Workshops in the Wilderness
Nature | Story | Connection
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WRITE YOUR WAY THROUGH CHANGE
A four-day luxury writing experience in the Cairngorms National Park
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September 22nd - 26th, 2025
Join us as the seasons change in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. With boutique accommodations, gourmet meals, gentle nature-based activities and an immersive therapeutic writing workshop led by facilitator and poet Carolyn Grisold, The Change Retreat offers you a fresh start for autumn.
During the retreat we will create a safe space for your writing to emerge as well as help you to foster a deep connection with the land that will bring you back to a place of wholeness. The time in nature will allow your thinking to shift away from busy life distractions towards a more creative self.
We welcome writers of all abilities.
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The Workshop: Writing Through Change
“Some things, when they change, never do return to the way they once were.”
― Alice Hoffman
Life is change. It is evident both in nature and in us. From the moment we are born, we are constantly transforming– physically, mentally, emotionally and circumstantially. Change doesn’t stop when we grow up, either. Whether it’s going through menopause, changing careers, moving to another country, losing a loved one, starting a new chapter – or starting over – change is inevitable. As much as we often want things to stay the same, it’s not always possible when we find ourselves thrust into unfamiliar territory. What then? How do we not only adapt to change but accept it?
Writing for well-being can help.
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What to expect
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In this guided, self-reflective writing workshop, we will explore the theme of ‘change’ and how we can write our way through it. Together we will discuss the difference between writing well and writing for well-being. We will read poetry and passages and respond to them, as well as write some of our own!
Through hands-on, interactive sessions as well as independent and group writing exercises, we will explore free-writes, reflections, prompts and pantoum. No experience is necessary; work will not be judged. This is a safe, inclusive space where sharing is not required but encouraged.
What is writing for well-being?
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Writing for well-being (sometimes called reflexive, or purposeful self-reflective, writing) is based on the expressive art of therapeutic writing. Like other Creative Arts Therapies such as Art Therapy, writing can help you heal, grow or create. Poetry in particular, with its concise and image-based structure, is one of the most effective forms of therapeutic writing. Participants will learn why writing works and how we can all use it as a tool for change. That being said, please remember that writing can unlock deep emotion; this workshop is not meant to replace professional therapy.
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Who is The Change Retreat for?
The Change Retreat is for YOU. It is about finding time and space for your creative self.
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It is for anyone experiencing a life change.
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For people in the Highlands who want to give writing a try and for people who love to write and want to experience the Highlands.
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For those who love nature, creativity and writing.
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For those who want to reconnect with their inner voice.
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For writers and non-writers, creatives, artists and entrepreneurs.
The retreat is for people in a life transition who are seeking inner guidance on their next step. It is for the curious people who think there must be more to life than mindless scrolling or being busy 24/7. It’s for people who want to be wowed by nature in all its magnificence. For those working on a creative project and needing to find that next spark. The Change Retreat is for anyone seeking the space to step back and hear their true voice in a place of peace.
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Please note, while you will walk away with creative works that can be polished later, this retreat is not a craft workshop focused on writing well - it is about using writing as a tool for well-being. No experience is necessary and the guided exercises are suitable for those who identify as writers as well as those who don’t (yet!).
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What’s Included:
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Scottish Highlands Welcome Reception
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4 nights’ accommodation at The Dell of Rothiemurchus, a private house on an estate in Aviemore
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Gourmet Scottish inspired meals prepared in house by a private chef, accompanied by hand selected wines
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Time to write, share and reflect
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Bespoke Gift Bags
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A Farewell Dinner
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What’s not included:
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All international and domestic travel costs to and from Aviemore
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Travel or medical insurance
Schedule (may be subject to minor changes)
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Monday: Check-in by 4pm / Welcome reception at 7pm
Tuesday: Writing Workshop AM/ Wild Swimming & Sauna PM
Wednesday: Writing Workshop AM / Gentle Guided Walk PM / Storytelling by the fire
Thursday: Writing Workshop AM & Free Time / Farewell Dinner
Friday: Check-out & closing workshop - end by noon
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Prices & Accommodation Arrangements
How to reserve your space:
To reserve a space on the ‘The Change Retreat’ please fill out the reservation form here.
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£500 GBP deposit payable on booking by bank card / PayPal to a secure place.
Full balance due six weeks before the start of the retreat.
Please see Terms and Conditions.
There are limited rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Meet your facilitator
Carolyn Grisold, M.A., is a British-Canadian PhD researcher at the University of Dundee in Scotland where she is examining the intersection of writing well and writing for well-being. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes, an MA in Reflexive Writing, a Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing, and a BA in English Literature. Her earlier studies focused on using reflexive writing as a way to help prevent workplace burnout. A part-time communication professor, she also has 20+ years’ experience in media and communications. Carolyn has been facilitating reflexive writing workshops since 2014.
The Dell of Rothiemurchus
The Dell of Rothiemurchus is only a short walk from the Rothiemurchus Centre and Farm Shop for all the supplies you’ll need. You’re also just around the corner from dreamy Loch an Eilein with its lochside walks, Loch Morlich with its watersports and beach, and you’re well on the way towards Cairngorm Mountain for skiing in the winter.
Cairngorms National Park
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”
― John Muir
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For more information on the history, wildlife and landscape please visit: https://cairngorms.co.uk/the-national-park/landscapes
How to get here
Travel Information:
The Dell of Rothiemurchus is only a 15 minute walk from the town centre of Aviemore.
https://www.visitcairngorms.com/plan-your-visit/travel-getting-around/
Travelling by Car:
The main road travelling north, the A9, connects central Scotland with the Cairngorms National Park, which means you can arrive from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee in the south and Inverness in the north.
Once you take the turning off towards Aviemore, head towards The Treezone Cabin and take a left down a private road that will lead you to the estate.
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Travelling by Plane:
You can fly to Inverness Airport, Aberdeen Airport, Glasgow Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Dundee Airport.
Inverness is the central airport for the Highlands and is only a 1hr 30mins flight from London and a 30 minute drive to Aviemore. British Airways, EasyJet and Flybe fly to Inverness from various British destinations.
From there you could hire a car or make use of other public transport to reach Aviemore.
Travelling by Train:
The Caledonian Sleeper train departs London Euston and stops in Aviemore. You can also get a direct train from London Kings Cross to Aviemore station.
Once at the station there are taxi’s that can bring you to the Dell.
I can’t believe how much my writing retreat with True Elk changed my life. It far surpassed my expectations. I learned so much about myself, other people, and nature. I truly connected with myself and found myself. I learned who I’m supposed to be!
I loved the opportunity to connect with strangers through story, place and intention. Creating space for myself and others allowed for my own energy to replenish and be in flow again. Thank you.
Robin Leonard
Jewel Winkler
"Sarah brings an elegant attention to details. Her planning and execution of True Elk events matches the grace with which she meets people in the moment. I've rarely met someone who has the genius of foresight to both vision and prepare for retreats, offering people a haven for their genuine selves to emerge."