The Shepherd's Hut is a place to find refuge
East Mountain UK offers the Shepherd's Hut and the Prayer Garden at Wall End to those who are seeking peace, restoration and healing.
A beautifully curated space to relax
Come get away with The Good Shepherd
We have attempted to anticipate your needs and offer a space for a day retreat that will leave you feeling refreshed and encouraged. A ready kettle with a variety of coffees, teas and biscuits are there for your enjoyment. Light nibbles and cold drinks too! Feel free to take a pen, a mini notebook and a handmade bookmark to remember your time in the Shepherd's Hut!
A lovely natural environment
Listen to the birds and the music of the river
A gorgeous space along the banks of the River Tyne in East Lothian with numerous possible walks in the local forest. Watch for ducks, our resident Blue Heron and even occasional otters along the tumbling river weir.
Self-guided retreats
Need inspiration? We are keen to help!
We provide numerous options within the Hut for self-guided day retreats, Christian devotional reading and prayer resources. Alternatively, if you would like to interact with someone from the East Mountain UK Community for prayer, inspiration or fellowship, we are happy to make that happen as well!
Affordable
Money should never limit an opportunity for healing
As word about the Shepherd's Hut has spread and as prices increase, we have decided to employ a suggested donation of £15/day for use of the Hut. This helps us keep the lights on, coffee and tea in the cupboard and wood ready for burning in the "hobbit stove."
A donation box for cash donations as well as a QR code to scan to give by debit or credit card are available in the Hut. EM UK bank transfer details are also available on the booking page.
However, we ask that you give as you are led and, if money is an issue, that you would accept use of the Shepherd's Hut as a gift from us!
After meeting our monthly upkeep needs, any surplus donations will be given to a UK charity we love "I Got Shoes." Read more about them here
A "thin place"
Where Heaven touches Earth
As a religious, Christian Community, East Mountain UK offers guidance from the historic, Christian perspective. But we open the Shepherd's Hut to anyone who wishes to come, regardless of creed or background. We welcome you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find you?
Our address is located here on the website. We are in Pencaitland; about 17 miles SE of Edinburgh in East Lothian. Sat Navs typically fail at finding us with the Wall End address! If you type "Pyrus" into Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze, it will show you directions to the Pyrus Walled Garden right beside us. However, we kindly ask you not to park in the Pyrus carpark. Please park under the large Yew trees on the right as you drive down and see Wall End right in front of you. Once you book, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to get here and how to access the Hut. Normally, a community member is on site to open the Hut.
If it's your first time, do ring the front bell at Wall End if a community member is not out to greet you. Sometimes we don't see cars drive up!
Do I need a car to get to you?
Technically, no, but you will probably want one! There is public bus service from Edinburgh to a stop in Pencaitland on the 113. The final stop is less than a 15 minute walk to Wall End. Let us know if you plan to use public transportation and we can help make your arrival less of a hassle!
Can I stay the night?
Unfortunately, we are not equipped to host overnight guests. There is a day bed provided in the hut for napping. As someone once said to us, "Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is to take a nap!"
We are happy to point you to local BnB options in the area if you wish an overnight stay.
Can I book for more than a day?
Yes, but due to high demand, we ask that you do not book more than two days per month in the Hut. Exceptions to this can be considered on a case by case basis. We want to provide this special place to as many people as possible!
Is WiFi available?
The answer is “it’s complicated!” As we are located in a fairly rural area, mobile and internet services are a bit spotty. The Hut is surrounded on most sides by tin which acts as metal shield against our house-based WiFi signal. 3G/4G and mobile network signal can be captured outside the Hut on some networks.
We often suggest that guests enjoy the fact that that the Hut insulates them from the busyness and constant accessibility of modern life and provides an oasis of calm in a crazy world!
How much does it cost?
As we mentioned above, we desire to offer the Shepherd's Hut as an affordable retreat space for everyone. We have a suggested donation of £15/day. If you would like to give more, we welcome your generosity. If the suggested donation is a stretch for you, please don't worry about it. Let this time be a gift to you.
All donations go toward the maintenance, upkeep and stocking of the Hut and Gardens for your enjoyment!
Can I bring my kids? My dog? My partner? My friends?
Currently, The Shepherd's Hut is not equipped as a space for children or animals. Sorry!
The Hut can comfortably seat up to 4 adults and can be used as a place for small group gatherings. Small group bookings are welcome.
Do you provide meals?
Unfortunately, no. There is a kettle in the hut and a small refrigerator. We provide hot drinks, a variety of cold drinks and small snacks in the Hut. We can let you use a microwave upon request. There are cafés and restaurants in Pencaitland and in nearby Haddington (10 minutes).
Who or what is East Mountain UK?
We are a small, Christian community registered as a charity in the UK (charity no. 1174595). We operate in the domains of leadership development, spiritual formation, pilgrimage, discipleship and ministry of presence. The Prayer Garden and the The Shepherd Hut are offered as a part of our commitment to see people flourish in all aspects of life and to connect more deeply to God.
Learn more about East Mountain UK here.
What if I'm running late?
If you anticipate being more than 15 minutes late for your pre-booked time in the Hut, please text Chris at 07747378155. This just helps us to know how to schedule the timing for warming the hut with a fire, etc.