The difference between pool and open water swimming
There really is nothing quite like the sensation of gliding smoothly and efficiently through the glassy waters of a Welsh llyn.
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Which retreat should I choose?
How do you know which retreat to join at The Forge next summer? Here's our helpful guide to explain who each retreat is designed for and why you should book on.
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Keeping you safe and well in the water
Wild swimming is great fun - all that cold water, the exhilaration, the famous 'buzz' afterwards. But it is not without its risks. Find out more about what we do at The Forge to keep you safe and well in the water.
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Not all meditation is done sitting down...
Finding inner peace doesn't have to mean sitting crossed legged humming on a beanbag. It can be anything that allows you to be completely present in the moment. And for me, that is absorbing myself in exercising in extreme weather conditions in the most beautiful scenery in the world...
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Introducing our new day retreats
We are super excited about our new woodfired sauna and wildlife pond which will be the focus for lots of new day retreats that we are launching this year.
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What is the Divine Feminine?
The Fire and the Feminine Women's Circle is based upon the principles of the Divine Feminine. Here we explain a bit more about what that actually means.
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What is trail running?
Ever heard the term ‘trail running’ and wondered just what the heck that means?
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The perfect location for a day retreat
Are you looking for an intimate off-grid venue with loads of indoor and outdoor space for a day retreat?
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This is not a meditation retreat
We have a confession to make. Come To Your Senses: Meditation for Non-Meditators is not actually a meditation retreat. Wait, what?
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What is it really like to live in the countryside?
Come and sample REAL rural life on our new summer camp!
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Our 2024 Retreats Calendar is now live!
We are super excited to share our 2024 retreat dates and we've got some great new experiences lined up for you, whether you are looking to escape on your own for a weekend, or would like to bring the whole family along too.
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I went wild swimming every day in January. This is what happened...
Would wild swimming in cold water every day in the coldest month of the year prove to be a life-changing experience?
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Benefits of Wild Swim Retreats for Women
The Forge has collaborated with Cardiff Metropolitan University to publish this case study for CABI on how the magic combination of wild swimming and glamping can help women build a stronger self-identity and foster a lasting sense of community.
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Ten reasons why you should go on a sensory retreat
We are all familiar with our five senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and touch – but have you ever really stopped to think about how each sense changes your perception of the world around you?
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How the outdoors cures burnout
Burnout is everywhere. It creeps up without you noticing and can have a devastating impact on every aspect of your life. There is no easy cure. To really break the negative cycle of burnout you need to do something radically different. This is where the great outdoors comes in.
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What is the TRUE cost of burnout?
The annual cost of burnout to the global economy is estimated to be £255 billion*. That’s a staggering number, but what does that actually mean when you break it down to the individual level. What is the true cost of burnout to YOU?
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Do I have burnout? 5 questions to ask yourself
Ask yourself these five simple questions and find out if you are experiencing burnout...
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Free Yourself From Burnout
If you're starting the year feeling exhausted and worn out when everyone else around you seems full of energy and motivation after their break, then you could well be suffering from burnout.
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Free Yourself From Burnout
If you're starting the year feeling exhausted and worn out when everyone else around you seems full of energy and motivation after their break, then you could well be suffering from burnout.
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The summer holidays are here!
We have got an action packed six weeks planned for all our guests this summer. Check out our programme of FREE activities and come and get involved during your stay.
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Why we swim
Meet Emma and Sheena. Passionate about wild swimming, good food and getting back to nature. And your hosts for our Wild Swim Weekend at The Forge.
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Canoeing, campfires and cosy nights
Do I need my own kit? Can I bring the whole family? Will I get cold? Check out our quick Q&A to give you everything you need to know about our Family Canoe and Bushcraft Weekend which we will be hosting at The Forge from 4th – 6th June.
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Come and join our team!
We are looking for a Seasonal Operations Manager and a Seasonal Housekeeper to join our team this summer. If you are passionate about the great outdoors, love working with people and care deeply about living more sustainably then get in touch!
