Wild Swim Retreat

Wow.....just back from a weekend of wild swimming at The Forge. Absolutely brilliant from start to finish and everything in-between. The communication from Sheena before we arrived was fantastic, even down to noting on my questionnaire that I had no food allergies but did love Victoria sponge......it was remembered and said cake was provided by Emma who also made lots of other goodies. Attention to detail like that is really appreciated. I came as part of a group of 5 women for an organised weekend. There were 5 other women too and we swam and ate together. The site is beautiful, both in it's location, view etc but also in the way it's set out and cared for....so clean too. Our bell tent was lovely, just the two of us in it so plenty of room for our extensive swim kit. The log burner was lovely and made the tent toasty warm. The individual tent deck and kitchen area were great, plenty of space to dry kit and also to sit and have an early morning cuppa at the picnic table or relaxing in the hammock. The private composting toilet was great and again, super clean. There is a communal cabin where we had our meals, also with a log burner, so super toasty. We had a catered package and Emma's meals were fabulous, I really enjoyed them.....some of us have jacket potato envy as we can't make them that good ourselves. We had a Welsh folklore storyteller come and share stories around the campfire, what a unique and enjoyable experience. Thanks Fiona. The organised swims were brilliant and catered for all different abilities. The waterfall on the last morning was amazing. The Forge do all sorts of organised packages or you can just go and stay there on your own or book the whole site and go as a group. This really was a fantastically chilled weekend. Sheena and Emma were fantastic hosts, couldn't have asked for better. Before we'd even left we were talking about dates for returning. THANK YOU 😊

On Friday afternoon you had 10 people arrive with a mixture of emotions, intentions, knowledge, energy, experience and a whole variety of reasons for visiting The Forge. We all took away something different which is a skill very few people have and for that I want to commend and praise you both.

For me I didn't have to think or plan or arrange anything for the whole weekend. [...] I didn't need to problem solve, risk assess or figure anything out. You both thought for me all weekend. How often do we get a chance in life to put our trust in another human being to do what is right and good and fun and challenging and know that at the end of the day I will feel like that other person has fed, not just my tummy but also nurtured my soul.

You offer an experience that, in my view is perfect in every way. The accommodation was cozy and comfortable and much larger than I was expecting and the kitchen facilities extensive. The food was nourishing, tasty and healthy.I loved your new platform and that I could practise my yoga in the morning to the sun. But most of all the location and setting are breath-taking and why I chose to live in Wales. You have a spot in paradise there.

The swim locations were beyond my expectations. Thank you both for your research. You chose very very well. And left the best to last. You gave me new experiences for which I thank you both.

The storytelling was another unique experience. I often fall asleep listening to a podcast about the news or about health. How wonderful to be sitting on top of a hill, around a fire, with lovely people, eating a home made ice cream sandwich and listening to stories about legends and folklore. Who knew I still loved a bedtime story?

On Sunday lunchtime 10 people left. We all took away something different. For me it has given me more confidence to try out new locations. And to believe in myself that I can do this outdoor swimming. I know people quote so many reasons and benefits for outdoor swimming. For me it makes me smile inside and out. And this weekend I did a lot of smiling.

I can not thank you both enough for a perfect weekend from start to finish.

Internal healing. External pleasure.
Sheena and Hattie have created the perfect weekend retreat for anyone looking for a reset. From the second we arrived we belonged, and so the usual "adjustment period" needed on any other break, was instantaneous.
Every box was ticked, from the pond (such a great introduction to wild water dips) and sauna, the immaculate tents with glorious log fires, the incredible meals and cakes (which should actually get their own review), to the picture perfect lake swims and moonlit fireside story telling.
The added touches (hammocks, hot water bottles and more) just emphasized the girls' determination to provide the perfect retreat, whilst being attentive, sincere and genuinely fantastic company the entire time.
This is by far one of the best weekends away I have ever had.