At the Cottage
Date Here, 2027 - Date Here, 2027
Testimonial
We’re going to
the cottage!
Escape the noise and step into a world where high-stakes emotion meets northern tranquility. Inspired by the classic Canadian cottage getaway—where isolated shores, forced proximity (👀), and raw nature heighten every dynamic—this week-long creative retreat offers writers an immersive sanctuary to craft stories of deep tension, passion, and transformation.
Nestled along the sweeping granite banks and dark waters of the historic French River, Return to the Wild combines total creative seclusion with the restorative rhythm of the woods. Whether you are building complex character rivalries, refining intimate plot arcs, or powering through your first draft, this retreat provides the stillness, atmosphere, and space you need to write without distraction.
What’s Included?
-
Accommodations
Our cozy accommodations are shared in single and shared dorms, each with it’s own ensuite. A few months after registering with us, you’ll have the opportunity to tell us a little bit about yourself. If you’re joining solo or with a friend, we’ll be sure to match you with like-minded writers!
-
Myth-Laced Adventures
While we’ll go on wild writer walks every day (even one to a nearby waterfall), we’ll have one day full of myth-laced adventure into the Highlands to see Glencoe and other sights where fairies frolic. There will even be opportunities for a wild photoshoot! Author headshots anyone?
-
Food
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are all deliciously provided by our local chefs. Dietary concerns or allergies? We’ve got you all covered. There will be no rumbling tummies at Return to the Wild! All you need to bring is your appetite (and some snacks, if you’re an extra hungry hobbit!)
Breakfasts will be continental with a delicious mix of fillings options. For lunch we’ll all gather and enjoy locally made meals that are sure to warm you right up on a cool autumn day.
-
Writer's Craft Sessions
Our adventures will be complimented by daily writer’s craft sessions where our faculty will give inspired talks during group workshops.
-
Local Storytellers & Folklorists
We’ll be joined by local storytellers, authors, and folklorists to round out our writerly adventures every day.
-
Goody Bag
Each writer will be greeted by their own brimming goody bag to help inspire and bring a little extra magic to your stay.
-
Transportation
Worried about getting from the big city to our little village? Have no fear! For this retreat, you transportation is full covered. We’ll take you to and from Edinburgh to Crieff, plus we’ll all frolic together on our highlands adventure day!
-
The Meadow Writer's Club Membership
You’ll have three months of membership to The Meadow Writer’s Club! A veritable writer’s treehouse for storytellers from all experiences and genres.
What’s not included?
-
Flights and long-distance transport is not included in the retreat price. For this retreat, only specified local transport is covered.
-
You are welcome to bring your own drinks, but please partake responsibly and respect your fellow writers. Alcoholic beverages will not be provided. Water, tea, and coffee will be provided daily.
-
If you are a hungry hobbit like Marina, it’s advised that you bring your own snacks to munch on between our main meals.
Writing Workshops
Our workshop sessions are designed uniquely for each retreat and location.
Testimonial
What You’ll Take Home
Or as we like to say How you’ll grow.
Confidence in your own storytelling abilities and a fresh reservoir of inspiration to carry back into your everyday.
Deep immersive knowledge of Scottish Highland lore—from kelpies and selkies to ancient fairy faith—and practical techniques to weave these archetypes into modern narrative arcs.
A Renewed Sense of Magic. An unforgettable Halloween setting in the heart of the Highlands, when the veil between worlds is thinnest.
Tools to use the dramatic natural environment (mountains, lochs, glens) as a living character and atmospheric driver.
Hundreds or thousands of words written (or many naps taken, if rest is what you need most to nurture your craft) during dedicated, distraction-free writing time.
A supportive, like-minded coven of writers who share your passion.
Reconnection with nature through a grounded experience in the wild Highlands (while the veil is thinnest!) to recharge your creative spirit.
A complete mental reset, with dedicated time and open space to step away from routine, recharge your creative well, and fall back in love with storytelling.
Retreat Schedule
-
4:00 pm | Check-In & Group Orientation + Welcome Snack // Check-In and an introduction and welcome from the Nectar team + an afternoon snack. Get to know Marina and your faculty as well as the other guests on the retreat. We’ll go over the details of the days ahead.
5:00 - 6:00 pm | Tour the Grounds // Settle into your rooms, get into comfy clothes to fully unwind from a day of travel. Tour the grounds and prepare yourself for a nourishing dinner.
6:15 pm | Dinner + Dessert // A delicious vegetarian meal in the lodge followed by dessert + tea.
7:30 – 9:00 pm | Fireside Chats & Socialize // Relax in the lodge, connect with other guests, or wind down in your cabin. Prepare for a great night’s sleep however you wish!
-
8:00 – 9:00 am | Breakfast // Start your day in the lodge with a delicious breakfast.
9:00 – 10:30 am | Guided Forest Walk & Nature Writing // Marina will lead the group on a nature-based forest walk. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and bring something to write with.
10:30 – 12:00 am | Story Elevation Session 1 // With your small group, embark on a story elevation session with one of the faculty.
12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch // Lunch at the lodge to energize and nourish.
1:00 – 3:30 pm | Story Elevation Session 2 // With your small group, continue today’s story elevation session.
3:30 – 5:00 pm | Free Time // Take this time to get to wander, rest, write, or indulge in Nectar’s MIST experience.
