Poetry in the Peak
“Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.”
Henry David Thoreau
Poetry in the Peak is a two-day creative writing and walking retreat which focuses on poetry & nature writing.
Led by award winning tutor Sophie Sparham, this two day event will provide writing workshops and walks around Grindleford allowing you to immerse yourself in the spring countryside for inspiration or just enjoyment.
Poetry in the Peak – Workshop Format.
After initial introductions (and a cuppa) the workshop will look at writing and gaining inspiration from nature before a couple of short easy walks from the hotel. The walks will interspersed with time for reflection and space for your personal creativity with feedback from Helen & Sophie.
On the Saturday afternoon students will have the opportunity to share any reading should they wish.
On the Sunday after a 9am start the workshop will develop and progress on the themes of creative writing from the Saturday before a mid afternoon finish.
“Walks. The body advances, while the mind flutters around it like a bird.”
Jules Renard
About the tutors:
Sophie Sparham
Sophie Sparham is a poet and writer from Derby. She has written commissions for BBC Radio 4, The V&A and The People’s History Museum. She co-hosts the night Word Wise which won best spoken word night at the 2019 Saboteur Awards. Her latest collection ‘The Man Who Ate 50,000 Weetabix’ came out in April via Verve Poetry Press. Sophie’s work has been published in Orbis, Under the Radar and The Morning Star. Her poem Sunrise Over Aldi won third place in the 2020 Charles Causley Poetry Competition. She is the co-director of Derby Poetry Festival.
Accommodation is available at The Sir William on a first come first served basis, with upto 30% discount for BtE clients.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £125
- Duration: 2 days
- Level: Introductory
More Information
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Course Dates
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Meeting Point
The course will meet at The Sir William at 0900 in the village of Grindleford. The village has good bus and train links with Sheffield and good train links to Manchester.
The hotel has ample free parking. -
Accommodation Options
This Beyond the Edge workshop is non-residential to allow you to select between a thermarest or 5 star hotel as you require.
There is lots of accommodation in the Hope Valley although we recommend The Sir William Hotel which is offering a specially discounted rate of £150 per room (two nights plus breakfast). It is also where the workshop runs from, so you’ll have the shortest possible commute.
Further details and other options are listed on our Accommodation page.
If you are struggling to find something or want something special, contact the office and we will endeavour to assist.
FAQs
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How do I book?
The best way is via this webpage. Choose the date from the options on the above and then submit your booking and request an invoice or pay. If your course is under six weeks away you must pay the full amount.
For bespoke events get in touch first so we can check diaries and if required give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.
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Does the course include accommodation ?
Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.
In the Peak District we work out of the The Sir William. This is a comfortable Inn with stunning views over the Hope valley and it also serves great food. We recommend that you stay here as they are well versed in looking after walkers and climbers, and offering a specially discounted rate of £150 per room (twin or double for both Fri & Sat and including breakfast). Online booking for The Sir William has been disabled for these nights so please book through Beyond the Edge.
If this doesn’t suit you for whatever reason, other accommodation options can be found on our accommodation page.
For bespoke courses and events we can arrange whatever you desire from a bivouac under the stars to a spa hotel.
