Ayurvastra on Cadair Idris

I never would’ve combined the Indian practice of ayurvastra with Cadair Idris, the second tallest peak in England and Wales, but that’s the beauty of a residency. It shakes up our synapses, opens us up to new experiences, and encourages collaboration.

Carly Seller and I climbed to the lake on Cadair Idris a few days ago.

Carly is an English artist from Plymouth (England, not Massachusetts.) For two weeks, she stayed at Maelor to practice ayurvastra. Using plants she foraged from the Welsh countryside, she dyed cloths to infuse them with healing properties. People then use the cloths as bedsheets, clothing, or specific props made to treat their ailments.

When Carly gets back to the studio, the cloths will have to cure in the dark for a month. From there, she’ll turn them into healing wares. She’s making special eye masks for me, though she has the latitude to do whatever she likes. In addition to the eye, she also dyed cloths for digestive health, headaches, heart issues, warding off evil, and more.

Check out the results of her work on Instagram HERE. (You’ll have to get her to accept your request for a follow. It’s worth it!)

Carly and I are working together on a chapter in my travelogue memoir. Foraging for healing plants on Cadair Idris was part of our research. I hope you enjoy the pictures of our visit.

The sign marking the start of our steep climb.

See? STEEP. Fifteen hundred feet of steps just to get to the lake!

Not even a third of the way, and we already have this view!

This moraine is hulking evidence of the last Ice Age.

We both found the geology fascinating.

The lake is the perfect place to stop and contemplate.

And this is only halfway! The full Cadair Idris walk takes about seven hours and 3,000 feet of scrambling up and down.

Last time, MTM and I scrambled down that slope AND I THOUGHT I’D DIE.

Carly foraging on Cadair Idris.