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Our online shop is now open!
Are you looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves outdoor adventures? Our online shop might have just the thing for you...
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Top Ten Favourite Welsh Words
If I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here has sparked your interest in the Welsh language here are our top ten favourite Welsh words that might come in handy during a stay at The Forge… and are also quite easy to pronounce!
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Not quite the half term you had planned?
Don't worry, there's always next year! And we have lots of fun stuff planned in the coming months...
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Keeping everyone safe and well at The Forge
Find out all about the measures we are taking to keep us all safe and well during your stay at The Forge during the summer of 2020.
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How to grow your own veg
If life in lockdown has inspired you to start growing your own food but you have no clue where to start then this guide might give you a few pointers to get you up and running.
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The Forge Guide to an Eco Christmas
Are you trying to be a bit more eco-conscious this Christmas? Then check out our guide for some quick and easy tips on minimising your impact on the planet this yuletide...
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Wild Swimming in North Wales
Have you ever wondered what wild swimming is all about? Are you keen to try it but not sure where to start? This week our friends, Meg and Laura, at Wild Swim Snowdonia are here to tell us all about it!
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Switch the Plastic: 10 Simple Swaps
Trying to cut down on your plastic? A glamping holiday could be the perfect opportunity to sample some plastic-free swaps that could just change your life!
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A holiday that won't cost the earth...
Looking for a holiday that won’t cost the earth? Glamping could be the answer!
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Glamping and bushcraft...the perfect combination!
Cooking over your own campfire, foraging for wild food or navigating by the stars… Learning a few basic bushcraft skills can take your glamping holiday to a whole other level!
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Brilliant Berwyn
Balcony, bar and bell tents - this brand-new space is perfect for families and larger groups!
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Why glamping makes the perfect Easter getaway
Glamping is not just for summer.... Spring is the perfect time to sleep out under the stars!
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Ten Top Tips for First Time Foragers
Are you curious about eating wild food but not sure where to start? Read on for our top tips for first time foragers.
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Our very own Liberty Bell
We often get asked why this tent is called Liberty and it is perhaps not for the reasons you would think…
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Introducing.....Arenig
We often get asked what is the difference between all your different tents? Here is the first in our mini-series explaining each unique space so that when you book you can select exactly the right one of you!
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20 reasons to LOVE February
We are nearly there, folks! We survived seemingly never-ending January and we’re now into the tail end of winter (we hope!). We love February at The Forge – the shortest and in many ways the sweetest month. Here are just a few reasons why…
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Our Best Winter Days Out
The weather may have turned cold but that’s no excuse to stay inside!
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Veganism or Localism?
Ah January, season of new beginnings and all good intentions. As we count the cost of Christmas and the impact it had on our wallets, our waistlines and the planet, you can’t help but be swept into all the hype about how we can make a difference this year...
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Why Sustainable Holidays Are Important
We hear so much about what we should be doing to safeguard the planet, but what exactly is ecotourism and why are sustainable holidays important?
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10 reasons why we'll be logging off this Christmas
Why not take the opportunity for a digital detox for a few days this Christmas. This is why we'll be logging off...
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Glamping - the perfect stress-busting break
Today is National Stress Awareness Day. Here are just a few reasons why a glamping break can help reduce your stress and do wonders for your mental health...
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Glamping vs Camping
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between glamping and camping?
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Looking for your next big idea? Get around a campfire...
Everyone loves a campfire – the challenge of lighting it, the crackle of the logs and the mesmerising flicker of the flames. Not to mention toasting marshmallows of course! But it seems there could be more benefits to sitting around a campfire than just a bit of fun whilst camping out for the night.
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Digital detox
So what exactly is a digital detox? How do you do it and, more importantly, what does it really feel like?
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Five Reasons To Get Outside in March
Although you might not always feel like it, getting outside at this time of year is good for your heart, body, mind and soul...
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