Frequently Asked Questions - Systemic in Nature 2025 

 

Where is it?

Rookhow, Rusland, Cumbria, LA12 8LA

What 3 words: 

https://w3w.co/overheard.confining.zooms

 

Directions to travel by car: From M6 Junction 36: Follow A590, signs for Barrow. Leave A590 at Greenodd (A5092) junction and follow sign for Workington for 0.5 mile. Take minor road to right signed Colton / Oxen Park. Continue through Oxen Park. After 2 miles Rookhow is on the left (there's a quicker way coming off at Newby Bridge but the roads are narrower and windy!).

From Ambleside: to Hawkshead, then to Grizedale. Continue beyond Grizedale for 3.5 miles (Satterthwaite – Ulverston Road). Rookhow is on the right.

 

When can I arrive?

Everyone can arrive onsite on day one from 10am for an 11am start.  

 

How to get there?

 

The closest train station with frequent trains is Ulverston.

 

Local taxi company A2B:  01229 587030.  

 

There is very limited parking on-site - we encourage car sharing if you must drive.  Use the registration form to indicate if you would like to offer or request car-sharing.  Greener travel will have discounted ticket prices!

 

Individual needs and accessibility 

If you have any particular needs re: religious, culture, dis-ability, mobility or gender for example - get in touch and we will do our best to discuss how we can make the symposium accessible for you.  Please familiarise yourself with the Rookhow accessibility guide   

 

Where can I sleep?

Rookhow has simple bunkhouse accommodation - we will have dorm space for female and male genders. 

Individual camping is also an option - there is a camping field at the rear of the bunkbarn.

 

Can I bring my van to sleep in?

Sorry; there is not enough space to allow sleep-in vehicles.   However you could camp with your vehicle off-site.  Nearest site is Grizedale campsite, a15 minute cycle or 44 minute walk.

Nearest B&Bs for those seeking additional comforts are Lands End Cottage, Force Mill Farm and Yew Beck Cottage.  

 

What washing and toilet facilities are available?

There are 3 showers and 4 toilets onsite - all mixed gender and there is step-free/accessible toilets and showers in the Meeting House.  

 

What other facilities are there?

There is a landline for emergency use only.

There is limited Wifi in the Meeting House - although we encourage you to unplug as much as possible and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

There’s an electric vehicle charging point.

 

What’s the food and drink situation?

We are very fortunate to be working with the wonderful and local Simon at Rock Cottage Dining.

There will be simple help-yourself breakfasts and light lunches/supper during the residential and hot food for a main meal.

All food will be vegetarian with vegan options.

Please contact us in advance if you have specific dietary needs and we will do our best to cater.  

There will be tea, coffee and drinking water available.

 

What does communal mean?

Shared meals, meal times and facilities.

Chipping in to keep Rookhow clean and tidy -  sweeping and stripping your bunk on the last day.  

Sharing dorm space with others or camping in the same field.

Bring something to share at our closing circles if you like; a skill, idea, poem, a song...

 

Can I bring my dog? 

No pets sorry - except registered guide dogs.  

 

What do I need to bring?

Boots or shoes that you don’t mind getting wet/muddy

Other clothes for all indoor and outdoor activities

Long trousers - the woods are a tick-area

Natural insect repellent

Torch

Personal-sized tent and warm bedding if camping

Sleeping bag or blankets if staying in bunkbarn (pillow and sheets provided)

Towel

Your personal toiletries and any medications

Water bottle and name-labelled lunch box/bag  

Day rucksack 

Ear plugs and an eye mask

Note pad and pencil/art supplies

 

What don’t I need to bring?

Kitchen/indoor cooking equipment and crockery

Cleaning supplies

Speakers, fireworks, gas fired heaters/hobs

 

Is there a site map?

Yes; see the  orienteering map.  (bottom of Woodlands page on Rookhow website)

Be mindful that it’s a gently managed wood and trees may be left over paths and there is steep/boggy ground.  Step carefully!

 

How do I book?

We will send you a booking form to the email address that you used to register your interest on the website.  The booking form will contain further booking information including ticket prices.