You are invited to join John Philip Newell and Ali Newell on Scotland’s Isle of Iona for a pilgrimage week of reflection, spiritual practice, and community life.
Each day begins with silent prayer and meditation in the Village Hall. Then mid-morning John Philip offers teachings grounded in Celtic wisdom, inviting us to further awaken to the sacredness of Earth and every human being, and calling us to translate this awareness into action in our lives and world. After the morning teaching, Ali leads us into simple spiritual practices to more deeply ground the teachings in our bodies and souls. Lunchtime and afternoons are free for hiking, conversation, and rest. Then in the early evening we gather again, this time in the ancient Chapel of St Oran, to reflect on the themes of the day through simple chant, ritual, and prayer. Our breakfasts and evening meals are communal. And one day in the week we walk together the nine-mile pilgrimage route around the island as we pray for new beginnings in our families, communities, and nations.
Ali Newell spent 10 years as a University Chaplain at Edinburgh University and prior to that worked for 12 years in the field of spirituality and retreat leading. For 20 years she and John Philip have been leading Celtic pilgrimage weeks together on Iona.
Our host for the pilgrimage week is the St. Columba Hotel. Located a three-minute walk from Iona Abbey and overlooking the Sound of Iona and the hills of Mull, the St. Columba Hotel is an ideal location for our week together. It is much more than a venue. The hotel’s organic gardens, eco-friendly policies, and welcoming young staff are an important part of the pilgrimage experience. And we are the only lodgers at the St. Columba Hotel for the week. Earth & Soul is grateful to be able to partner with the hotel team in offering these pilgrimage weeks. Registration for the week is made directly through the St. Columba Hotel (for both lodging and program).
All 2026 Iona Pilgrimages are fully booked. To be added to a wait list, please contact the St. Columba Hotel