In Scotland
Cancelled for 2022
Loch Fyne, Argyll, Scotland
Praise for the Retreats
“Love traveling with the magic of Betsy. She is a storyteller that inspires loving creativity.”
— Ingrid Sato, Somatic Psychotherapist
Bali Retreat
Praise for the Retreats
“The writing retreat changed my life!! And the book I started in Bali with Betsy is healing my heart and will heal the hearts of millions.”
— Tatiana Arias, www.tatianaarias.com
Bali Retreat
Praise for the Retreats
“I have such gratitude for how gentle and encouraging you were with my writing and how that feeling of safety allowed me to dig deeper.”
— Elisabeth
France Retreat
In Scotland
Cancelled for 2022
Loch Fyne, Argyll, Scotland
Praise for the Retreats
“Love traveling with the magic of Betsy. She is a storyteller that inspires loving creativity.”
— Ingrid Sato, Somatic Psychotherapist
Bali Retreat
Praise for the Retreats
“The writing retreat changed my life!! And the book I started in Bali with Betsy is healing my heart and will heal the hearts of millions.”
— Tatiana Arias, www.tatianaarias.com
Bali Retreat
Praise for the Retreats
“I have such gratitude for how gentle and encouraging you were with my writing and how that feeling of safety allowed me to dig deeper.”
— Elisabeth
France Retreat
Overview
What to Expect...
“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.
Itinerary
September 8th: Arrival and Overnight in a Castle
Upon arrival at the Glasgow airport, you’ll transfer to a nearby castle where a room awaits your check-in. Dinner on your own.
September 9th
Breakfast in bed or the dining room? Your choice…enjoy your final few hours in the castle.
Noon: Depart for scenic travel day to Argyll. Your driver will meet you at the castle. You’ll join Betsy and the rest of the group for transport to the retreat house.
3pm: Check-in. Free time to unpack, hot tub, take a walk or nap
5:00-6:00pm: Welcome Sunset Drinks & Appetizers under the nearly full moon
6:00-7:30pm: Dinner
Free time for hot tub, late walk, or early bedtime
September 10th to September 16th (Optional Spa Afternoon on Tuesday, Sept. 13th)
Early Risers: Coffee and Tea on your own
8.30am-9.30am: Breakfast buffet: Fruit, yogurt, breadbasket, local fresh vegetables
10:00am-1pm: Morning Writing Circle
1:00-2:00pm: Lunch (snacks & drinks available throughout the day)
2:00-5:00pm: Afternoon Private Sessions and/or local adventure
6:00-7:30pm: Dinner and optional spoken word
Free time for hot tub, late walk, or early bedtime.
Departure Day, Friday, September 16th
Early Risers: Coffee and Tea on your own
8.30am-9.30am: Breakfast buffet: Fruit, yogurt, breadbasket, local fresh vegetables
10am – 11am Final Circle
12:00pm Check out of rooms, Grab & Go picnic lunch.
Itinerary
September 8th: Arrival and Overnight in a Castle
Upon arrival at the Glasgow airport, you’ll transfer to a nearby castle where a room awaits your check-in. Dinner on your own.
September 9th
Breakfast in bed or the dining room? Your choice…enjoy your final few hours in the castle.
Noon: Depart for scenic travel day to Argyll. Your driver will meet you at the castle. You’ll join Betsy and the rest of the group for transport to the retreat house.
3pm: Check-in. Free time to unpack, hot tub, take a walk or nap
5:00-6:00pm: Welcome Sunset Drinks & Appetizers under the nearly full moon
6:00-7:30pm: Dinner
Free time for hot tub, late walk, or early bedtime
September 10th to September 16th (Optional Spa Afternoon on Tuesday, Sept. 13th)
Early Risers: Coffee and Tea on your own
8.30am-9.30am: Breakfast buffet: Fruit, yogurt, breadbasket, local fresh vegetables
10:00am-1pm: Morning Writing Circle
1:00-2:00pm: Lunch (snacks & drinks available throughout the day)
2:00-5:00pm: Afternoon Private Sessions and/or local adventure
6:00-7:30pm: Dinner and optional spoken word
Free time for hot tub, late walk, or early bedtime.
Departure Day, Friday, September 16th
Early Risers: Coffee and Tea on your own
8.30am-9.30am: Breakfast buffet: Fruit, yogurt, breadbasket, local fresh vegetables
10am – 11am Final Circle
12:00pm Check out of rooms, Grab & Go picnic lunch.
Meet Betsy
Author & Writing Coach
Betsy Murphy leads writing retreats all over the world and this one will be unforgettable.
