Walking and Writing City and Country

Riponhas not only an agreeable situation on a rising ground between two rivers, but the marketplace is the finest and most beautiful square that is to be seen of its kind in England Daniel Defoe 1724-6Wetlands and rivers, canals and monasteries, monuments and follies; the city of Ripon is an inspirational landscape that has attracted creatives such as Daniel Defoe, poet Wilfred Owen and produced writers such as the suffragette, Naomi Jacobs.Join acclaimed writer Mary-Jane Holmes on this four-hourwalk-and-create writing workshopin and around Ripon. As we stroll its snickets and paths, we will reflect on how our experience of environments shapes us and how by harnessing our powers of deep observation in relation to our surroundings, we can develop a more active way of seeing the world we inhabit.This workshop will combine attentive walking, a performance of poetic works and fun writing exercises. It is open to everyone whether you are a seasoned writer of any genre be that playwriting or poetry, fiction or memoir or simply curious about the creative writing process.Mary-Jane Holmes has garnered many awards including winning the Bridport Poetry prize, the Writer's Digest poetry competition, the Live Canon Pamphlet Prize, Bath Novella-in-Flash Prize, Mslexia Flash prize.This walk will be repeated onSaturday 4 October as part ofRipon Poetry Festival [https://riponpoetryfestival.co.uk/]Walk begins at the obelisk in Ripon Market Place. Notepads and pencils are provided but do bring a pack lunch and dress appropriately for the weather! Dogs are not allowed at this activity.Age guide 14+