SEPT 2025 Scotland Walk & Write Retreat

Service Description

The research is in. Walking, walking in nature, traveling to a less familiar place, and risk-taking do boost creativity and enhance writing. That's why so many well-known writers have spent time traveling to and writing in places far from home. And it's the premise of Compass Writers retreats. By getting out in nature, moving our bodies, and engaging in simple artistic activities, we fire the creativity centers of the brain and give oxygen to the work on the page. During this 9-day women's writing retreat we'll explore different avenues and forms of writing. But mostly, we will write, share our writing, and encourage each other to look for and use the prompts that surround us every day, in nature and in our daily lives. Along the way, we'll encounter abbeys, historical sites, castles, the River Tweed with its pristine water and diverse wildlife, Roman fort ruins, friendly locals, farms, and a lot of sheep. Throughout this moving retreat, we'll find spots to stop and write, discuss writing, interact with the scenery around us, and get to know each other and our writing muses a little better. On shorter walking days, we'll gather for afternoon sessions and each night we'll gather to dine before moving into an evening workshop session. Throughout the workshop, we will utilize an integrated arts approach to inspire our writing: nature drawing, light clay work, music et al. Each participant will be asked to lead one arts-based prompt session – a wonderful, inclusive way to build community and share our writing interests equally. This workshop is also grounded in the Amherst Writers & Artists method, which helps keep each of us safe and recognizes all of us as the artists we are. ABOUT PAYMENT: Non-refundable deposit of $1,000 must be made on VENMO(@cherylmurfin) or personal check (address provided upon registration). Remainder $3000 is due via VENMO (@cherylmurfin) or or personal check by August 1, 2025. For a full description and workshop FAQs go to compasswriters.com/cuthbertsway. Or contact Cherylmurfin@gmail.com