Looking to breathe some fresh air into your creative practice?
This all-inclusive, tutor-led songwriting retreat takes place in the heart of the wild western Lakes – a landscape of soaring mountains, rolling rivers and ancient woodlands that’s as creatively nourishing as it is breathtaking. Far from the noise of everyday life, it offers the perfect space to retreat, reflect, and rekindle your songwriting spark.
Over the course of the week, you’ll take part in group sessions, song circles, one-to-one mentoring, and intimate evening performances – all designed to help you deepen your craft and explore new creative ground. This year’s tutors are acclaimed musicians and educators Pete Astor and Findlay Napier – two of the most exciting and respected voices in contemporary songwriting. As experienced performers, writers and teachers, they know exactly how to get to the heart of a good song story and will guide you with insight, warmth and encouragement.
With their support – and the company of fellow songwriters – you’ll have the time and space to try out new ideas, sharpen your storytelling, and reconnect with what makes a song truly sing.
If you have any other queries, please get in touch. Lorraine will follow up with more information to help make your stay and overall experience the best it can be.
Single Occupancy Double Room – £600
Twin Occupancy – £500 per person
Live Out – £350
Includes all meals, tuition and socials.
SPACE AVAILABLE. Enquire now
Accommodation (Hotels/Guest houses or camping option) is available locally.
Please note that couples are welcome to share; however they must both be participating as songwriters.
Findlay Napier is Scottish singer-songwriter. He’s also a veteran songwriting tutor, having founded the Glasgow songwriting festival and taught at all the Folkestone events.
If you want to learn to write songs which aren’t about “lurv” and “inner feelings” ; if you want to write songs which have a sense of place or which tell a story, then Findlay is your man.
His breakthrough solo album VIP is packed full of biographical songs about quiet heroes, whose praises have hitherto remained unsung: Heddy Lemarr, George C Parker and a character called Eddie Banjo.
A songwriter who never falters and is maybe even getting better with age.’ All Music
‘The master of less is more’ The Guardian
Pete Astor led Creation Records’ groups The Loft and The Weather Prophets, writing songs and releasing records that helped define the sound of the label and the emerging Indie genre. He has gone on to a lengthy solo career since then; writing, recording and releasing music on a range of labels including Matador, Heavenly, Warp, EMI and Fortuna Pop. Since 2017 Astor has been signed to Tapete Records, home to Robert Forster, Lloyd Cole and Comet Gain among many reputable others.
For those feeling adventurous, there will be opportunities to dip or swim in some of the most breath-taking waters in the UK. This is entirely optional, so no pressure if it’s not your thing – and if you’re keen, we’ll share tips and advice to help you make the most of it. Please note that any wild swimming is undertaken at your own risk.
We’ll also enjoy some gentle hikes in the surrounding landscape, so do bring suitable footwear. A full kit list will be sent out to participants ahead of time.
The retreat is fully residential and includes tuition and meals. We’ll be staying at the beautiful 12-bedroom Stanley Ghyll House in Beckfoot, near the village of Boot in Eskdale. There’s even a steam train service direct from Ravenglass for those travelling by rail.
Transport to the house and for any field trips is not provided, but there’ll be plenty of opportunity to car share once everyone’s arrived. Please remember to complete and return your dietary requirements form as soon as possible.
Alcohol isn’t provided, so feel free to bring your own.
Have a look at Stanley Ghyll House’s website for more information on the layout and directions coming in from North and South.
For those feeling adventurous, there will be opportunities to dip or swim in some of the most breath-taking waters in the UK. This is entirely optional, so no pressure if it’s not your thing – and if you’re keen, we’ll share tips and advice to help you make the most of it. Please note that any wild swimming is undertaken at your own risk.
We’ll also enjoy some gentle hikes in the surrounding landscape, so do bring suitable footwear. A full kit list will be sent out to participants ahead of time.
The retreat is fully residential and includes tuition and meals. We’ll be staying at the beautiful 12-bedroom Stanley Ghyll House in Beckfoot, near the village of Boot in Eskdale. There’s even a steam train service direct from Ravenglass for those travelling by rail.
Transport to the house and for any field trips is not provided, but there’ll be plenty of opportunity to car share once everyone’s arrived. Please remember to complete and return your dietary requirements form as soon as possible.
Alcohol isn’t provided, so feel free to bring your own.
Have a look at Stanley Ghyll House’s website for more information on the layout and directions coming in from North and South.
Let us know if you have any Access issues such as mobility, disability or neurodivergent needs and we will endeavour to make the environment and experience as comfortable as possible for you.
Also please do let us know if you have any food or other kinds of allergies and if you have any special dietary requirements ( V, Vg, Carn ).
Songwriting
Lorraine spends half her life in these parts of the world and knows some cracking hidden gems so you won’t be short of inspiration!
The Swimming
At this time of year the lakes haven’t had much sun so it’s generally around the 9 degree mark at this time so if you are already adapted to cold water and you prefer to swim skins ( not wetsuit) feel free.
Please note that if you are going to go in for a dip you do so at your own discretion and risk.
The Hiking Bit.
The weather can be unpredictable so the usual walking gear – we won’t be hanging off Scafell Pike ( well not on this trip) so good walking footwear, waterproof trousers, waterproof jacket.
Please note if the weather is rubbish we have alternative plans.
The Food Bit.
All meals are included so please let Lorraine know if you have any special dietary requirements and especially if you have any allergies.
Alcohol is not provided or on sale at the house so please bring your own if you wish, but there are a few nearby pubs and we will be going to one in the evening for a meal.
A chance to see some videos and photos from the 2024 retreat.
This year’s festival is supported by:
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