Walk and Write in Spain on the Camino De Santiago

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.

Grab this opportunity to work (and walk) with writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen and friends as we walk together, and bring a writing project. This retreat is organised by The Writing Room Retreats, and we have been running retreats for over a decade.

In 2025 we again walk The Camino De Santiago.

​This Camino is an ancient pilgrim path across the North of the Iberian Peninsula. We will be walking the last 200kms, starting our journey in the city of Ponferrada and finishing in the holy city of Santiago de Compostela. This is an unforgettable retreat that will get your book on track. 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​
We 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 Bullen under The Writing Room Mentoring, 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. YOU can use the “rest” days to really focus on word count if that’s what you need.
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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.
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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‘.

You will begin your Camino journey in the city of Ponferrada with its imposing medieval Templars Castle. This section of the Camino Frances, the Camino from Ponferrada, takes pilgrims to the market town of Sarria, in Galicia, the most popular Camino starting point. The city of Ponferrada developed as a settlement on the road to Santiago in the middle ages.

The Camino Frances passes amazing cities and areas of natural beauty such as Pamplona, famous for its bull run; La Rioja wine region and its capital Logroño; Burgos with its magnificent cathedral; elegant Leon and Ponferrada with its Templars Castle. We will join in this route from Ponferrada, the Camino de Santiago enters Galicia through the mountains and picturesque village of O Cebreiro.
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HOW THE DAY UNFOLDS

​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 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 mentors who know what it takes to write. If you are working on a book they will nudge you forward and if you are writing for creativity and fun, we join in that fun too!

They are IN residence, walking and writing with you.

• Daily morning connection with your mentors and fellow pilgrims
• A structured programme where needed to advance your project and your writing craft
• Evening writing time to reflect on the day’s walk or continue on your writing project
• Professional feedback and reviews on your writing where needed
• Personal Creative / Book Structure sessions
• Personal growth session to support your life journey

ACCOMMODATION

We have hand-picked hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail. All rooms are en-suite with bathroom.

Country Cottages or ‘Casas Rurales’ are beautifully restored country homes and farmhouses in the heart of peaceful rural communities. Our Country Cottages are chosen for their food, unique settings and personal touch. Rest assured when you select Country Cottage you will enjoy the full experience of our collection of beautiful Casas Rurales when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available.

All rooms are en-suite.

We will be doing Day 8 onwards from the schedule below

COST 2025
Sharing room €3800
Don't want to share? Single room supplement €4250
A deposit of €600 secures your place.

Not bringing a friend or partner? We will try and match you with a suitable same sex roommate.

The costs INCLUDE:

• 8 nights accommodation
• Wholesome Spanish breakfasts
• Traditional Spanish dinners - Pilgrims Meal
• A powerful guided 8 night creative writing journey
• Airport / Hotel Transfers to the start and back to the aiport at the end.
• Daily writing sessions to get your book on track with Sarah
• English-speaking guide for the entire trip
• Airport transfers as per itinerary
• Luggage transfers on walking days
• Tour Pack
• 24/7 emergency assistance

The costs EXCLUDE:

• Flights
• Beverages
• Lunches - most of these we take in small villages after our daily walk and you will bring cash for that.
• Gratuities for walk guides and staff
• Pilgrim Passport

ITINERARY

ARRIVAL: DAY 1
Portomarin

You arrive in Portomarin. 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 Portomarin.

DAY 2
Palas de Rei ​

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.

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DAY 3

This is a day to catch our breath, rest our feet a little bit and explore your writing. Immerse in your creative journey and use today to get more words down on paper. Also a perfect day for that Spanish siesta or explore the surrounding countryside at your leisure before we set off again tomorrow.

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​DAY 4
Melide ​

Overnight in the small village of Melide

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DAY 5
Arzua ​

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.

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DAY 6
Amenal ​

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.

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DAY 7
Santiago de C.

After your night in 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). 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. ​
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DAY 8

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 ​

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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

REVIEWS AND TESTIMONIALS

We have been running writing events and retreats for a long time. We have so many reviews (blush) that we have them all here. We are also featured on the The Global Retreats Company as a Retreat to Trust and reviewed on the Queen of Retreats

"If you can only go on one writing retreat in your lifetime, this is the one to choose. Sarah is a truly inspired coach, seconded by Kate. They create a caring, trusting atmosphere conducive to making progress on your own writing. A truly galvanizing experience!"
- Beverly Pimsleur, USA

"A really wonderful retreat, I went there with one project in mind & came out having written a quarter of a memoir instead. The hosts are AMAZING & the energy of the group was so encouraging, inspiring and uplifting. I have changed for the better since the retreat and attribute these positive changes to the wonderful time I had here."
- Ani Naqvi, UK

"I just completed the Memoir retreat in Skala Eressos. It was an incredible experience, powerful tools for driving the narrative, perfect combination of workshop, coaching & vacation, quality & professional standards in both preparation for the workshop and in follow-up after workshop had ended. I highly recommend it and look forward to working with Sarah again."
- Stephie Koulouris, Greece

"I have attended a number of retreats since I believe it is one of the most generous gifts you can give yourself. When I booked this specific retreat, I had no idea that the gift would far exceed any of my expectations. The beauty of the location cannot be described in mere words, the energy that vibrates from the core of Skala Erresos connects to ones soul and magically unlocks creativity you never realised you had hidden deep inside. Sarah and Kate both hold the space in such a light and enabling manner that the magic unfolds naturally. When it comes to food, the restaurants lazily spread across the shoreline, serve meals dazzling ones tastebuds and the ocean enfolds ones body with the freshness that only water from the earth can offer. The opportunity created to meet and engage a group of amazing people from across the globe only adds to the richness of the experience, leaving one with friends who often see more of your soul than people close to you ever get a glimpse of. Personally, the retreat is certainly one of the most memorable experiences of this life.
I unreservedly recommend it for all souls willing to dance to the rhythm of synchronicity."
- Bonita Field, South Africa

If you want to write, you definitely can’t go wrong with Kate and Sarah. I was so happy there was clear course content and it took us down the path of planning and writing. Finally I am getting out of my head and writing my book
-Patricia Harper 2018