Whether staying at a private chateau in France, floating over a river in a bamboo pod for a writing class in Bali, picnics in stunning Cape Town wine country, or waking up to walks with rhinos and ellies in Zimbabwe, Betsy’s retreats are considered once-in-a-lifetime journeys that many people return to do again. The writing retreat on the Seine River in France will be a magical place to cruise with the most powerful version of your writer’s voice.
“Betsy has a presence as powerful as any human I have ever met but the impactful part of how she has chosen to use it. She is changing what it means to be – and how it is to be – a woman in the world.”
Accommodations & Pricing
What's Included
Eight nights (first night in castle near Glasgow airport), includes all meals except first night dinner, transport to the retreat house on September 9th, daily writing circles and private session with Betsy, optional excursions including massage and spa day. (Please note: September 16th departure day onward travel is your responsibility.)
Pricing
Bedroom 1: $8,500 one person — BOOKED
This is on the main floor near the hot tub! This is a bright bedroom with a double bed and an en suite bathroom with bath.
Bedroom 2: $8,500 one person — BOOKED
This big bright room has a double bed, a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite shower room. It has incredible views. The coral-themed wallpaper adds a pretty coastal touch.
Bedroom 3: $8,500 one person — BOOKED
This is the biggest bedroom and is stunning. It has a large double bed and a wood-paneled en suite bathroom. Double French doors lead out onto a wooden balcony which must have one of the best views on the west coast of Scotland. Sip your morning coffee, watch the wildlife and exhale.
Bedroom 4: $8,500 one person
This nautical themed room has a double bed and en suite bathroom with shower. It also has wonderful sea views.
FAQ
Can I choose my room?
The rooms are offered on a first come basis. The lodge offers four beautiful rooms with en suite bathrooms. We are only booking the rooms as single rooms. Please let us know if you would like to come to the retreat and share a room with a friend, the discounted rate for both of you to attend is $6,500 each. If desired, we can switch the double bed to twin beds.
Can I bring my partner?
The retreat and house are open to women 16+ who identify as female or as non-binary. The retreat house is solely reserved for people participating in the retreat.
Do I need to be a writer to join the retreat?
Many of the people joining the retreat don’t consider themselves writers when they arrive. They have a story to tell and they aren’t sure where to begin. The retreat will support you in moving from getting those thoughts out of your journal and into story form with a beginning, middle, and end. You’ll start writing stories others want to read. You’ll start writing stories others want to share. WARNING: By the end of the retreat, you may call yourself a writer!
What happens if I need to cancel?
Due to the small size of Betsy’s retreats, we are unable to offer you a refund for any reason. Your place is not transferable. However, Betsy’s retreats often have a Wait List so if we are able to find someone to take your place from the Wait List, you receive a refund minus $500 administrative fee. Travel insurance is advised which often covers cancellations. Please consult with your airlines and travel insurance to see what is covered.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
No rooms are available to extend your stay.
Can I book a private session with Betsy?
You’ll have at least one private session with Betsy during the retreat. If you want to continue working with her post-retreat, you can find details here.
Why writing prompts?
Our daily writing circles include 15-minute writing prompts. We all write together based on a given prompt and then it’s optional to share what you’ve written. The great thing about the prompts is you aren’t trying to think of the story you want to tell, you read the prompt, and then start writing allowing your intuition to guide you. You’ll be surprised what happens when you take your intuitive spirit as a writing partner.
Can I skip a session during the retreat?
The retreat is designed to be spacious so you have time for yourself, excursions, spa time and more. If you need additional time to rest, write, and restore, you can skip any session. Betsy requests that you don’t come late or leave the writing circles early.
Will publishing be covered?
We are focused on writing. Publishing is not part of the retreat sessions. Betsy’s book “Write On: A Daily Writing Practice for Anyone with a Story to Tell” offers a chapter with tips and resources on publishing. You can also schedule a private session with her for guidance on publishing.
What about grammar and punctuation?
The retreat isn’t about correct punctuation and perfect grammar. This is about allowing yourself to turn your thoughts and experiences into stories that connect and engage others.
How do I get to the retreat house?
Your first night of the retreat is at a majestic castle. You’ll take a taxi from Glasgow airport to the castle. Your room at the castle is prepaid, but you’ll need to cover your taxi from airport, dinner, and incidentals the first night. Betsy and a driver will meet you the next day at noon to begin the scenic drive to the retreat house at Crispie Lodge in Argyll, Scotland.
Do I need a car?
You don’t need one during the retreat but if you choose you can rent one at the airport and drive yourself. The retreat home is remote, and taxis are available but need to be booked in advance.
Schedule an Event
events@betsybmurphy.com
Contact Author
betsy@betsybmurphy.com
Schedule an Event
events@betsybmurphy.com
Contact Author
betsy@betsybmurphy.com