We’ve prepared this handy primer for guests who are coming on a writer’s retreat to the Cabin you can think ahead and make sure you pack all the essentials to make the most of your writing retreat…
1. Writing implement
Bring your favourite tool to write with, be it laptop or notebook. If you happen to forget your power cable or if you need any additional stationery, don’t worry, we live on site and can assist you. Machynlleth, a sizeable market town which is just three miles away, boasts plenty of shops for any essentials you might need.
2. Your work-in-progress (WIP)
Some writers like to print out their works-in-progress to bring with them, some spread it out on the floor of the Cabin, while others like to bring it as a digital file. However, if you realise you need to print something out during your stay, we can help with that for a small charge.
3. Footwear for walking or running
With Snowdonia just a ten-minute drive away, the Writers’ Cabin is ideally situated for writers who are also hiking enthusiasts. Alternatively, there are two local walking loops right from the cabin’s doorstep that take you over the hill and into the nearby hamlet of Melinbyrhedyn—a scenic 1 hour and 30-minute walk.
4. Swimwear
Relax and sweat off the small stuff! If you fancy an evening sauna session during your stay, we would love to arrange this for you. The glazed sauna overlooks the Tarren mountain range and you might even glimpse a shooting star during your session. One complimentary 90-minute sauna session is included as part of your stay.
5. Yoga wear
We are fortunate to have some of the UK’s leading yoga practitioners teaching in Machynlleth and the vicinity including: Richard Adamo, Frankie Walker, Suzanne Galant, Regina Hellmich, Jess Mess and Rosanna Carless. If you fancy attending a lesson during your stay, we can advise you on drop-in classes offered locally.
6. Photos or images to inspire you
Make yourself feel at home at the Writers’ Cabin by bringing photos or images to inspire you. We provide a pinboard and brass tacks so you can create an inspiring mood board to inspire your creative retreat.
7. Thirst!
We ensure there’s a selection of herbal teas available to fuel your writing sessions, alongside regular tea and we provide fresh milk and a dairy-free alternative. If you have a favourite brew, feel free to bring a few bags with you. The intersection between writing and caffeine is a rich one. We’ve partnered with local independent coffeeshop Hermit Crab Café in Machynlleth to offer guests 10% off hot drinks. If you head into town, you can take advantage of their stunning range of coffees, teas and pastries. We also provide ground coffee in the Writers’ Cabin, along with a small cafetiere.
8. Musical instrument
The Writers’ Cabin features a large veranda, perfect for taking a break and playing your instrument of choice. Don’t forget to pack it if you’d like some musical interludes during your stay.
9. Magazines/Books on the Creative Process
Bring the books that inspire you the most. But if you realise you need to widen your reading list during your stay, we have a selection of books on the creative process in the hand-crafted Book Nook in the Writers’ Cabin, as well as back issues of The Author magazine. If there is a book you realise you forgot to bring, help is at hand: Pen’rallt Gallery Bookshop in Machynlleth have partnered with us to offer £5 off to our guests and the National Library of Wales is a 40-minute drive away.
10. Food for your self-catering retreat
The kitchen is well equipped with a two-ring hob and microwave but do note, there is no oven. Tescos, Asda and Coop all deliver online grocery deliveries to the Cabin and there are take-away options within Machynlleth including award-winning fish and chips, Chinese, Indian and pizza.
And here are ten things you won’t need to pack because we already provide them in the Writers’ Cabin.
1. Towels and bath robe
2. Laptop stand, USB keyboard, USB mouse, mousemat and adaptor for MacBooks
3. Bedding
4. Hairdryer
5. Basics of cooking: Herbs, oil, spices, tea, coffee, sugar, milk, dairy alternative milk etc.
6. Umbrella
7. Blankets
8. OS Map for the area and binoculars
9. Bluetooth speaker
10. Yoga Mat
Book your writing retreat in the Writers’ Cabin today. Stays start at just £390 for a weekend break (opening year promotional price).
