Write & Walk in Spain Retreat 2025
This retreat is part pilgrimage, part holiday. You will dedicate some time to totally in a creative environment to write, and most of the days will be spent walking.
28 May - 5 June 2025
Grab this opportunity to work (and walk!) with writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen of The Writing Room
We will walk The Camino De Santiago again in 2025 after a two-year break from this particular trip.
This Camino is an ancient pilgrim path across the North of the Iberian Peninsula. We will be walking the last 100kms, starting our journey in the city of Sarria and finishing in the holy city of Santiago de Compostela. This is an unforgettable retreat that will fire up your creative brain and allow you to tap into the magic of the land and the power of walking. Together we travel the journey of memory, creative inspiration and dive deep into the craft of writing, have a lot of fun and join a community of international writers.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
You know how hard it is to carve out creative time from your busy and frantic life. So this Camino retreat is an invitation to leave work, family and all the other nagging obligations behind, to come and write and walk. Step by step. To immerse in the creative pursuit of listening to your heart, responding to the dramatic nature of this Camino route. Let the repetitive pulse of walking help you tap into your creative thread again.
This retreat is a little different from our others that usually attract writers wanting to publish their books. On this Camino Pilgrimage, we welcome ALL writers in pursuit of creative connection and authentic expression. You could, of course, use the time to work on a book, and tap into the expert guidance of Sarah, but equally you can be jotting down thoughts, musings, poetry, writing letters or processing some recent events. A creative healing time with heaps of exercise thrown in. And wine, And laughter and connection! You could be working on a novel, memoir, non-fiction, poetry, workbook, online course, photography-based book, life story or just a creative writing project.
This retreat is part pilgrimage, part holiday. You will dedicate some time to totally in a creative environment to write, and most of the days will be spent walking.
You will be drawn to this retreat in order to simply DEDICATE time to your writing. And walking of course.
The Camino Frances or French Way is the most famous of all the Camino de Santiago routes, featuring in many documentaries, books, and movies such as ‘The Way‘ and ‘I’ll Push You‘.
We will explore the tranquil landscapes of Galicia, ancient towns and villages such as Portomarín and Melide, with the backdrop of dramatic landscapes such as Serra de Ligonde and the Rio Miño Valley.
Your luggage is transferred for you, as you enjoy the trail with other pilgrims you meet along the way.
You will begin your Camino journey in the city of Portomarin and you can see the full route below.
HOW THE DAYS UNFOLD
After breakfast we have our first daily connect. Each day has a writing theme, a creative prompt or a specific focus to help you attune to the day ahead, listen to nature and tap into your creativity. Some of the walking is in silence, and we are under the expert guidance of a local guide so there is heaps of opportunity to soak up the history, culture and landscape.
You have the dedicated focus and guidance of these international mentors who know what it takes to write. And if you are working on a book they will nudge you forward to finish and publish a book. They are IN residence, walking and writing with you.
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Daily morning connection with your mentors and fellow writers
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A structured program where needed to advance your project and your writing craft
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Evening writing time to reflect on the day’s walk or continue on your writing project
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Professional feedback and reviews on your writing where needed
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Personal Creative / Book Structure session with writing coach Sarah
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Personal growth session to support your life journey
COST 2025
Sharing room €3800
Don't want to share? Single room supplement €4250
A deposit of €600 secures your place.
Early Bird Discount of 10% before 1st December 2024
Remainder payments: a second then final payment will be requested. Payment plans and terms available on request.
See our Terms and Conditions for payments.
Not bringing a friend or partner? We will try and match you with a suitable same sex roommate.
The costs INCLUDES:
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8 nights accommodation
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Transfers from Santiago de Compostella Airport to our start
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Wholesome Spanish breakfasts
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Traditional Spanish dinners - Pilgrims Meal
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A powerful guided 8 night creative writing journey
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Airport / Hotel Transfers
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Daily writing sessions to get your book on track with Sarah
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English-speaking guide for the entire trip
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Airport transfers as per itinerary
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Luggage transfers on walking days
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Tour Pack
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24/7 emergency assistance
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Transfer to Santiago airport on last day.
The costs EXCLUDES:
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Flights
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Beverages
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Lunches - most of these we take in small villages after our daily walk and you will bring cash for that.
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Gratuities for walk guides and staff
ITINERARY
Please note this is our proposed schedule and changes may occur.
SUMMARY
Day 1.- Arrive in Santiago to depart by midday for transfer. Arrival in Sarria. Accommodation.
Day 2.- Sarria - Portomarín (22 Kms)
Day 3.- Portomarín - Palas de Rei (25 Kms)
Day 4.- Palas de Rei - Melide (14 Kms)
Day 5.- Melide - Arzúa (14 Kms)
Day 6.- Arzúa - Rúa (18 Kms)
Day 7.- Rúa - Santiago de Compostela (21 Kms)
Day 8. Santiago
Day 9- Breakfast and transfer to airport
ARRIVAL: DAY 1
Sarria
We collect you from Santiago. You arrive in Sarria. You will arrive through pretty villages and peaceful hamlets under the shade of oak trees and along quiet country roads. Along the way, you will spot many Galician traditional ‘hórreos’ (granaries). Visit the beautiful Romanesque church in the village of Barbadelo. We will all gather for a welcome dinner in Sarria.
