Abbey Wood
A woodland stay, stripped back
A stay at Abbey Wood asks for a different kind of comfort: the hush of a small woodland and the readiness to manage without ordinary campsite conveniences. The two-to-three-acre site, owned by Buddhist charity Tariki Trust, is used for retreats and wild camping. Visitors bring their own one-person tent, then settle into a deliberately spare setup: there is no electricity or running water, rainwater is available for basic washing, drinking water is brought in, and a composting toilet serves the site. Nights here mean sleeping close to the weather and hearing the woods rather than retreating behind hotel walls; pack with that exposure in mind. Abbey Wood will suit campers comfortable with simple facilities more than anyone expecting serviced accommodation. Retreat formats and fees depend on the dates, so check Tariki Trust’s retreat page before making plans.
Highlights
- A compact two-to-three-acre woodland retreat site
- Bring-your-own, one-person tent camping
- Rainwater for basic washing and drinking water brought in
- A composting toilet, with no electricity or running water
Good for
Setting
Abbey Wood is a small, two-to-three-acre woodland used for retreats and wild camping. Its atmosphere is shaped by the trees, open-air nights and a deliberately simple relationship with the elements.
A typical day
Daily structure varies by retreat. At Abbey Wood, the practical rhythm also includes pitching and caring for your own tent, managing basic washing with rainwater, and using the composting toilet. Check the retreat page for the schedule and any meal arrangements before travelling.
Accommodation
Bring your own one-person tent. There is no electricity or running water; rainwater is available for basic washing, drinking water is brought in, and the site has a composting toilet.
What to bring
Bring your own one-person tent and full camping kit, including a warm sleeping system and waterproof layers. Earlston’s average annual temperature is 8.8°C; summers are warmest, while October to December are wettest, so pack for damp, cool conditions.
How to get there
Abbey Wood is in Earlston. Confirm the exact arrival point and final directions with Tariki Trust before setting out, as the site is woodland rather than a conventional hotel address.
Nearest airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) (55 km)
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is approximately 55 km away. Confirm the final route and onward transport options with Tariki Trust before travelling.
Nearest city: Edinburgh
Check Tariki Trust’s retreat page for dates and contact the trust to confirm how to reserve.
Retreats are paid, but fees are not stated here. Check Tariki Trust’s retreat page for current prices and what each fee covers.
Interested in this center? Check availability and upcoming retreats on their official site.
Visit Abbey Wood websiteClimate
Climate Zone: Temperate
Best Months: Apr, Mar, Aug
Avoid: Nov, Dec, Oct
The annual average temperature is 8.8°C, with June through August the warmest months and December through February the coolest. October to December are typically wettest, while March, April and August are drier, so prepare for cool, damp weather outside summer.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring my own tent?
Yes. Visitors need to bring their own one-person tent.
What facilities are available at Abbey Wood?
There is no electricity or running water. Rainwater is available for basic washing, drinking water is brought in, and there is a composting toilet.
Is Abbey Wood suitable for someone new to meditation retreats?
The woodland setup is simple and requires camping independently. Ask Tariki Trust whether a particular retreat is suitable for beginners.
How do I book, and what does the fee include?
Retreats are paid. Check Tariki Trust’s retreat page and contact the trust to confirm booking steps and what is included.
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