The ideal retreat for writers in need of time, inspiration and like-minded company

          When the leaves are just beginning to turn a trillion shades of autumn gold, the people at writing unlimited are heading up over the border to Dumfries and the glorious setting of Friars Carse Hotel. They’ve got exclusive use of this Grade A-listed old country house set in 45 spectacular acres of mature woodlands and stunning gardens, right on the River Nith.    

Firing up your imagination

With a history going back to the 13th century, Friars Carse is at the heart of Rabbie Burns’ country where he was inspired to write many of his well-known works.

There are 21 individual bedrooms, all en suite, with tea and coffee making facilities, TV/CD/radio and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

                                                                         

Free yourself up, be inspired!

This is a rather special retreat for writers looking for time and space to make progress with their writing; to get past a block, work out a plot line, complete that first draft, polish that collection of poems, nail that last chapter or simply mull over ideas with fellow writers.

You will be left alone to write and enjoy your time away, to wander in the grounds, walk by the river, take a trip into Dumfries and follow the tourist trail…

And in the evenings, you can meet up with fellow writers and talk shop over dinner and drinks.

   It’s all about taking time out to write

No cooking, no timetable, just the luxury of your own room and the company of other writers.

Check in on Monday is from 2pm. There’s time then to unpack, settle in and explore before meeting up with fellow writers for pre-dinner drinks in the bar.

Mid-week, you can join Gordon Johnston, an expert in all things Burns, as he follows Burns’ footsteps through the woods and along the banks of the River Nith where Burns composed one of his most famous poems, ‘Tam O’Shanter’, to Ellisland Farm, where he lived from 1788-1791 and during which time he produced some of his most significant work.  We’re also treating you to a traditional Burns Supperat Ellisland Farm with songs, poetry and, of course haggis, tatties and neeps.

    Non-writing partners are very welcome and will be invited to join in for meals and, of course, the Burns Supper.

And whilst the writers are busy scribbling or tapping away (read: sucking their pencils and gazing down the river), non-writing partners will be scratching their heads and gazing down the river, wondering how to chose from shooting, fishing, golfing, horse riding, bird watching, cycling, walking…

    Join in at Friars Carse this autumn

The cost is £380 per person, inclusive of VAT. This includes single occupancy en suite room, breakfast, an informal soup and sandwich lunch on Tues/Wed/Thurs, dinner on Mon/Tues/Thurs, Gordon’s mid-week walk and a Burns Supper at Ellisland Farm on Wednesday evening.

There’s nothing extra to pay all week, the only extra expense will be in the bar if you’re partial to a wee dram.

Check out is at 11am on Friday morning.

 

To secure your place

Request a booking form from writing unlimited (address below), complete and return the form with a non-refundable deposit of £100 (payable to writing unlimited).

The balance is due by 16th August 2010 unless you are booking after this date and the full amount will be required.

There’s ample free car parking at the hotel. Nearest train station, bus station and airport: Dumfries. Buses run to the end of the road (A76).

 

writing unlimited

96 Victoria Road, Fulwood, Preston PR2 8NN

writingunlimited@hotmail.co.uk