DAY 2
Portomarin
Sarria - Portomarín (22 Kms)
After your night in Sarria, expect a calm walk through pretty villages and peaceful hamlets under the shade of oak trees and along quiet country roads. Along the way, you will spot many Galician traditional ‘hórreos’ (granaries). Visit the beautiful Romanesque church in the village of Barbadelo. Your destination for the night is the town of Portomarin.
22km walk.
DAY 3
Palas de Rei
Portomarín - Palas de Rei (25 Kms)
After your night in Portomarin, your Camino will cross the river Miño (Galicia’s longest river) and rise uphill steadily towards the Serra de Ligonde. You will pass nice hamlets such as Gonzar and Ventas de Narón. Stop to visit the Romanesque Church of Santa María in Castromaior and the Romanesque church in Eirexe, with its portal featuring a sculpture of Daniel with animals, as well as Pilgrim Santiago.
22km Walk.
DAY 4
Melide
alas de Rei - Melide (14 Kms)
Overnight in the small village Galilcian of Melide. It has many popular attractions, including Roman Bridge, Rosalía de Castro Park, Pazo de Congresos de Melide. Its famous for its wonderful seafood and Galician charm.
14km Walk.
DAY 5
Arzua
Melide - Arzúa (14 Kms)
After your night in Palas de Rei, the Camino trail continues downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the delightful village of Leboreiro. You should take a break in the lively market town of Melide (454m), where you should try octopus, Galicia’s most classic dish, in one of the many ‘pulperías’. The Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track bringing you to the village of Boente and the church of Santiago. Next is the pretty medieval hamlet of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa (389m), famous for its local cheese. In Arzúa, you should visit the churches of Santa María and A Magdalena.
14km Walk.
DAY 6
Amenal
Arzúa - Rúa (18 Kms)
After your night in Arzúa, your Camino will take you through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams for most of the day. The chapel of Santa Irene, with its unique statue of Santiago, is worth a visit. En-route, don’t miss the lovely hamlet of Rúa (310m) where you can choose to stay tonight and split this walking day. The rest of the route to Amenal is along a mix of good and calm country roads and forest tracks.
23km Walk.
DAY 7 km Walk.
Into Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela (21 Kms)
After Amenal, your next point of interest is Lavacolla in the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo (‘Mount of Joy’ 368m) and it is from here that will catch your first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago. When you arrive in the city (264m, population 80,000), explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural city. With only 16.5km to walk today, you should be in Santiago in time for the pilgrim mass (12pm).
16km Walk.
DAY 8
Santiago de Compostela.
After visiting Santiago Cathedral and recovering from your walk, take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its old town will enchant you. In Santiago the Compostela you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, enjoying a few bites and socialising over a glass of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes.
DAY 9
Outgoing airport transfer from Santiago. If you still have the time and energy you can continue walking at your own time to the Land's End at Finnisterra.
This was mind-blowing. I was overwhelmed by the amazing people, the teachers, the food, the swimming, the guest speakers, the support and love. It allowed me to see my life in a new perspective. The time was very well structured and we were pushed to write and develop our books with guidance.
Grace Smith
GETTING THERE + QUESTIONS
Where do I fly to, or start?
You will get yourself to Santiago-Rosalia de Castro. This can be via train or plane. We will collect you on Day 1 from Santiago Airport.
Do you have to carry your backpack?
No. Only a day pack. The trip includes luggage transfers on the walking days, each transfer is strictly limited to ONE 20KG PIECE OF LUGGAGE PER PERSON regardless of size. Extra luggage can be catered for and this can either be added before the trip start or on the morning of the walking day.
What if I don't want to walk every day?
Oooh I know this well. I had a foot injury last time and it got painful at times. Luckily you can grab a lift to the next town and the walkers will find you there later.
Our Team.
We are there to write, and also to have a lot of laughs and fun. We love travel and writing. Put the two together? Magic
MORE TESTIMONIALS
I had the opportunity to speak with Sarah a year and a half ago, where I shared that I needed to write a book about my work experience in Colombia. Today I am delivering the book to be published, and I want to thank you for your help and your Write your Book in 100 Days guidebook. I used all the recommendations you gave me in our conversation, but also your book, that I used fully to get the book done.
Jorge H. Jaramillo, President of Deceval, the private central securities depository in Colombia.
It almost feels like a dream - like I had 20,000 words, then woke up four months later and now have nearly 80,000. This course has been exactly what I needed and wanted - and more. Sarah Bullen thank you for giving us the perfect mix of inspiration, tenderness and whip-cracking. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you both and working with you - and I look forward to continuing my journey with you!