5:00 – 6:00 pm | Faculty Talk // An hour of craft knowledge with one of our amazing faculty.
6:15 pm | Dinner + Dessert // A delicious vegetarian meal in the lodge followed by dessert + tea.
7:30 – 9:00 pm | Fireside Chats & Socialize // Relax in the lodge, connect with other guests, or wind down in your cabin. Prepare for a great night’s sleep however you wish!
-
8:00 – 9:00 am | Breakfast // Start your day in the lodge with a delicious breakfast.
9:00 – 10:30 am | Guided Forest Walk & Nature Writing // Marina will lead the group on a nature-based forest walk. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and bring something to write with.
10:30 – 12:00 am | Story Elevation Session 1 // With your small group, embark on a story elevation session with one of the faculty.
12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch // Lunch at the lodge to energize and nourish.
1:00 – 2:30 pm | Indigenous Storytelling Hour // Gather as a group for an hour of Indigenous Wisdom and Storytelling.
2:30 – 5:00 pm | Free Time // Take this time to get to wander, rest, write, or indulge in Nectar’s MIST experience.
5:00 – 6:00 pm | Faculty Talk // An hour of craft knowledge with one of our amazing faculty.
6:15 pm | Dinner + Dessert // A delicious vegetarian meal in the lodge followed by dessert + tea.
7:30 – 9:00 pm | Fireside Chats & Socialize // Relax in the lodge, connect with other guests, or wind down in your cabin. Prepare for a great night’s sleep however you wish!
-
8:00 – 9:00 am | Breakfast // Start your day in the lodge with a delicious breakfast.
9:00 – 10:30 am | Guided Forest Walk & Nature Writing // Marina will lead the group on a nature-based forest walk. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and bring something to write with.
10:30 – 12:00 am | Story Elevation Session 1 // With your small group, embark on a story elevation session with one of the faculty.
12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch // Lunch at the lodge to energize and nourish.
1:00 – 3:30 pm | Story Elevation Session 2 // With your small group, continue today’s story elevation session.
3:30 – 5:00 pm | Free Time or Bowen Cider House Tour // Take this time to get to wander, explore Bowen’s family-run Cider House, rest, write, or indulge in Nectar’s MIST experience.
5:00 – 6:00 pm | Faculty Talk // An hour of craft knowledge with one of our amazing faculty.
6:15 pm | Dinner + Dessert // A delicious vegetarian meal in the lodge followed by dessert + tea.
7:30 – 9:00 pm | Fireside Chats & Socialize // Relax in the lodge, connect with other guests, or wind down in your cabin. Prepare for a great night’s sleep however you wish!
-
8:00 – 9:00 am | Breakfast // Start your day in the lodge with a delicious breakfast.
9:00 - 10:00 am | Closing Circle // Join me for a closing circle in the lodge to say farewell and close the retreat.
10:30 - 11:00 am | Check-Out // Prepare to check out at the Nectar shop by 11 am.
Your
Faculty
Monet Goode
FounderWith a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. They set the tone for everything we do.
Sales ManagerEmmet Marsh
Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.
Stay
About French River & the room options
Nestled within the heart of Perthshire, our accommodations beckon travellers to immerse themselves in the beautiful Scottish countryside. Here, amidst rolling hills and ancient woodlands, you’re free to unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature, knowing your stay contributes to the preservation of this special landscape.
Shared room (2-4 writers in a shared room with separate beds and ensuite): £2,600 / $3,450 USD per person*
Secure your spot with a £250 deposit
prices charged in your local currency and do not include taxes, which will be added upon check-out
FAQs
-
Absolutely! Writing is more than words on a page—it’s a mindset! You’re welcome to join Return to the Wild at any stage of your career.
-
We always love hosting publishing authors! No matter the stage of your career, all writers are welcome to join our retreats!
If you’re a traditionally published author who’d like to join us as faculty, please send us a note—we’d love to work with you!
-
Solo travel is the best! Most of our guests arrive solo, but leave with all kinds of new connections! Solo travel is so empowering and our job at Return to the Wild is to facilitate connection and ensure you never feel alone (unless you want to be alone, in which case, we can get behind that choice too!).
-
All over the world! From Australia to Canada and The United States, to Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Our community of wild writers is growing every year!
-
Yes. We highly recommend you do your best to attend the entire retreat. Arriving late or leaving early will mean you won’t get the full experience. This might mean you fly to Glasgow a day early to ensure your timely arrival. Arriving early can also help you get through those worst hours of jet lag if you’re coming from a different part of the world.
Any travel you do before or after the retreat will be on your own budget and is not included or affiliated with the Return to the Wild Writing Retreat.
-
We will provide a detailed packing list before each experience. We adventure to many climates, so each retreat is different. We always recommend your favourite writing tools, comfy walking shoes, and an open mind.
-
You must be at least 19 years old to participate.
-
Yes! Shortly after you sign up for each of our retreats, you’ll receive an enrollment form where you’ll be able to disclose any dietary requirements and preferences. Many of our retreats are focused on being vegan and vegetarian, but we cater to all diets.
-
Yes! Although, if you’re an extra hungry hobbit like Marina, consider bring your own non-perishable stash just in case you get peckish!
-
After your deposits, most retreats are split into two subsequent payments. You are welcome to pay in full at any time though! It is also important to note that all of our deposits are ineligible for refunds.
-
To read more about Return to the Wild’s cancellation policy, please click here.