Return to the Wild
Myth & Magic in Scotland
The Writing Retreat Where Story, Adventure & Magic Meet
November 1 - November 5, 2027
We’re Headed to The Scottish HIghlands!
Ever wanted to write and explore the magical highlands of scotland?
Nestled in wild, wind-swept Crieff, Return to the Wild’s Myth & Magic Writing Retreat invites you to a magically adventurous week for all writers. We’ll write together, make magic together, and frolic the highlands (Glen Coe, anyone?) like we’re a family of hobbits on their next adventure (minus the Mount Doom Part… Think Fairies and Witches and maybe even some friendly ghosts!)
Whether you’ve published 10 books or you’ve yet to put pen to paper for your first, there’s a space for you here!
Are you ready for an unforgettable fantasy-filled adventure of storytelling, folklore, Samhain celebrations, camaraderie, and delicious food?
Focused on the myth and folklore of the area, this unique writing retreat holds magic like none other.
Halloween in the Highlands, anyone?
“Choosing Return to the Wild wasn’t only the right decision for my writing, but it was also the right decision for me. I never thought I’d come away with so much confidence! Iceland wasn’t my first RTTW trip, and it certainly won’t be my last!” - Anonymous Wildflower
What’s Included in the Myths & Magic Retreat?
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Lodgings
Our cozy accommodations are shared in cozy rooms, each with it’s own ensuite. 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!
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Myth-Laced Adventures
While we’ll go on wild writer walks every day (even one to a nearby waterfall), we’ll have an extra day full of myth-laced adventure into the Highlands to see Glen Coe and other sights where fairies and witches frolic. There will even be opportunities for a wild photoshoot! Author headshots anyone?
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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.
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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. But it’s not just about the craft at Myth & Magic! Take a look at the next category, Local Storytellers & Folklorists, for even more magical offerings!
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Local Storytellers & Folklorists
We’ll be joined by local storytellers, authors, and folklorists to round out our writerly adventures every day. Return to the Wild’s Myth & Magic goes beyond the theory of craft and takes you deep into the Scottish landscape, which is adorned with myth and everlasting story.
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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.
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Transport
Worried about getting from the big city to our little village? Have no fear! For this retreat, your local transportation is fully covered. We’ll take you to and from Edinburgh to Crieff, plus we’ll all frolic together on our Highlands adventure day!
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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?
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Flights and long-distance transport is not included in the retreat price. For this retreat, only specified local transport is covered. We will be taking you to and from Edinburgh and our accommodations in Crieff, as well as a frolic through the Highlands on our adventure day. Any other transportation is not included and is up to attendee discretion.
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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.
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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. From writing on black sand beaches to cozying up by a newly built fire, we’ve done it all.
At Return to the Wild’s Myth & Magic Retreat, we’ll take our workshops one step further. While we’re all about writing, we’re also all about the experience. With magic and folklore filled workshops every day, you’ll have a chance to elevate your storytelling and curiosity no matter the genre you’re writing. Get your questions answered by industry pros, lap up the beautiful sights on our adventure day, and listen to authors near and far give talks on process, myth, and so much more.
Your Faculty
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Marina Green
LITERARY AGENT, EDITOR, & HOST
By day, Marina is literary agent, previously a Big 5 acquiring editor. Avid supporter of the Oxford Comma and the em dash, Marina is also a freelance editor by night, founder of Marina Edits and Return to the Wild.
In her free time, you can find Marina with her nose in a book or clicking away at her laptop, chasing new stories and wrangling them into wild submission. When she isn’t immersing herself in story, you can find her with a cup of tea in hand, trying a new yoga asana—never at the same time—or practicing Armenian, the language of her ancestors.
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Surprise Author Faculty
We’re all about planned surprises at Return to the Wild! Author and Storyteller Faculty will be announced after Retreat Enrolment closes! We have an exciting lineup of authors, publishing professionals, folklorists, and more! Some of them will be joining us in person, while others will be tuning in from afar. We can’t wait to share all the details with you!