Anne-Marie Luck, Tokyo 2020
I LOVED everything. The structure and the accountability. I loved the combination of inspiration and Sarah's taskmaster writing challenges. I loved hearing other people's progress and stories – it inspired me to carry on. Also was great as a forum to discuss some of the structural aspects of writing and really narrowing the focus of your book's core. The one-on-one sessions were brilliant as it really kept me believing I could do it and gave me good ideas to implement going forward. For someone who wants to do it but isn’t sure how or if they have it in them, this is the perfect way to test yourself.
Leigh Taylor 2019
This mentorship has changed my life. They caught me in the air, and gave me a platform to write from, and guidance to feel. The Facebook group was really awesome, I found that reading everyone’s tribulations and successes brought us closer together, and I often found myself in exactly the same place as my fellow authors. The weekly accountability updates often had me in anxious sweats as I wasn’t always able to add to my word count, but it did push me to write and write and write. I would recommend this mentorship, slave-ship to every single person out there who has even the inkling to write a story. Just do it, as Nike said. Just do it.
Talia Day
This course was a big eye opener for me! It showed me that I can definitely write and publish a book, and that it’s also not an exercise for the faint of heart! However, with the Mastermind structure it’s much more accessible that just doing it in the dark… having the guidance, expertise, and intense delivery context is definitely a potential game changer.
Brad Shorkend - We Are Still Human (And Work Shouldn't Suck) 2019
“Kate cracks the whip and Sarah moulds your book into shape”
Sandra Buckingham 2018
“Sarah is the master at showing you how to write for a reader”
Khanyisa Malungana 2017
“You are in for a ride of fun and learning, hard work, sleepless nights as well as the rousing and wondrous highs of
meeting your own commitments in getting YOUR book done as you steadily come into your home run - your finish run - the draft of your book! Get your ticket now.”
Hester Bergh Appoyer - Being Nice isn't Enough! 2017
Kate and Sarah will help you up on your feet and moving in the right direction.
They are kind, but clear; wise, but pragmatic.
I recommend this to anyone who is ready to take their writing dream and turn it into a reality!
Anel Hamersma - The Creativity Midwife 2017
The people, the community that was formed, the honesty and vulnerability and the opportunity we had to share stories, realizing that it wasn’t just us, we weren’t alone, sharing celebrations. What really worked was the commitment to the regular posts and you holding that firmly; the consistency was epic.
Wendy Ward. Metamorphic Coaching and Presilience
I have challenged myself to test a dream. I loved it. This mentorship is extremely supportive & well structured so one is not left in the wilderness and wondering what to do or write next”. The weekly tasks are very well thought through and keep one on track and it’s wonderful to connect with other writers. It is a non-judgmental course and process and therefore you can explore your writing without fear.
Caroline Menell 2019
“Sarah is the master at showing you how to write for a reader”
Khanyisa Malungana
Sarah and Kate’s writing mentorship is the stick of dynamite you need to stop gazing at your own navel and instead gaze at a finish line that gets steadily closer. If you’ve been struggling to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page, this mentorship will prove invaluable.
Meg Chronis 2018
“I never knew how to share my story, and then like a divine gift from the universe, came Kate and Sarah. From book structure and editing to publishing, branding and PR I did it! And if I can, you can. What an incredible experience – let them show you how. It’s a life-changing journey.
Jennifer Cole - Beautiful Children in a Ugly World 2016
You have motivated me to fulfill my dreams:
Hannelie Bronkhorst.
What an amazing and inspiring experience it has been. After sitting for years with bits and pieces of my second book done, I now have a completed first draft in my hands.
Jacqui Holmes
D-Day – Wow! What a journey. Yes I have a first draft! 89 000 words!
Carmen Tina Schneider.
I absolutely loved the process with Kate Emmerson and Sarah Bullen. Not having been an author before, the experience gave me the grounding I needed to complete three chapters for a co-authored book and get started on my first book.
Bettina Pickering, The Emotion Coach 2016
“Anyone who feels they have a book buried inside should be part of this course to dig deep and uncover the book that needs to be written”.
Jacqui Bourne
This has started me on a journey that I dreamed of from an early age but hadn’t felt confident enough to act on. The whole process of writing and publishing has been de-mystified and made ever so do-able. It is no longer an intimidating out of reach dream, finishing my book is now an attainable goal.
Viki Runge
"I want to thank you for putting together this course material, the course itself and without a doubt, for the magnificent support, inspiration, nurturing, friendship and confidence that both you Kate, and you Sarah have afforded us during this ‘a journey into the unknown world of writers’. This has been one of the best things to have happened to me for a long time! There is no doubt that I attract fabulous people into my life. Bravo! "
Rose McClement
I absolutely loved the structure of the course and the course as a whole. Thought you have made such a huge effort to design a great course and you both really know your stuff and it’s so helpful. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Sue Adams