited to share your feelings about what's going on in your life, and to contemplate your strengths and achievements, as well as exploring what's missing in your life right now. In the evening, there will be space for games, story-telling, and resolution-setting to celebrate the new year. We will be tucked up in our sleeping bags well before midnight, but we can always wriggle out to watch the fireworks and enjoy a hot toddy!
You will just need to carry a day bag (waterproof jacket, warm layer, water, snacks, head torch etc) for the hike. The route can be muddy, so walking poles and gaiters are a good idea if you have them.
You will need to provide all your camping kit; a tent or bivvy bag, a sleeping bag, a roll mat and plenty of extra warm layers. This kit can be left securely in team members' cars during the day hike and we will pick it up in the evening before we pitch camp. Therefore you may want to bring luxuries such as blankets, a pillow and a hot water bottle! After the hike, we eat supper at the pub and spend time there warming up, so you won't go to bed cold and wet.
Route: Undulating footpaths and tracks.
Accommodation: Wild camping - bring your own tent or bivvi bag.
Difficulty: Stretching; walking distance 6+ miles, undulating terrain, pace 3mph, cold conditions likely!
Programme:
31st: Meet 9am. Set up camp. 'Walk and Talk' over South Downs. Cafe lunch and rest. Walk on. Forest Bathing. Pub supper. Group games. Fireside NYE celebration. Wild camping overnight.
1st: Pack up camp. Short walk. Wild swim. Breakfast at cafe. Depart midday.
Cost: £120. Includes guided reflective activities, campsite fees, firewood and celebratory gifts. Does not include pub/cafe meals or drinks.
If you've always hated NYE but never known how to have it be different... join us! This is your tribe!
Gift vouchers are available. Contact me if you'd like to give this experience as a wild and unique present for a loved one this Christmas.
Please use the purple 'Contact Mentor' button to express your interest or ask me any questions. You can also find more information at www.ipsewilderness.co.uk.