“I joined Return to the Wild because I needed a break, but I didn’t expect to get a whole soul reset.” - L.L.
A Peek At Our Itinerary
Welcome, Wild One! We’re rooting into our home away from home today. After assembling in Edinburgh, we’ll head to our accommodations where we will unpack, meet, chat around the fire, and eat delicious food. We can’t wait to get to know you!
Day 1
With our introductions out of the way, and our beds all slept in, we’ll spend day two and four exploring craft, myth, and a little bit of magic! There will be ample downtime and plenty of reason to get that pen moving!
DAY 2 & 4
Our Return to the Wild adventure day! Geared just for writers, we’ll pack our lunches and hit the road to explore Scotland’s vast highlands! We might even pop in a sneaky little photoshoot here and there…
DAY 3
Fare thee well! Our final day is upon us, but Return to the Wild and the highlands live on in our hearts and minds forever! We’ll depart Crieff together, and make our short journey back to the city.
DAY 5Lodging
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): approx. $3,350 USD per person*
Secure your spot with a $500 CAD* deposit
*prices charged in your local currency and do not include taxes, which will be added upon check-out
Storytelling is rooted in the land
FAQ
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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 Edinburgh 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.
Accommodations at Comrie Croft will only be available to you during the retreat, but you are more than welcome to book your own pre- or post-retreat yourself. 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.
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Our daily schedule includes daily walks in nature. These are completely dependant on weather and will mostly be short. We will have an adventure day into the highlands which will require a low-to-moderate level of fitness.
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Yes! After enrollment, you will be provided opportunity to disclose your chosen roommate. We will do everything in our power to accommodate roommate requests to the best of our abilities.
If you do not have a specific roommate in mind or if you do not get your requested pairing, don’t worry! You’re coming to a place with like minded people who you could very well make life-long connections with. You will also have tons of time during the day to spend time with all of your friends—new and old.
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We will provide a detailed packing list this coming summer 2027. If you like to prepare extra, extra early, think mid-autumn in Scotland. Cool gusts of wind, mud, rain, and (hopefully) some sunshine. Among other things, Marina will be bringing her waterproof hiking boots, an umbrella, and (waterproof) jackets to layer.
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Depending on where in the world you’re coming from, you can opt to drive or fly to the retreat. If you choose to fly, consider arriving at Edinburgh International Airport.
We will depart roughly around noon and return around the same time as check-out is at 10am. Please plan your flights and arrival accordingly. Exact timing of our departure from and return to Edinburgh will be provided this coming summer.
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You must be at least 19 years old to participate.
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Life happens. Don’t we know it. We highly recommend you purchase good travel insurance to protect against rare incidents like this!
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Your ticket includes:
Private coach transfer to and from Edinburgh & Comrie Croft as well as transport to and from our highland adventure day.
4 nights of accommodation in either a private room, bunk, single in a shared room of 2-4 writers. Linen is included (though you will have to make your own bed upon arrival!). Ensuites are in every room.
All of your meals (BYO snacks!), with options for any writer with dietary restrictions and/or preferences.
All included and optional activities: wild walks, workshops, highland adventure day, waterfall exploration, and more!
Access to meet fellow writers before we head off on our retreat.
Access to a gallery of professionally shot images for you to download and share as well as a shared folder for writers to share their snaps!
A goody bag filled to greet you upon arrival.
And so much more!
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Flights - Flights and long-distance transport is not included in the retreat price. For this retreat, only specified local transport is covered. We will be taking you to and from Edinburgh to our accommodations in Crieff, as well as a frolic through the Highlands on our adventure day. Any other transportation is not included and is up to attendee discretion.
Alcohol - You are welcome to bring your own drinks, but please partake responsibly and respect your fellow attendees. Water, tea, and coffee will be provided daily. If you have specific preferences as to how you caffeinate, you are advised to bring your own just in case.
Snacks - If you are a hungry hobbit like Marina, it’s advised that you bring your own snacks to munch on between our main meals.
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If you have any other questions, feel free to contact Marina and the RTTW team here.
