Humankind Songwriting Retreat

Katie Spencer & Iona Lane

20th - 24th April 2026

Join individually celebrated songwriters and established touring musicians, Iona Lane and Katie Spencer, for a relaxed and inspired songwriting retreat in the breathtaking landscape of Ardnamurchan in the Scottish Highlands. Spend four nights in the stunning Victorian mansion of Kinlochmoidart House, developing and exploring your songwriting and musicality. Aligned by a shared approach to songwriting that nurtures and celebrates individual connections to the people and the landscapes of Northern England and Scotland, two of the leading lights of the UK folk scene come together for their second songwriting retreat.

During the course of your stay, Iona and Katie will guide you through a variety of workshops and creative sessions to hone your writing skills and enable you to take risks with your songwriting.  There will also be walks through the surrounding natural beauty of Ardnamurchan with plenty of opportunity for exploring and making new connections with your fellow songwriters. Katie and Iona are looking forward to bringing together a small group of like-minded people who are seeking to be immersed in nature, amongst new friends and with wonderful home cooked food.

Iona and Katie are welcoming songwriters and musicians of all levels, whether you’re writing your first song or you’re a seasoned professional, everyone will be welcomed.

“Iona and Katie are fabulous teachers and hosts. Kinlochmoidart is a stunning place to grow into a better songwriter with like-minded and enthusiastic people of all ages and experience. I came away with some big precious memories.” - 2024 attendee

“Everyone created a magical ambience. Human-nature brought us all together but of course the strongest force was Iona and Katie. The environment was beautiful and first-class service was provided on every level. The outdoor elements to the retreat were special; glorious sunshine helped heighten our group singing and witnessing the awe of delight from our thankful audience was a gift. We also really enjoyed the performances from Iona and Katie in such a relaxed informal manner.” - 2024 attendee

“Go there. Do it. You won't regret it. And yes, you are "good enough" to go on a songwriting retreat, you silly sausage.” - 2024 attendee

“Writing songs in the wilds of Scotland is inspiring. With two excellent tutors and a range of songwriting activities both solo and in collaboration, you should leave the week with songs you can perform and record.” - 2024 attendee

“Katie and Iona smashed it: perfect venue, perfect itinerary, very very well organised and planned. The retreat start and end time enabled us to arrive and depart without having to drive in the dark or at silly o'clock.” - 2024 attendee

“Having attended the Humankind Songwriting Retreat, I wouldn't hesitate to encourage others to book a place. I felt I left the retreat with a growth in confidence in my songwriting and felt motivated to try new approaches to my guitar playing and in my songwriting overall. Friendships were created and contacts were made. I'm looking forward to the next one.” - 2024 attendee

Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull, Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. The songwriting, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice.

Driven by awe and wonder of the natural world Iona Lane delivers poetic songs, with subtle musical touches and contemplative melodies that link untold stories with the world we find ourselves in today.

ACCOMMODATION

Built in 1884 and nestled between loch and hill, Kinlochmoidart House is a Scots Baronial Mansion and one of the few remaining original works of the renowned architect, William Lieper. Four generations later, the Stewart family have converted the house whilst taking great care to restore the original Victorian interiors to their former splendour. 

A variety of rooms are available including a shared twin, private single, private double or your own private apartment. 

Please note the shared twins, private singles and private doubles all have shared bathrooms.The private apartments consist of a double room, living space, bathroom and kitchen.

CATERING

All of your meals will be curated by the incredible Marie Lewis who will be providing delicious homemade vegetarian and vegan cooking for everyone on the retreat. We have decided on a vegetarian and vegan menu as it aligns with our ethics towards sustainability and health. Meal times will be spent together; we’re looking forward to sharing stories over some tasty food! Meals are prepared from scratch from good quality, and, where possible, local ingredients. Please let us know of any dietary requirements upon booking. If you wish to consume alcohol during the retreat, please provide your own.

PRICING

The prices below are per person and include all accommodation, catering, workshops and performances between 5pm 20th April 2026 to 9.30am 24th April 2026.

Private double room: £845 for single occupancy (£795 each for shared occupancy) 

Private single room: £795

Shared twin room: £745 for shared occupancy 

Private apartment: £1045 for single occupancy (£995 each for shared occupancy) 

Local to Lochaber: £595 (for people wishing to take part in the songwriting retreat but commute from their home. This price includes all workshops and catering for lunches/dinners) 

TRANSPORT

You will need to organise your transport to Kinlochmoidart House, Kinlochmoidart, Acharacle PH38 4ND. The nearest train station is Lochailort and there is the potential to be collected from the train station if you are travelling by public transport at a charge of £10 (for collection at the beginning of retreat and drop off after the retreat). Please inform us as soon as possible if you will need a lift.

BOOKING & ENQUIRIES

To book please email humankindsongwritingretreat@gmail.com with the subject ‘Humankind Songwriting Retreat’ with any questions or requests to book.

Upon booking we look for a deposit of £200 per person to secure your spot on the retreat. Your place will be confirmed once a deposit has been received. Full payment for the retreat will need to be paid by 1st February 2026. Finance options are available for those who wish to pay in instalments.

ACCESSIBILITY 

Due to the nature of the property there is no step free access to Kinlochmoidart House. There are ground floor bedrooms (one single, one double, one twin) and a ground floor bathroom (which has a shower over a bath). Both private apartments are all on one level but do not have step free access. The main living space where we will do most workshops is on the first floor. We will provide an attendee questionnaire after booking to discuss any accessibility requirements you have and how we can help facilitate any requirements.

CANCELLATION POLICY

The deposit received upon booking is non-refundable. If you cancel before twelve weeks of the retreat you will receive a full refund apart from the deposit. If you cancel within four weeks of the retreat fifty percent of the fee for your place will need to be paid. If you cancel within one week of the retreat you will need to pay the whole fee for your place.