In Scripture, we see that God loves to take people out of their normal, regular rhythms and into a solitary place in nature. He longs to meet with us. And by immersing ourselves in a wild, uncultivated place, we can get quiet and our hearts can hear Him more easily.

Leave your everyday normal behind and meet God in the wild

Live in awe is a hiking and wild camping ministry, which aims for all people to have the opportunity to enjoy creation and encounter a God who loves to meet with His people.

Hiking Retreats

Live in Awe runs two hiking retreats each year, based out of the Seamill Centre.

We kick things off by sharing supper together and gearing up for the next five days of guided hikes. Expect three day trips to various locations and one overnight wild camp in the mountains on the Isle of Arran.

The retreat costs £300 and includes equipment, meals, transport, guidance, and accommodation.

Our aim is that after a week immersed in God’s creation, you leave feeling refreshed and closer to Him.

We offer two hiking retreats a year or the option to customize your own group adventure.

Hiking Retreats

2024 Dates:

9th June | 5pm – 15th June | 4pm

21st Sept. | 5pm – 27th Sept. | 4pm

Location:

The Seamill Centre, West Kilbride
& Isle of Arran

Cost:

£300

Apply Today!

“Then Moses disappeared into the cloud as he climbed higher up the mountain. He remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights.” Exodus 24:18

In Exodus 24:18, God gives Moses the law. That could have been a simple, quick process. But God took Moses out of the chaos, away from his responsibilities. God met with him for forty days.

The mountain, cloud, wilderness or any other physical creation isn’t the main highlight of this story. The highlight is God’s unceasing desire to meet with us. He longs to call us to just be away with Him sometimes. So Just as Moses was called out of the chaos, the responsibilities and some of the luxuries, we call you to come away and meet with God.

A change of pace and place almost always equals a change of perspective. No matter who you are or where you are with Jesus, we want to help you find peace, perspective and God’s presence out in creation.

Choose Your Own Adventure

We want to make nature accessible for the wild camper and the slow Sunday walker.

Each trip is different. Let’s design your adventure together and say yes to meeting the One who loves us.

Backpack and wild camp in places no regular campers would dare to go

Pitch your tent on a site with facilities and adventure into the wild from the safety of your campground

Sleep in modern-day comfort at the Seamill Centre, while journeying into nature during the day

Meet Simeon Garrett

Hiking Guide | Live in Awe Founder

Simeon originally came to Seamill on Sabbatical seeking refreshment. He found the restoration he needed when meeting God in the mountains of Scotland. God’s creation filled him with an awe and wonder that brought him to worship. In the stillness of nature, he was able to quietly process, pray and read.

Simeon lives in West Kilbride with his lovely wife Jonina and their two children. He still loves to climb to the top of a mountain and camp overnight by himself with a good book. And in 2021, he began to bring others into that peace and restoration by founding Live in Awe.

Simeon has both his Hill and Moorland Leader certificate and Expeditions certificate under the UK banner of Mountain Training.

FAQs

This depends on your trip: we can tailor a trip to you and your group to be inclusive of various experience levels. If you are joining one of our retreats, however, fitness rather than experience will come in handy. Our trips are not designed to push you to the limits and we take several stops; but it’s important to know that the week will involve hills and mountains.

Live in Awe is for anyone. Our main goals are to enjoy creation, each other and meet with God. We can tailor each trip to the type of group that comes, fit or unfit, local or international, outdoorsy or weary of the outdoors. If you are willing to give it a go, you are welcome.

We split our main trips into 3 distinct categories: Wild, Comfy, Cosy. Please note: our retreats fall into the wild category.

Let us know if you are interested or have further questions and from there we can tailor the trip to you.

We only accommodate groups and are unable to take individuals.

This varies trip to trip. Once you select an adventure option, we will send you a kit list.

We provide:

  • Tents
  • Sleeping bags
  • Sleeping bag liners
  • Roll mats
  • Backpacks
  • Head torches
  • Eating utensils
  • Cooking kit
  • First aid kit

Sample kit items:

  • Minimal toiletries – (Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, etc.)
  • Bible – (required!)
  • 1.5L water bottle(s)
  • Good waterproof jacket & trousers
  • Outdoor/trek trousers
  • Long sleeve top
  • Thermals (& spares)
  • Fleece jumper
  • Gloves (If coming during colder months or you get cold easily)
  • Warm hat/beanie
  • Thick walking socks
  • Shorts & top to get wet & dirty
  • Sturdy hiking boot
  • Extras as desired: Sunglasses, Waterproof poncho, Spare underwear, Sun cream/insect repellent, Trekking poles, Tissues / Wet wipes, Camp pillow, Ear plugs, Gaiters, Small Towel, Journal, pen.

Currently, our main outdoor facilitator has his Hill and Moorland Leader certificate and Expeditions certificate under the UK banner of Mountain Training.

There are many variables to consider, such as time of year, group dynamics and budget. We often go to places such as Arran, Galloway, the Trossachs, and Ayrshire.

Our prices will vary depending things such as length of trip, type of trip, group restrictions and location. As a Charity, we make no profit from your group so our prices will be as low as possible. However if you wish to donate more towards the ministry and future groups who cannot afford these trips, that would be welcome!

The price will include all food, travel, guides and equipment. A breakdown of expenses will be sent to you upon the agreed trip details. (Once booked we do require a 20% deposit.)

Testimonials

“I have never felt this much peace in all my life.”

“In the last decade this retreat has been the most shaping thing I’ve done.”

“This has been the best day of my life in the last five years.”

“I so missed our hikes and I’m so thankful to you. Going on monthly hikes with you has brought me back to Jesus.”

Get in touch

To apply or find out more, please email liveinawe@ywamscotland.org or use the form below.

YWAM Seamill
The Seamill Centre,
9 Glenbryde Road,
West Kilbride,
KA23 9NJ

Tel: +44 (0)1294 829400
Email: info@ywamscotland.org

Youth With A Mission Limited
is registered in Scotland:
Registered Company No. 77148,
Registered Charity No. SCO13315

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