In Scotland - The Wee Retreat
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 - The Wee Retreat
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...
There is a magic that happens when you begin to take your writing seriously. A creative life force is activated that may have been ignored or forgotten. And then the deeper you go with your writing, the more you remember the spaces and places that are waiting to be witnessed. It’s like the commitment to expression clears layers of stuck energy to make space for the most potent version of your writer’s voice to come through.
Are you ready to listen?
The Write in Scotland Wee Retreat with Betsy Murphy begins in a castle. The first night of the retreat is in your own room at a castle turned into a 5-star hotel. You’ll have dinner and breakfast on your own before joining the group to travel in a luxury van to the retreat home in Loch Fyne in majestic Argyll, Scotland. The drive will take you through scenery that is made for fairytales.
“Argyll is the portrait of rural utopia.”
— Travel & Leisure magazine
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. Whether you are working on a book, thinking about starting one, or just wanting to begin a meaningful writing practice, the Petite Writing Retreat with Betsy guides you to remember the most potent version of your writer’s voice.
“Betsy created an environment for us to shake loose the hidden stories. Then through sharing circles we wrote and voiced them…and through ceremony we anchored and honored them. I realized at some point the stories that were coming forward from me in some cases had never been shared with anyone, ever. It was a chance for me to hear them myself for the first time, too.”
—Betsy H.
Bali Retreat
During the retreat local author Susie Sourwine is our guide for nature walks to ancient standing stones and swims at crystal-lined beaches. Susie’s popular book Letters from The Gardeners Cottage was written during her first year living in Loch Fyne. As Susie introduces you to the secrets of the land — the land will be a guide to introducing you to your own hidden stories.
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.
- Five days and four nights to explore writing while staying in 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.
- Seaside picnic
- Quiet mornings on the outside deck, an indoor hot tub with marvelous views, miles of fabulous walks, a nearby town with shops and restaurants.
- The gift of your voice.
Itinerary
September 17th: 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 18th: Departure to Loch Fyne
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 the rest of the group for transport to the retreat house.
3pm Check-in. Free time to unpack, hot tub, take a walk, swim, or nap
5:00-6:00pm Welcome Sunset Drinks & Appetizers
6:00-7:30pm: Dinner
Free time for hot tub, late walk, or early bedtime
September 19th and 20th: Loch Fyne
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: Free time, Afternoon local adventure
6:00-7:30pm: Dinner and optional spoken word
Free time for hot tub, late walk, or early bedtime
Departure Day, Wednesday, September 21st
Early Risers: Coffee and Tea on your own
8.30am-9.30am: Breakfast buffet: Fruit, yogurt, breadbasket, local fresh vegetables
10am – Noon Final Writing Circle
Noon – 1pm Picnic Lunch
2:00pm Check out of rooms
Itinerary
September 17th: 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 18th: Departure to Loch Fyne
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 the rest of the group for transport to the retreat house.
3pm Check-in. Free time to unpack, hot tub, take a walk, swim, or nap
5:00-6:00pm Welcome Sunset Drinks & Appetizers
6:00-7:30pm: Dinner
Free time for hot tub, late walk, or early bedtime
September 19th and 20th: Loch Fyne
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: Free time, Afternoon local adventure
6:00-7:30pm: Dinner and optional spoken word
Free time for hot tub, late walk, or early bedtime
Departure Day, Wednesday, September 21st
Early Risers: Coffee and Tea on your own
8.30am-9.30am: Breakfast buffet: Fruit, yogurt, breadbasket, local fresh vegetables
10am – Noon Final Writing Circle
Noon – 1pm Picnic Lunch
2:00pm Check out of rooms
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
Four nights accommodations (first night at castle near Glasgow airport), includes all meals except first night dinner, transport to the retreat house on September 18th, daily writing circles, and optional nature walks to explore the land and sea. (Please note: September 21st departure day onward travel is your responsibility.)
Pricing
Bedroom 1: $3,500 — 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: $3,500 — 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: $3,500 — 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: $3,500
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 $2,700 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?
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