The more we feel concern for others and seek their well-being, the more friends we will have and the more welcome we will feel.

Alfred Wainwright coined the phrase "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes". We need to remember this, particularly as we roll into the cooler winter months. 

The Wisp Retreat is located at approx. 55° Latitude where the average temperature is around 5°C lower than the south of the country in the winter months. We are also 1000ft above sea level which can add another 2°C difference to most of the near sea level population of the UK. This means that wherever you are coming from there is likely to be a noticeable temperature difference.

As an energy efficient site with zero carbon ambitions, we rely on the correct clothes to heat the body rather than using vast amounts of energy to heat indoor spaces. This is the most effective way to make a meaningful difference to our carbon emissions. You can read more about our zero carbon plans on our project page.

You need to come prepared for cold and bad weather during the winter months. Winter clothes mean base layers, fleece layers (including under trousers), wearable blankets, woolly hats, rain hats, rain coats, walking boots, thick socks etc. For sleeping you may want to bring warm pyjamas, an extra sleeping bag, bed socks, and again base layers etc.

As we are transitioning to a low energy site, we need to be mindful of the fact that the main building is currently poorly insulated and that the oil heating system will need to be replaced by a more efficient, environmentally friendly solution soon. Whilst the heating in the main building will be on during the winter, the building will still likely be colder than you may be used to. With the correct clothes this shouldn't be a problem. 

All of the beds have heated blankets, please note that the cabins are not heated. During the winter months, all customers staying in a cabin will also have a bed in the indoor bunk room allocated to them should we encounter very cold temperatures during your stay.