Scotland, November 19-28, 2023
We held our first November retreat in Scotland in 2023, with a fabulous group of writers in unforgettable venues. We wrote beside roaring fires at the Loch Ness Country House, embarked on enlightening day trips, and ended our retreat in the vibrant UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh.
On our first day in Scotland, we met our private coach at the Edinburgh airport and journeyed together to The Loch Ness Country House Hotel in the Highlands.
Along the way, we stretched our legs in Pitlochry, had a quick lunch at the Cairngorms Mountain Café, before we finally arrived at Loch Ness Country House Hotel, our luxurious home for the week.
The grand folks at our exclusive country house in the Highlands took great care of us—fires in the hearths, breakfast each morning and a healthy variety of fresh-made dinners each evening prepared by their AA Rosette award-winning restaurant.
We enjoyed group writing sessions, evening readings, and one-on-one chats with Gerard about our writing. It was REALLY hard to leave this haven of tranquility and care.
Day Trips
During our time at Loch Ness Country House, we visited the Culloden Battlefield, the Clava Cairns standing stones, and Urquhart Castle, with a stop for lunch at the wonderful Cawdor Tavern. Our second day trip saw us journey over the sea to the Isle of Skye, where we visited Eilean Donan Castle, had lunch in Portree, and toured various parts of the island.
Goodbye to the Highlands
On our eighth day in Scotland, we said goodbye to Loch Ness Country House and the Highlands and boarded our private coach to travel in comfort toward Edinburgh. Along the way, we visited the storied and beautiful Glencoe before arriving at the UNESCO City of Literature.
Our participants stayed in upgraded, castle view rooms at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel, where we were perfectly positioned to explore the sights—and shops!—of Edinburgh.
Join us on our next adventure.
We’re returning to the highlands in November 2024, so stay tuned by visiting our Current Retreats page.