Active retreats for writers in spectacular corners of Spain

Join acclaimed author and tour guide Emma Christie for unique retreats in unforgettable locations. At Write and Walk we combine creativity with activity, and plenty of time for pause.

All retreats are organised and sold by our partner travel agency, Walking Costa Brava S.L. Write and Walk provides the writing retreat programme and hosts the experience.

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NEW: Dates coming soon for two autumn retreats in 2026. Join the early bird list for details

Retreats built around four key pillars: creation, activation, reflection and connection

What is write and walk?

At Write and Walk we firmly believe that by bringing these elements together in one retreat we will inspire and energise writers at every stage of their career.

Write and Walk designs and leads the retreat programme. All logistics, accommodation, transport and bookings are managed by Walking Costa Brava S.L.

Explore the retreat experience

A person sitting at a round table on a balcony with a scenic view of mountains and trees, some leaves turning yellow and orange, with a clear blue sky in the background.

Write

We provide the peace, the place and the provisions - so you can focus fully on the words

Walk

We lead a variety of glorious guided walks to match your stamina and your schedule

A woman sitting on a log in a forested area. She is wearing a bright yellow and purple jacket, black pants, and trail running shoes. A bicycle is leaning against the log next to her, and tall trees with sparse leaves are visible against a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Reflect

We offer optional meditation sessions every day for those who’d like to experience the power of the pause

Connect

Whether you’re sharing experiences, ideas or food we aim to build a warm and welcoming community

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Where will we Write and Walk?

View of trees and Sierra Nevada mountains

The Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada National Park in south-east Spain is a magical place of steep-sided valleys and spectacular snowy peaks, of tiny whitewashed villages and sweeping mountain views. It’s hard to reach – but that means mass tourism hasn’t made it here either.

We’ll explore an area known as Las Alpujarras, mainly walking along ancient mule tracks that have connected these intriguing communities for centuries. I first came here in 2005 and have returned many times. I’m drawn back by the silence, the sweeping views and and the ever-shifting light.

valleys and vistas retreat

Emma stood infront of view of Cabo de Gata coast

The Cabo De Gata

The Cabo de Gata National Park in south-east Spain is a mesmerising blend of mountain, volcanoes and sea. The coastline here is mostly free from the tourism developments you see in many other parts of the country.

When we’re walking inland we’ll admire volcanic rock and cacti, and mainland Europe’s only desert. And at the shore we can enjoy vast sandy beaches, awesome rock formations and inviting turquoise water. A word of warning: about fifteen years ago I booked a 2-week hiking holiday here, then rented a house and stayed for three years…

Dunes and Desert Retreat

group hiking through countryside by the sea in Spain

Catalonia

Catalonia offers a little piece of everything. It’s home to the high peaks and sparkling lakes of the Pyrenees, and where those mountains drop into the sea we find the gloriously rugged coastline of the Costa Brava, Spain’s wild coast.

There, traditional fishing villages have grown into attractive seaside towns which crowd around spectacular sandy bays and rocky coves. We’ll walk some sections of the awe-inspiring coastal trail that undulates between them. On our inland walks we’ll follow routes linking forests, vineyards and medieval villages. We’ll combine countryside and coastal walks on this retreat to give you a diverse taste of the region I’m proud to call home.

Countryside and Coves Retreat

A woman with glasses sitting in a wicker chair, working on a laptop in a sunlit room with large wooden-framed windows and a view of trees and distant buildings outside.

What’s included in your retreat?

All accommodation, meals, guided walks and local transport

A private room for five nights in spectacular locations across Spain, far from the beaten track. But with wifi!
All meals - they’ll be delicious, nutritious, and homemade with love and typical local ingredients
Free teas, coffee, snacks and fruit available all day
Wine with every dinner
Small group guaranteed - maximum of fourteen writers
Airport transfers to and from the retreat centre and private transfers to and from walks, when required
For peace of mind, your booking is managed by a licensed travel partner who protects your payments and ensures everything meets European travel regulations.

A man sitting at an outdoor table writing in a notebook with a glass of beer nearby, surrounded by trees with yellow leaves and mountains in the background.

On retreat:

A carefully-structured daily schedule guaranteeing 5-6 hours of focussed writing time and a spectacular walk every day.
All daily walks led by Emma, your host and guide, with more than twenty years of experience leading groups in Spain
All optional meditation sessions led by Emma. She’s led meditation sessions for more than a decade
One-hour informal lecture by Emma, introducing the history, culture and gastronomy of the region
Full-time support assistant alongside Emma, helping every step of the way

Open wooden window overlooking a mountainous landscape with blue sky, sunlight illuminating a small table with a closed Apple MacBook, a pen, a cup, a colorful cloth, an orange, and some small objects.

