Residential Writing Retreats at
The Oak Tree Inn, Scotland
Where Inspiration
Meets Productivity
At our Residential Writing Retreats at The Oak Tree Inn, we merge the serenity of the Scottish countryside with meticulously structured writing sessions to provide you with an unparalleled writing experience.
A residential writing retreat offers much more than a mere escape; it’s a journey of transformation that energises your productive spirit and elevates your writing endeavours.
Picture an environment dedicated to your professional growth, a haven away from everyday distractions, where your main focus is to achieve your writing goals and allow your thoughts to effortlessly translate into words on the page.
Upcoming Acorn Writing Retreats
6th - 8th of August**
10th - 13th of September
23rd - 26th of October**
12th - 15th of November**
26th - 29th of November**
10th - 13th of December**
** Professor Rowena Murray will be co-facilitating.
A Sanctuary of Inspiration
Nestled in the heart of Balmaha, alongside the breath-taking Loch Lomond, The Oak Tree Inn serves as the idyllic backdrop for your writing journey.
Renowned for its charm, character, and heart-warming hospitality, the venue is a multi-award-winning establishment. At Acorn Writing Retreats, we place great importance on the “treat” aspect, ensuring your experience is nothing short of exceptional.
As you immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings, you'll discover inspiration around every corner. From the cosy writing rooms, where structured sessions take place, to the on-site luxurious bedrooms, you’ll be cocooned in comfort throughout your stay.
Meticulously Structured
Our retreats are thoughtfully designed to unlock your full writing potential. Inspired by the renowned Professor of Academic Writing, Rowena Murray, and her work on structured writing retreats, we have tailored a schedule that blends concentrated writing periods with opportunities for relaxation and networking. These sessions, ranging from 60 to 90 minutes, provide you with the ideal balance of focused work and rejuvenating breaks.
During the writing sessions, silence reigns supreme, and the rhythmic pattering of typing keyboards ensures your focus remains unbroken. However, you’re welcome to bring headphones/earphones if you prefer to quietly listen to music whilst you write.
This setup ensures that every participant has the space and time to unleash their productivity without distractions. At Acorn Writing Retreats, we aim for your writing journey to be an uninterrupted flow of inspiration.
Guided with Empathy
Your writing journey is in caring hands with our experienced facilitator and founder, Rebecca Maxwell Stuart. With her extensive experience in higher education and a recent qualification in counselling skills, Rebecca brings a unique blend of academic insight and empathetic support to your writing journey.
Rebecca is nearing the completion of her PhD at Heriot-Watt University, where she explores student engagement across transnational education settings. Her doctoral journey has been significantly enriched by actively participating in numerous writing retreats, uncovering their transformative potential.
Rebecca’s approach is deeply rooted in understanding the individual challenges and aspirations of each participant. She specialises in providing practical tips to enhance your productivity, motivation, and the overall writing process. Her genuine commitment to your well-being extends beyond writing advice, focusing also on personal development.
Learn from the Best
Acclaimed Professor of Academic Writing, Rowena Murray, will be co-facilitating on certain retreats, bringing her expertise to transform your writing journey.
Expert Mentorship: With Rowena’s profound insights and practical advice, prepare to reach new heights in your writing. Her mentorship is a blend of seasoned expertise and practical skill, tailored to advance your projects.
Diverse Experience: From national volleyball coach to esteemed academic, Rowena’s rich background infuses her teaching with discipline, motivation, and deep understanding of writing challenges. She offers practical solutions to help you navigate and excel in your writing endeavours.
Academic & Athletic Excellence: With roots in Scotland and an academic career spanning Glasgow to Penn State, Rowena’s journey is as varied as it is impressive. Her commitment to volleyball parallels her academic achievements, including prestigious fellowships and significant contributions to academic writing.
“The Acorn Writing Retreat at The Oak Tree Inn, Loch Lomond, was a fantastic experience that revitalised my writing. Set in a tranquil, picturesque environment, it provided comfortable accommodation and delightful food. The retreat, run by the attentive Rebecca, was well-organised and featured structured, uninterrupted writing sessions with short breaks, enhancing focus and accountability through shared progress updates. The small group setting allowed for personalised feedback and a sense of camaraderie. This retreat was not just beneficial for my writing but also a memorable experience I would love to repeat.”
— Emma G Akdag
The Schedule
Please note that our schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions, so we may have extra moments to enjoy and explore the great outdoors.
Our residential writing retreats typically span three to four days, often commencing on a Tuesday and concluding on a Friday. However, please refer to the specific dates below for exact timings.
Participants are encouraged to fully engage in all writing sessions, allowing you to make significant progress on your projects. During the remaining time, you will have the freedom to explore, network and unwind at your own pace.
For those travelling by public transport, a dedicated private chauffeur is at your disposal, ensuring a relaxed and hassle-free journey to and from Glasgow Central Station, so you can arrive ready to write.
Nestled beside the tranquil Loch Lomond and adjacent to the West Highland Way trail, the picturesque village of Balmaha offers enchanting walking pathways for those seeking to explore the breathtaking Scottish countryside.
Future Acorn Writing Retreats at
The Oak Tree Inn
6th - 8th of August* | £550
10th - 13th of September | £750
23rd - 26th of October* | £750
12th - 15th of November* | £600
26th - 29th of November* | £600
10th - 13th of December* | £600
* Professor Rowena Murray will be co-facilitating these writing retreats
If you are interested in a retreat on dates other than those listed, please get in touch. While we can arrange custom retreats, please note that the summer months are particularly busy in Balmaha. We recommend considering dates from September to March for a more tranquil and focused writing experience.
Pricing & Options
Pricing for our retreats varies depending on the duration of your stay and time of year, with options for three-day and four-day retreats. The standard package listed per retreat is all-inclusive of meals, refreshments and single occupancy standard bedrooms.
Our retreats offer a range of accommodation options to suit your preferences, including single occupancy rooms, on-site eco-pods, charming nearby cottages, and the opportunity to upgrade to luxurious pods or superior bedrooms for extra indulgence.
+ £25 to total for upgrade to eco-pod or superior bedroom.
+ £50 to total for upgrade to superior pod/family room.
We also offer the option to extend your stay by an additional night for a relaxed start or finish to your retreat experience. (Prices vary depending on the season so best to contact The Oak Tree Inn for best deal).
Deposit: A £100 deposit is required to confirm your place. Deposits are non-refundable.
Please read our Terms & Conditions for further details.
