Escape to Erw Glas
Laura Garner enjoyed 24 Hours of pure wellbeing in the North Wales countryside
As a journalist, business owner and single mum, switching off is not something I do often. Between deadlines, meetings and school runs, my life is a full-throttle blur of coffee, calendar notifications and constant travel. So when I spotted a 24-hour retreat at Erw Glas Glamping in North Wales, hosted by Wellness and Walking Holidays, it felt like a lifeline. I booked, packed a bag, and drove the hour from Cheshire, barely believing how close this escape was. But from the moment I arrived, I may as well have landed in another world.
Erw Glas is nestled in the Conwy Valley, with sweeping mountain views and a stillness that feels medicinal. Within minutes, my shoulders had dropped, my phone was on silent, and my usual internal chatter had softened. This wasn’t just a break. It was a reset.
A Warm Welcome & Thoughtful Details
The retreat began with a gentle welcome beneath a stretch tent, which looked out onto tree-lined hills and open skies. Guests were greeted by Anna, the calm and reassuring host of Wellness and Walking Holidays, and Rachael and Alan, the owners of Erw Glas. Their warmth set the tone for the entire stay, everything is designed for ease, comfort and connection.
I stayed in a beautifully appointed Shepherd’s Hut with uninterupted views of the Conwy Valley, mine alone for the night, which felt wildly indulgent. It was rustic but luxurious, with a king-sized bed, fluffy towels, a robe, a Smart TV (not that I used it), and my own private wood-fired hot tub, which was already lit and steaming by the time I returned from the day’s activities. The details here matter, and they’re done right.
Adventures That Nourish the Soul
The itinerary is packed, but in a way that feeds rather than drains you. After settling in, we headed out to Llanberis for a paddleboarding session. It wasn’t my first time but my first proper lesson and though I was slightly apprehensive, the Sup Lass (aka Caroline Dawson aka Wonder Woman) was patient, encouraging and clearly passionate about helping us connect with the water, the landscape and ourselves. It was here, floating on the water, surrounded by the glorious Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, that I realised I couldn’t remember the last time I’d just sat still in nature. Not doing. Not thinking. Just being. That alone was worth the drive.
We paused halfway through for a picnic, plus hot drinks (fired by hand and boiled in a Kelly Kettle) and Caroline's delicious homemade lemon and lime cake beside the lake - complete with bushcraft tips and tales of her adventures paddleboarding down the Amazon.
Later in the afternoon, back at Erw Glas, we gathered for a ‘Mindfulness Art’ session. I love doing art with my daughter but precision is not my strong point! However, with the guidance of local artist Chloe Dymond, it turned out to be one of my favourite moments of the retreat. Drawing patterns, with no pressure, in the company of other lovely women, surrounded by the peaceful hum of nature, it was exactly what my overloaded brain needed.
Food for the Body and Soul
Dinner was a feast. Under the festoon-lit marquee, we enjoyed a BBQ with everything from spit-roast chicken and rosemary wedges to a beautifully spiced veggie tart for the plant-based among us. Glasses of wine clinked, conversation flowed, and the fire pit crackled into the night. There was no rush, no timelines, no performance. Just simple joy and connection.
I ended the evening soaking in my private hot tub under the stars, robe and towel already provided, the only sound was the wind in the trees and the onsite chickens clucking around. I slept deeper than I have in a long time. Bliss.
Yoga, Farewells and a New Perspective
The following morning began with a slow, stretchy vinyasa yoga session in the tent with Laura Davies, which was energising and grounding in equal measure. With views of the valley beyond, it was the perfect end to the retreat.
By the time I checked out, I felt physically lighter, mentally clearer, and perhaps most surprisingly, emotionally topped up. I didn’t just relax; I reset something important in myself. The drive back to Cheshire was short, but I carried the calm with me for days.
Why You Should Go
This is not just a retreat for yoga types or outdoor adventurers. It’s for anyone who needs to press pause, even if just for 24 hours. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, burnt out or simply in need of breathing space, the retreats by Wellness and Walking delivers it in spades.
Whether you go solo, with friends or with your partner (this is very much for everyone), the environment is supportive, inclusive and gently empowering. There’s no ego, no expectation. Just fresh air, nourishing food, open skies and the rare permission to stop.
Final Thoughts
It’s incredible how far you can travel in just an hour, especially when the destination gives you the headspace of a long-haul getaway. With upcoming dates in September 2025 and Spring 2026 already listed on the Wellness and Walking, I’ve already set a reminder to book again. If Glamping for a break in the stunning area of Conwy and Snowdonia is on your ever-growing ‘list’ make sure Erw Glas Glamping is firmly on there (they do weddings and exclusive hire too). If you’re looking for something restorative, beautiful and grounding, this retreat is it. You owe it to yourself to go.
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