Frequently Asked Questions

What is an "average" day like during the retreats?

Your day starts with a breakfast between 7 and 8:30. Early Bird options (6:55 - 7:30) include a silent hike or meditation in the Abbey. After Breakfast we gather for "content" sessions related to Iona, Celtic spirituality, and our own lives. After a great lunch, the afternoons are open, with optional guided hikes. A boat trip to the Island of Staffa is offered on one or more afternoons also. We gather for dinner, after which we have a brief closing session. There are some evening events in the Abbey or Village.

What is the hiking like? What if I'm not up for it?

There is hiking for every level of interest. You can walk the full 3-mile
length of the island on flat road, 90% paved. And you can scramble up and over rocks and moors to the highest point (300 feet!), and down to hidden sandy beaches, and get away from it all. We lead the hikes, or you can go off on your own. You can lose yourself, but it is hard to get lost. Even on a short walk you can encounter skylarks and primroses and sea pinks, sheep and highland cattle!

Are there stores on the island? What can I get there?

Even on this tiny island, there are 10 shops of various sorts that have
books, pottery, sweaters, scarves, hats, shirts, jewelry, and celtic-flavored souvenirs. Most take credit cards. (Note: Exchanging money on Iona can be complicated. We advise using the ATM or bank in Oban before you get on the ferry to Iona.)

What if someone needs to contact me while I am on Iona?

You will recieve all of your Iona contact information with your regestration packets, mailed to you well before the beginning of the retreat.

Is there internet access on Iona?

There is internet access (four terminals) in the St. columba hotel, for a small fee.

Does the same group of women usually come (on the Women's Retreat)?

No. There are occasional returnees, but the retreat is open to all, and the group that comes together serendipitously (or by some design greater than we can take credit for) produces its own community magic. Each person is drawn to make the journey for their own reasons, and we take pains to respect that. And at the same time, common bonds and shared life experiences soon emerge, and reinforce individual explorations.

Is this a retreat in the religious sense of the word?

If you mean "is it a week of keeping silent and praying a lot?" the answer is no. It is a spiritual journey, with one day of silence and with ample opportunity for whatever form of meditation, prayer or reflection you want to deepen in your life. Our format seems to elicit more laughter than silence, and a lot of poetry-as-prayer. (Our saints include Mary Oliver, Hafiz, Billy Collins, Marge Piercy)

How much time should I allow for going/being there?

Ten days. Getting there is part of the adventure via plane, train, 2 buses and 2 ferries. From the US West Coast we allow 2 days, which includes a refreshing overnight in the lovely town of Oban, on Scotland's NW coast Gateway to the Hebrides. The best idea is to allow even a few more days, as long as you are in that part of the world, to explore the Highlands or Islands or Edinburgh. We can give you some ideas.

If you have questions that you would like to see answered on this page please email them to Vivienne with "FAQ" typed in the subject heading.