Creative Retreats at Glencanisp

Treat yourself to a week of tranquility and inspiration

Book a place. Learn about practicalities. Read some testimonials.

For a week of inspiration come for a week at Glencanisp Lodge in the north-west Highlands of Scotland. There are no qualifications required to come and no compulsory activities, just an opportunity for writers or other creative people to develop their work in progress in a peaceful and stunningly beautiful environment.

Top Left Corner has one last creative retreat week to go. Treat yourself.
•    26 March – 2 April 2011
Spring comes quietly in Assynt, but its song is beautiful. It’s the time of primroses and violets, thrushes, warblers and the wingbeats of geese skeins heading north.

Book a place, learn about practicalities and read some testimonials.

This is the fifth year Glencanisp Lodge has been the venue for our retreat weeks. Over this time, we have provided space, tranquility and stimulation for more than 40 published and aspiring poets, short story writers and novelists including Margaret Elphinstone, Rodge Glass, Jason Donald, Paula Jennings and Colin Will. An increasing number of our guests are artists in fields other than writing, including textiles, photography, painting and music. This blend of diverse creative disciplines is part of the magic of the weeks.

Previous participants have said:

‘I had a wonderful time, thank you so much. I feel refreshed and inspired…’

‘I adored the peace and quiet, the scenery, the food and the company…’

‘Distance from my normal existence has produced work that I’m proud of, encapsulating some of the magic of this place…’

‘What did I write? One new poem every day…’

‘The best writing retreat in Western Europe…’

‘It was great. Being here allowed me to have insights into how to progress my novel…’

‘A lovely house overlooking the most wonderful views…’

Book a place, learn about practicalities and read some testimonials.

Any writers or other creative people are welcome on the weeks, which cost £650. The weeks run from Saturday to Saturday. Everyone gets a private and comfortable room to themselves, many of which have spectacular views out to the iconic mountain of Suilven or into the mature woods around the Lodge. Delicious home-cooked food is included.

For writers we offer a programme of exercises to stimulate ideas and get the words flowing. We will create a safe environment for sharing drafts and getting feedback. A writing facilitator is always on hand to give feedback or advice if desired.

We will arrange guided walks and other opportunities providing different perspectives on the landscape. Each week will have a menu of ‘creative dates’, offering you chances to spend time with local people and get a taste of Assynt life and culture. There are ceramics and music studios at Glencanisp and several artists and craft producers in the area. Creative dates include yoga, guided walks and horse-riding. Anything is possible, so if you don't see what you want on the menu, please ask!

Book a place, learn about practicalities and read some testimonials.