Lining up footsteps and words in creative ways is the subject of an unusual workshop at Innerpeffray Library near Crieff as part of this year’s Drovers’ Tryst Walking Festival from 11th October. ‘Writing can help us notice more, open the senses, free up imagination and learn more about the environment,’ said workshop leader, local writer Linda Cracknell. ‘And walking is in the toolbox of most writers for rhythm and kick-starting ideas.’

The workshop runs as part of a ‘Walking and Writing’ project made possible by Linda’s Creative Scotland Award. Her own footsteps and words over the last year have taken her along a Drove Road between Skye and Perthshire, on medieval paths in south-eastern Spain and up an Alpine peak she climbed in her father’s footsteps. ‘But a short ramble taken with the senses open and an awareness of our own, changing ‘landscape of the mind’ can be just as creative as a long or dramatic walk’, she said.

The workshop is for walkers and writers of all ages and abilities and will be based at Innerpeffray Library, a literary jewel deep in the Strathearn countryside. The event will be active and enjoyable including an easy local walk, an introduction to Innerpeffray, and workshop activities designed to inspire creative thought and writing in a relaxed environment. Saturday 11th October 10am-3.30pm. Booking essential through Crieff Tourist Information Centre.