Join Shonaleigh as she begins the process of teaching the Manasseh cycle to other people. This is a way of getting the stories off Shonaleigh’s tongue onto the tongues of other people, so they are not just sitting with her and her apprentices.
Former Wildwoods students with a working knowledge of the drash who want to help support, continue and grow the tradition are invited to apply. Shonaleigh wants to work with Wildwoods students because they understand the culture and context of these stories: the knowledge, information, context and skill of these tales.
The Ruby Tree was Shonaleigh’s entry point into the lattice, a story she has been getting to know for most of her life. We will be taking a deep dive into the main arc of this story, walking it, exploring it and learning it through the drash.
We will be staying in a beautiful and rugged spot in the Lake District, a rural retreat 900ft above sea level with basic but comfy facilities… Perfect to step out of this world and into the Manassah Cycle.
When is it?
Pre-sessions on Zoom – Thursday 27th November & Thursday 4th December 2025 from 6.30pm (UK time).
In-person residential – Sunday 11th – Friday 16th January 2026 at YHA Helvellyn, Greenside Rd, Penrith CA11 0QR, UK. Arrive anytime from 5pm on the 11th. Informal catch up that evening. Course runs intensively Monday to Thursday. Leave by 10am Friday 16th.
Note that accommodation is in dorm-style rooms, which by default are shared. It might be possible to have a room on your own. Bathrooms and showers are shared, though we will be the only group at the hostel at this time.
To keep costs down, we’re doing the catering ourselves. Please (a) bring your own breakfast food (we’ll bring the food for communal lunches and dinners) (b) be prepared to help wash up or cook meals (c) help keep things tidy in communal areas.
YHA Helvellyn is in a stunning part of the Lake District, halfway up a mountain. There is parking, around 50m away from the main building.
Want to join?
Price
All options include 5 nights accommodation, lunches and dinners from Sunday dinner to Thursday dinner, and all teaching sessions
- £275 Stay in a shared room
- £375 Stay in a private room
- £575 Philanthropist option – your own private room and you’ll be sponsoring a spot too
- £75 Kitchen helper option – open to the young-at-heart and enthusiastic who are up for doing extra cooking, washing up, cleaning duties – email [email protected] to sort this out
FAQs
Can I bring a partner/family and share a room with them? Yes, subject to space. They will need to pay the shared room cost of £275 – and entertain themselves during the day when we’ll be drashing. Of course they are welcome to join for meals.
Is it accessible? Here’s the details on the venue. Contact us in advance if you have any concerns: https://www.yha.org.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/yha-helvellyn-access-statement-2025.pdf
How do I get there?
Address is: YHA Helvellyn, Greenside Rd, Penrith CA11 0QR.
There is ample parking. The nearest rail station is Penrith, 13.8 miles away. The nearest bus stop is 1.5 miles away in Glenridding village. Buses run to this stop from Penrith and Windermere. Best airports: Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Manchester, then take the train to Penrith via Carlisle.
What do I need to bring?
- Your own food for breakfast
- Your own towel
- Clothes and boots for walking if you want to go out
- Slippers and warm clothes
- Pen and paper/journal if you need it
- Any snacks and special drinks you need (there is no shop or bar on site)
What if I have dietary requirements?
That’s fine. Please let us know when you book.
I love cooking! Can I help cook?
Yes, we need people to help cook lunches and dinners. Let Claire know when you are booking and we’ll add you to the rota.
I hate washing up! I’d rather pay extra and not washup!!
No problem. Go for the “Philanthropist” ticket option.