A Morning by the Water: Coniston
Coniston Water
Saturday 28 November | 9.00am -12.00pm
Sauna with Wild Wellness • Optional cold-water swimming • Time in the landscape beside Coniston Water • A shared reading • Quiet reading beside the fire • Hot drinks and sweet treats • A copy of Swimming the Seasons by Polly Atkin to take home
Words and Water is joining forces with Nat at Wild Wellness for a special morning beside Coniston Water, bringing together the things we love most: books, the outdoors and the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself.
With the water and fells as our backdrop, we will spend the morning slowing down, making space to read, reflect and experience the landscape as autumn gives way to winter. We will begin by gathering together for a short reading before enjoying the sauna, the lake and the landscape around us. There will be time to warm up in the sauna with Wild Wellness and, if you wish, experience the invigorating cold water of Coniston Water.
Reading will be woven into the Gathering, too. We will be sharing a reading from Swimming the Seasons, a book that invites us to think about our relationship with water and the changing seasons. Each guest will receive a copy to take home, offering a little inspiration to carry beyond the morning.
As part of the morning, we will gather beside the fire for what lies at the heart of Words and Water: unhurried time to read, pause and notice more. There will be space to settle into your own book, enjoy a hot drink and something sweet, or simply sit for a while and take in the surroundings.
There is no pressure to swim, no expectation to be a seasoned sauna-goer and no need to take part in everything. Whether you fancy a dip in the lake, some warmth in the sauna or simply a quieter morning beside the fire with a book, you are welcome to find your own rhythm.
There will be no reading list to complete, no expectation to share your thoughts and no pressure to make conversation. Just a beautiful setting, a good book and a few hours away from the usual pace of life.
Our Gatherings are relaxed, friendly and easy to join. We hope you leave feeling refreshed and with a little more space to carry into the rest of your weekend.
What is Included
A curated morning beside Coniston Water with Words and Water and Wild Wellness
A sauna experience hosted by Wild Wellness
The opportunity to take an optional cold-water swim
Time to enjoy the landscape beside Coniston Water
Your own copy of Swimming the Seasons by Polly Atkin to take home
Quiet reading time beside the fire
Hot drinks and sweet treats
A relaxed, intimate Gathering in the company of fellow readers
Timings
9.00am
Arrive at East Coniston Car Park and gather beside the lake.
Opening circle
A short shared reading to begin the morning.
Sauna and optional cold-water swimming
Time to warm up in the sauna with Wild Wellness and, if you choose, take a dip in Coniston Water.
Reading time
Gather beside the fire for unhurried time to reflect, read and relax with hot drinks and sweet treats.
Closing circle
A little time to reflect on the experience and share a gentle close to the morning.
12.00pm
Gathering ends.
Timings are approximate, allowing the morning to unfold at a gentle pace. Further practical information will be shared with guests ahead of the event.
What to Bring
A book you would like to read, if you wish to bring your own
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor autumn weather
Warm layers, including a hat and gloves
Swimwear if you would like to use the sauna or swim
Two towels: one to sit on and one to dry off with
A warm change of clothes if you plan to swim
Suitable footwear for being outdoors and around the water
Any personal medication you may need
A reusable mug for tea and a water bottle
You do not have to swim if it does not feel right on the day. You are just as welcome to enjoy the sauna, the fire, the reading and the landscape without entering the water.
Things to Know
The Gathering takes place outdoors beside Coniston Water, so please come prepared for autumn weather. We will be spending time outside as well as enjoying the sauna and reading circle, and warm layers will make all the difference.
Cold-water swimming is entirely optional. You are welcome to enjoy the sauna, reading and company without entering the lake.
Please follow the guidance provided by Wild Wellness regarding sauna use and swimming. Further practical information will be shared with guests before the event.
Location: East Coniston Car Park, Coniston Water, LA12 8DD.
Parking: Parking is payable on arrival using RingGo or PayByPhone. The car park charge is £5 for four hours.
Places are limited to keep the Gathering relaxed and intimate.
Photography may take place during the Gathering for the Words and Water and Wild Wellness websites, newsletters and social media. If you would prefer not to appear in photographs or videos, simply let us know when you arrive.
Gatherings are intended for adults aged 18 years and over.
Please read our Gatherings Terms and Conditions before booking.
Tickets £40 per person
Book your space
We look forward to welcoming you to A Morning by the Water: Coniston.
A little warmth, a little cold, a good book and time beside the lake. An opportunity to welcome the changing season, spend time in the landscape and make space for a slower kind of Saturday morning.