“Argyll is the portrait of rural utopia.”
— Travel & Leisure Magazine

The west coast of Scotland is the road less traveled. It’s the perfect spot for a writing retreat. Your writing retreat. In September 2022, join Betsy Murphy in stunning Argyll, Scotland, known for dreamy scenery, ancient legends, and tranquil waterways. Named by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the 25 Secret Places Where You Can Get Away From The Crowds, it’s a fairytale setting to spark your storytelling.

Your base for the retreat is a private home in Loch Fyne, a place that truly lives up to its name. It’s so fine. From the retreat home, the shimmering sea invites you for daily swims while the emerald green fields are filled with paths to follow and paths to get lost on as you immerse yourself in writing. You may be already working on a book or you may be ready to start one. Betsy’s writing retreats are a place to gather and listen to the writer’s voice that you know is there even if you don’t consider yourself as a writer.

You’ll gather in daily writing circles to write and workshop your stories. You’ll listen and support others as they do the same. With a maximum number of four writers, you’ll get the experience of a Personal Writing Intensive with Betsy but in a group setting.

“The retreat with Betsy was magical, spiritual, beautiful, enlightening, warm, accepting, nourishing, rich. Betsy is gentle, kind, and so full of love. She just gets it – whatever “it” is to you.”
—Keira
France & Bali Retreats

Your first night of the retreat is at a castle near the Glasgow airport. You’ll enjoy dinner and breakfast on your own and then be driven the next day in a luxury van with the group to the retreat home. For the next seven nights you’ll be staying in your own room with en suite bathroom in a self-catering home. Nourishing meals including fresh local seafood are provided, and you also have full access to the kitchen in case you want to bring anything else that feeds your creative spirit. There is an indoor four person hot tub with stunning views to restore your body and mind.

We are fortunate to have author Susie Sourwine as our neighbor and local guide. Susie’s popular book Letters from The Gardeners Cottage enchants readers with how abundance shows up when you care for the land where you are rooted. Susie is our guide for local walks to crystal-lined beaches and to an ancient standing stone with a story to tell. You also have the option to join her for swims near Goddess Rock. As Susie introduces you to the secrets of the land — the land will be a guide to introducing you to your own hidden stories.

The hope is by signing up for the Write in Scotland Retreat you’ve already woken up some part of you that wants to devote time to writing beyond the journal style daily pages where you write your deepest thoughts and then tuck them away never to be revealed. Your writing circles during the Scotland Retreat will guide you to respect your writer’s voice by dedicating time to listen to the unexpressed stories of your heart, of your dreams, of your life.

“Working with Betsy on my story was one of those magical experiences where the veil lifts.”
— Maggie Marie

On this retreat, you’ll discover:

•  The quickest path to discovering your writer’s voice
• Get clear on the story behind your story – and why it matters
• How a daily writing practice is good for your health & wellness
• An intimate circle of supportive women who will be the Beholders for your stories
• The magical Crispie Lodge as your home for the retreat. Voted Top 25 Places to book in 2022 by Cool Stays.
• Nine days and eight nights to explore a magical part of Scotland
• A first night stay in a majestic castle near the Glasgow airport so you can arrive and rest before traveling onward the next day by private luxury van to the retreat house.
• A bonus boat ride and picnic (weather permitting)
• Quiet mornings on the outside deck, an indoor hot tub with marvelous views, miles of fabulous walks, a nearby town with shops and restaurants, or book a restorative massage.
• The gift of your voice.