Led by Fools: A Writing Retreat at Muncaster Castle

About

A Pelumbra retreat for reflection, creativity and critical insight

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A place for deep writing in foolish times.

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Join us for four days of writing and quiet inspiration in the remarkable setting of Muncaster Castle — an ancient stronghold on the edge of the Lake District, where centuries of story, struggle, and subversion are etched into every stone.

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This is a Pelumbra retreat: designed with care, lightly held, and shaped by years of experience supporting writers, thinkers and change-makers to find clarity, voice and courage in their work. Drawing on our long tradition of writing retreats, we bring a distinctive mix of quietude, insight, and shared inquiry.

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At Muncaster, we take inspiration from The Fool — not the simpleton or hedonist, but the wise fool who speaks truth to power, who exposes pretension, who dares to say what others won't. The fool as riddler or trickster who makes mischief that matters, is human amidst the machines.

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This retreat invites you to write from that place where humour, honesty, and imagination meet. And it's worth noting that Muncaster is no folly: it's a real castle guarding the ancient harbour at Ravenglass - developed by the Romans to give access to the western valleys and hills of Cumbria, which rise above the castle and its beautiful gardens.