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Practical details

Write and Walk designs and leads the retreat programme. All logistics, accommodation, transport and bookings are managed by Walking Costa Brava S.L.
Airport transfers and all travel logistics are arranged by our partner travel agency. For The Sierra Nevada and Cabo de Gata retreats their bus transfer will leave from Malaga Airport and for the Catalonia retreat the bus transfer will leave from Barcelona Airport.

scottish crime writer & tour guide

Meet Emma,
your retreat host

Selfie of Emma Christie hiking with mountains and trees in the background

I have two careers and I love them both. When I’m not writing crime fiction novels, I lead small groups on educational hiking tours across Spain. Writing and walking define me.

Before I was published I’d lead tours almost non-stop from early spring to late autumn then write all winter, during the low season. Ten years and two failed novels later I got my first book deal and thought I’d never lead a tour again. Then I realised I wanted to.

So even now, with four traditionally published novels under my belt, I lead three or four tours every year for a US educational travel company. Guiding is storytelling in a different form.

The retreats feel like a really natural step forward, combining my passion for writing, walking and guiding with my silent superpower - meditation. I can’t promise you’ll fix that tricky plot hole or come up with a high-concept book idea during our time together. But I’m almost certain you’ll feel revitalised - both physically and creatively - during and after the retreat.

Feeling good is the goal.

Testimonials

Space to think and create

“Write and Walk is a rare gift: space to think and create, in the company of like-minded writers. Hikes in the beautiful Spanish countryside followed by hours of quiet writing and reflection - a perfect combination for inspiring the soul.”
Award-winning crime writer Sam Holland
Ideal prescription for writers

“Write and Walk is the ideal prescription for writers struggling to unplug from the day to day. A beautiful setting, incredible company and chance to fully unwind, all seamlessly guided by Emma. I wrote more than I have in a long time and came away refreshed and energised.”
Heather Critchlow, McIllvanney-shortlisted author of the Cal Lovett series
Perfect writer-reboot

“A spectacular location, fantastic walks and a cosy desk with a view to write at, Emma Christie’s Write and Walk is the perfect writer-reboot. I arrived home renewed, refreshed and reenergised, with a bunch of new writer friends, and could not have asked for more. Get yourself signed up now.”
Award-winning crime writer Emma Styles
Perfect combination

“A perfect combination of finding space to write, room to roam, and a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones.”
Multi-award-winning crime writer Trevor Wood
Couldn't have asked for more

“The Write and Walk retreat in Andalucia was very special. Expertly organised and led by Emma, I loved all aspects of our time spent in Spain. Every day there was the opportunity to walk with other writers along trails to take in more of the fascinating history and beauty of this incredible region. Emma is such a warm, experienced and flexible guide, we really couldn’t have asked for more.”
Zoe Somerville, author of The Marsh House
A chance to meet and chat with other writers

“A brilliant opportunity to have uninterrupted writing time in a tranquil location, with gorgeous plot-walks on the doorstep, and - most importantly for someone who spends most of their time sitting at home in front of a laptop - a chance to meet and chat with other writers. I loved it and I hope to come back soon!”
Caroline Bishop, author of The Day I Left You
Emma is the perfect host

“The vibe of the trip could not have been better. We came together to share experiences and connect as colleagues. I’ve come back energised and much more committed to my novel. Emma is the perfect host and an accomplished guide.”
Kate Simants, author of Freeze, a Richard and Judy Book Club Pick
Cannot recommend it highly enough

“This was my first writing retreat. I’ve never travelled alone and I only knew one person there. The entire experience exceeded my expectations. I will endeavour to incorporate one of Emma’s writing retreats into my life once a year now.”
Helen Fisher, author of the critically-acclaimed Space Hopper and Joe Nuthin’s Guide To Life

Your questions

No – but you do need to be serious about your writing as the majority of your time here will be spent working on your own projects.

Please note some future retreats may feature options of tutoring and advice from authors and publishing industry professionals. If this is of interest to you please get in touch directly or watch out for updates on the website.
No. Emma will be offering walks, not hikes, accessible to anyone with a basic level of fitness. The walks offered will vary in length and difficulty, from one hour minimum up to four hours maximum. All walks are optional so you can choose which you’d like to join.
No. Meditation sessions are totally optional and open to everyone regardless of your experience.