Tuning into the trails
Lovetrails was a celebration of movement, music, and moments of stillness in nature. Across the gorgeous trails of the Gower Peninsula, journeys unfolded - of resilience, strength, and reconnection with nature, ourselves, and each other. In the spaces where movement met stillness, a powerful sense of calm flooded the festival.
Over the weekend, we helped people tune in and reconnect through mindful breathwork, nature-led hikes, wild foraging, and a few cold cans to refresh and reset along the way.
Mindful hiking: moving with intention
The weekend’s highlight was the mindful hike led by Leo Oppenheim and Neil Frankel. This wasn’t your typical trail experience; it was an invitation to move with intention, tune in to the present, and find stillness in every step. As our community walked through the beautiful Gower landscapes, they were guided to focus not just on the destination but on their movement and breath.
“To me the power of calm is that moment to switch off, that moment to ground, that moment to just come away from the day to day and just to drop into yourself and drop into your centre…listening to what lies within and finding your intuition within that.” - Leo Oppenheim
As the hike unfolded, there was a palpable shift from the usual rush of life to a more grounded, peaceful state. The movement of hiking combined with mindful breathing allowed participants to settle into the moment, finding both calm and clarity in the rhythm of their steps.
Foraging walks: wild flavours, fresh connections
Across the Saturday, three foraging walks took curious minds into the edible landscape of the Gower. Each session invited people to slow down, notice the details, and learn more about wild ingredients while connecting deeply with the land. Along the trails, we discovered new flavours and tips, learned about the plants and ecosystems around us, and paused for a refreshing Goodrays to reset and recharge in the golden summer sun. Just as memorable were the relationships formed along the way - a reminder of how being outside breaks down barriers and creates space for deeper connection.
When asked what they do to harness a sense of calm, a fellow forager stated that “being in nature and tuning into my senses a bit more is really what I do to find calm. So just trying to take my mind out of business and just tune in to whether it's hearing something, listening to something; sounds, textures, that kind of thing.”
Moments of recovery: slowing down after movement
While Lovetrails was all about movement, it was also a celebration of the importance of recovery. Whether it was the runners reaching the finish line, the hikers reflecting on their journey, or those simply taking a break in the bustling day, there was a sense that recovery was just as crucial as the trail itself.
For some, recovery meant a quiet moment of reflection, away from the noise. For others, it meant a gentle stretch under the trees or a conversation with a friend. For many, it was about enjoying a Goodrays drink - a simple, effective way to unwind and reset during the physical exertion of the day. Movement is half the story, but taking the time to tune in to your body, restore, and give space to breathe is just as important.
Connection: to nature, to ourselves, to each other
Ultimately, Lovetrails was all about connection. Whether it was a quiet breath under the canopy of trees, a shared laugh with a fellow runner, or a moment of stillness by a peaceful trail, every activity provided an opportunity to reconnect - with nature, with ourselves, and with each other.
From thoughtful conversations over Goodrays drinks to shared moments of calm in nature, the weekend embodied the power of slowing down and connecting in a deeper, more meaningful way. As one festival-goer put it, “I think you can find your calm even when its very busy. I think intentionally deciding to try and find it - whether its through a drink, a practice… it’s important to let things go to allow calm to come in. For me, that’s spending time with animals, being outside, and connecting with nature.”
This weekend is a reminder that we are never truly alone in the outdoors, whether we’re walking alongside others or sharing a quiet moment with the world around us.
The power of calm in nature
The outdoors holds a special kind of power. It’s in the stillness of nature, in the rhythm of movement, and in the moments of connection that we find calm. Love Trails reminded us that by tuning into the trails, listening to our bodies, and embracing the simple pleasures of nature, we can find moments of clarity amidst the busyness of life. It’s not about powering through or checking off a list of activities; it’s about moving with intention, grounding ourselves in the present, and giving ourselves the time and space to reset.
If you missed out on Lovetrails, don’t worry, the journey to reconnect with nature is just beginning. We invite you to embrace the trails, your breath, and the moments of stillness that bring you a sense of focus in the noise. Because life isn’t about powering through, it’s about tuning in.
