Writing for Social Change Retreat – September 2026
I met Andy Pring at the Benalmadena Diversity, Inclusion and Equality conference in November 2025. We got on instantly, and I was offered the opportunity and pleasure to introduce his conference session.
Little did I know that Andy was planning a retreat in Marrakech for September 2026 that would be attended by an international group of writers and change-makers. The first time I saw the advert in February 2026, I was compelled to sign up. There was a wide range of writing sessions, social opportunities, and tagine dinners, but the activity that clinched it for me was the thought of hiking the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, Mount Toubkal, at around 14,700 feet. Who doesn’t like the prospect of an exhilarating new experience? The ascent would be completed in two days, culminating in reaching the summit at sunrise before returning to base camp.
Our mule carrying food supplies, primus stoves, tents and chairs. Every step was a potential leg-breaker. It's remarkable that these hardy animals rarely get injured.
My wife and I were once regular trekkers, but we felt a little rusty. Andy distributed a list of trip essentials, and within a month, we had bought all the required apparatus. From early spring onwards, we started our project, putting in hundreds of thousands of steps over the months. We tried out all the equipment and watched every YouTube video about the project. More on this later.
Writing for social change - the lively group came from Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Germany and England. We worked our way through several progressive exercises, based at Riad Les Yeux Bleus in Marrakech. A stunning venue with indoor and outdoor meeting and dining options, depending on the weather. I think the quality of the food and service created a huge impact on the starving writers. The meals were sumptuous, and a glass of wine helped fuel the rigorous discussions and focused sessions.
On Day 2, there was an optional excursion to Jardin Majorelle, a remarkable botanical garden founded by Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s. We have visited all the major National Trust gardens in England, but I was knocked out by the vibrant display of cacti, bamboo, palms, water features, and Art Deco Moorish architecture. Some of those items are unimaginably tall, rotund, and artfully displayed with the backdrop of cobalt blue buildings and artefacts
On Day 3, we headed to Imlil, where we would be staying at the Kasbah, a remarkable structure on a promontory overlooking the Atlas Mountains. The size of this mountain chain was hard to comprehend, all the more so against the backdrop of the Kasbah’s striking infinity pool. I was itching to get on the mountain, but in the meantime, Andy kept us busy with his writing prompts.
The Kasbah du Toubkhal, Imlil.
Day 4, time to attack the mountain. Aided and abetted by our lead guide, Mohammad and his team of cooks and porters, the expedition began. The weather was kind. Warmer than we imagined, and we made sharp progress over miles of unrelenting rocky outcrops. Nothing in the UK prepares you for this hostile environment. We prepared for bad conditions with layers and waterproofs, but the weather was mild, sunny and inviting. It took little time before we got a sweat on. My backpack was soon raining down through my shirt. It was a relief to reach base camp and remove various soggy garments before a refreshing shower and our delicious evening meal of chicken tagine.
Chicken Tagine
Day 5 – rise at 02.30, breakfast and ready for the nocturnal march an hour later. The crew did a great job of preparing a hot breakfast. Regrettably, a significant hitch began to blight the project. The big toenail on my left foot was digging into my boot on every step. It became increasingly painful, and I adjusted my stride, which damaged my little right toe.
After an hour of excruciatingly painful walking, I removed my left boot to see the extent of the damage. Not good! My toenail was beginning to look like a plum. Once Mohammad came over to check on my progress, he reluctantly announced that the project should end here. He said there was no point in endangering myself, my wife or the rest of the group. After a two-minute silent recalibration, we turned back down the mountain. A huge disappointment but in hindsight, the sensible decision.
(Mohammad far left, me with a sweaty back, Andy on the right).
We arrived back at the Kasbah four hours ahead of schedule, took a cold dip in the infinity pool, then a hot shower, and had a spicy version of lamb tagine for dinner. All in all, a memorable experience, 60,000 steps in two days and a huge amount for the creative writers to discuss and reflect upon in our final session.
Congratulations to the whole support team for their hard work, grit and determination. To Mohammad for keeping us safe on the mountain, and especially for catching me numerous times as my limbs and balance became weary on the return journey.
Many thanks also to Andy Pring for his vision in creating this retreat, which stretched us in all directions. I was delighted to be part of this experience, surrounded by an incredibly talented group in this remarkable location. Our discussions and camaraderie will echo in our minds for years to come.
