Roz describes her approach as "a simple, grounded and inspiring approach to self-discovery." In practice, the weekend is built from three things: walking in silence, yoga, and meditation. Nobody talks for most of the retreat. Without conversation and phones, people tend to notice how busy their heads are, and that's the point. Roz's teaching draws on the yogic idea of Svadhyaya, or self-study. She treats the physical postures as a starting point and puts the real emphasis on stepping back and paying attention to yourself.

The yoga classes work in stages. Roz breaks each posture into steps that get harder as you go. Beginners can stay at the first step, and experienced practitioners can carry on through the full sequence. She adjusts the level to whoever turns up that weekend, and you're only expected to go as far as feels comfortable. Most of the meditation is guided, and she covers a few different methods. On the last morning there's a 30-minute unguided sit.

The walks go out from the house into the countryside around it. Friston Forest is next door. Cuckmere Haven, where the river reaches the sea, and the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters are both close. Doing these walks in silence feels quite different from a normal hike: you hear the birds, the wind and your own footsteps much more.

At Gayles you're a guest in Roz and Derry Robinson's home. It used to be a working farm and is gradually being returned to nature. The place also has a long history with artists and creative people. Being small and family-run is what separates it from bigger retreat centres. Groups are small, the cooking is done in-house, and the people who teach you also live there.

The kitchen serves vegetarian food made largely with produce from the property's organic gardens, so a lot of what you eat was grown a few metres from the table. Dairy-free and wheat-free alternatives are available.

Silent weekends run from Friday to Sunday several times a year, and there's an extended Friday-to-Monday version over the late May bank holiday. If a full weekend feels like too much, Roz also runs one-day silent retreats with walking, yoga, meditation and food. Many people start with one of those.

What's included

- Accommodation at Gayles (your choice of room option) - All teaching led by Roz Robinson - Daily yoga sessions - Guided meditation sessions - Silent guided walks in the surrounding countryside - All meals (vegetarian, largely from the property's organic gardens) - Refreshments throughout the retreat - Access to the yoga/meditation hall at all times

What's not included

- Travel to and from Gayles - Extra nights before or after the retreat - Travel insurance - Spa or massage treatments (not offered) - Roz Robinson's books (sold separately at £8.50 each) - Personal expenses

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