LMFIT · Women's Retreats · South Downs & East Sussex Coast
Reconnect, Move
& Restore
Yoga, hiking, wild swimming and deep rest on the South Downs and East Sussex coast, or kayaking, hiking and snorkelling in the Croatian islands. For women who are ready to come back to themselves.
What this is
A weekend to breathe
This is not a bootcamp. It's not a race. It's a curated weekend for women who want to move with intention, connect with nature and each other, and leave feeling genuinely restored.
We'll share a beautiful house in Morland, in the Eden Valley — 20 minutes from the Lakes. We'll move, we'll walk, we'll swim in cold water, sit in stillness, and share good food. Maximum 8 women for real intimacy and connection.
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. This weekend is an invitation to trust that."
A long weekend of morning yoga flows, a big fell walk with incredible views, wild swimming in Ullswater, an evening sound bath, yin yoga, journalling, and the kind of conversations that only happen when you're properly away from it all.
What's included
Everything you need
Yoga
Morning vinyasa flows, a deep yin session, and a gentle Sunday practice. All levels welcome — Liz meets you where you are.
Fell hiking
A spectacular 4–4.5 hr ridge walk from Mardale Head, taking in High Street (828m) and Kidsty Pike. Stunning views, 4 Wainwrights.
Wild swimming
A dip in Ullswater on Saturday, and an optional Sunday swim in the River Eden or peaceful Brotherswater. Tow floats provided.
Sound bath
A deeply restorative sound bath on Saturday evening, followed by yin yoga and guided journalling to close the day.
Workshops
Two gentle workshops — a Saturday evening reflection session and a Sunday closing circle — to integrate and set intentions.
The house
A private house in Morland. All meals catered, your own space to rest, and the kind of comfort that makes everything feel easy.
Moments from the retreat
A look back at our last gathering
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South Downs & East Sussex Coast
Our signature retreat weekends
Choose between an adventurous camping weekend in the South Downs by the coast, or a house-based reset by the chalk cliffs of the East Sussex coast with private rooms. Tap a weekend to explore the full itinerary, what's included and to book your place — with more dates on the way.
New dates comingSouth Downs Reset
Yoga · clifftop hikes · sea swims · sauna · sound baths
Three days by the chalk cliffs — move, breathe, swim and reflect together. Big skies, cold water and space to reconnect with yourself. New dates coming soon.
New dates comingAlfriston Adventure Weekend
Camping · hiking · sea · sauna · flow
Camp under the Downs and walk to the sea. Three days of hiking, sea swims, a wood-fired beach sauna, kayaking and campfire flow. New dates coming soon.
£99 depositEast Sussex Reset
Yoga · clifftop hikes · sea swims · sauna · sound baths
Three days by the chalk cliffs of East Sussex — move, breathe, swim and reflect together. Big skies, cold water and space to think about what you're carrying into the rest of the year.
£1,500 ppLopud Island Retreat
Yoga · sea kayaking · island hikes · boat days · sound baths
Seven nights on a car-free island in the Adriatic. Sunrise swims, beach yoga, sea kayaking, a boat day to the Blue Cave, island hikes and sound baths — with plenty of space to simply rest.
New dates comingLake District Retreat
Fells · lakes · wild swimming · yoga · deep rest
A house-based reset in the heart of the fells. Mountain walks, wild swims in the lakes, yoga and long evenings by the fire. New dates coming soon.
Your host
Liz Marsland
Liz is a BSc Sports Science graduate with over 20 years of coaching experience, specialising in women's fitness, posture and injury rehabilitation, athlete conditioning, and corporate wellbeing. As well as working as a personal trainer and sports massage therapist, she guides hiking trips across the UK at weekends — so you're in very safe, very capable hands on the fells.
Liz is also a yoga teacher with 7 years of experience leading groups, corporates and individuals — and she offers sound bath sessions to help you reach a deeper state of rest and restoration. She founded LMFIT to create a fitness experience that is real, inclusive, and transformative. This retreat is a natural extension of that work.
Joining Liz on the weekend is Jen Slade, a leadership & communication specialist who will guide the workshops across the weekend. Expect sessions that genuinely challenge your perspective, help you reconnect with what matters, and leave you with tools you'll actually use.
Joining Liz
Jen Slade
Jen is a naturalist and plant expert with a deep passion for trees and birds especially. A qualified lowland leader, she brings the landscape to life — helping you notice the small wonders you'd normally walk straight past, from birdsong on the trail to the plants and trees along the way.
She's also Liz's favourite walkie-talkie buddy in the mountains — the kind of company that makes every mile fly by. Expect her warmth, curiosity and knowledge to add a whole extra layer to your time on the fells.
Prepare
What to bring
Clothing & layers
- —Hiking boots (non-negotiable)
- —Waterproof jacket
- —Warm mid-layer / fleece
- —Casual/comfy clothes
- —Warm socks (spares!)
Movement
- —Yoga mat
- —Comfortable layers
- —Trainers / yoga socks
Swimming
- —Swimwear
- —Towel
- —Dryrobe or dry layers
- —Tow float (or borrow one)
- —Coloured swim hat
- —Change of shoes
Essentials
- —Journal & pen
- —Reusable water bottle
- —Snacks for the hike
- —Personal toiletries
Questions
Frequently asked
Not at all. Yoga sessions are accessible to all levels — Liz will offer modifications throughout. The Saturday hike is graded Hard and covers ~12 km with ~750m elevation, so a reasonable base fitness is helpful. If you're unsure, message Liz and she can advise.
The Saturday swim in Ullswater is optional but warmly encouraged — Glenridding beach has a gentle, gradual entry that's perfect for first-timers. The Sunday swim is completely optional. Tow floats are provided and a buddy system is used at all times.
Two nights' accommodation in the house, all meals catered for across the weekend, all yoga sessions and workshops hosted by Liz, van hire to and from the trailhead, the sound bath, and tow floats for swimming. Friday night is pizza night at the brilliant local café (highly recommended). Alcohol and personal costs are separate.
The retreat formally starts with lunch on Friday — arriving by 12:00 means you get the full orientation hike and evening session. If you can't make it by then, message Liz to discuss — she'll do her best to accommodate you.
Yes — Sunday night is available for those who'd like an extra night of rest and space. No planned sessions; just free time, walks, and connection. Let Liz know at booking.
Morland is in the Eden Valley, Cumbria. By car it's just off the A66, about 15 minutes from Penrith. Penrith has direct rail links from London Euston (about 3 hrs) and Manchester. A car share or taxi from Penrith station can be arranged — message Liz to coordinate with other guests.
The deposit is non-refundable, but your place can be transferred to another woman. The balance is refundable up to 6 weeks before the retreat. After that, places can be transferred but not refunded. Full details in your booking confirmation.
Kind words
What women say
I came exhausted and left feeling like myself again. The balance of movement, stillness, and real conversation was exactly what I didn't know I needed.
The cold water swim terrified me and then became my favourite part of the whole weekend. Liz holds the space so beautifully — nothing felt forced.
Eight strangers on Friday, eight friends by Sunday. The fell walk, the sound bath, the food — every moment felt considered. I've already booked again.