OUR FAVOURITE PLACE
SWITCH OFF YOUR MOBILE AND ENJOY GETTING BACK TO NATURE AT THIS WELSH RETREAT
Get back to nature at The Forge in North Wales
In 2015, Jamie and Sheena Corry decided to leave behind their busy London lives to bring up their children in the countryside. They bought a 20-acre plot in Corwen, North Wales, with the intention of creating a smallholding and business. They already had an established company, The Wild Bushcraft Company, offering a range of courses from survival skills weekends to deer stalking, so to continue the country living theme they set up The Forge. A camping retreat, it gives people the chance to take a break and spend some precious time outdoors.
HOME COMFORTS The site is made up of luxury glamping bell tents, with names inspired by the nearby Welsh peaks – Liberty, Idris and Arenig. The tents have all been designed to allow an authentic back-to-nature experience, while including mod cons to help ensure a comfortable stay. Each suitable for four people, the tents feature a double bed and two singles, LED lighting, a fully equipped kitchen, composting loo and hot shower, as well as carpeted flooring and piles of cushions and blankets to keep you cosy. They all have a wooden deck, and – our favourite – Arenig also has a private campfire.
PICK YOUR OWN Welcome hampers filled with treats from the farm and local area are provided, and Jamie and Sheena will happily advise you on the best places to eat and drink nearby. Since you’re based on the smallholding itself, you can also have a go at collecting eggs, picking fruit and veg to cook in your tent, or learning how to make chutneys and jams. There are also plenty of food experiences on offer, from game cookery lessons to wild-food foraging.
LEARN A NEW SKILL The Forge also offers digital detox retreats to help you reconnect with the natural world – expect stargazing, mindfulness and wellbeing experiences. If you’re after a more active break, Jamie runs bushcraft skills sessions and can help organise anything from white-water rafting to canyoning, canoeing and mountain biking.
HOW MUCH? £90 per tent per night. CAE EINION, CORWEN, NORTH WALES LL21 9BY, 01490 412972, THEFORGECORWEN.CO.UK.