TRELAN FARM

#PRESSTRIP

Given our current situation we may as well be staying put on our home shores rather than jetting off to seek the sun for a while! 

Although we love a good holiday aboard, there are plenty of places in the UK and Wales in particular that has spectacular scenery and unspoilt landscapes to discover and enjoy and I can’t wait to share this little gem with you.

I’ve been friends with Catherine for a few years now and we met in person at Llangollen food festival where I got to meet hubby Wynne and their children Betrys and Iori. The husband and wife team are third generation farmers in Cilcain, North Wales, and last year they docked a luxury converted shipping container on the farm. The Cargo Cabin is a romantic hideaway for two, with stunning views of the Clwydain range and a unique outdoor bath.

Catherine kindly invited me for a press trip to Trelan Farm. Since we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in September this trip was perfect. It’s my kind of glamping as it is already set up for you and you don’t need to bring very much. No need for tents, sleeping bags and portable stoves.

The Cargo Cabin has full WiFi access but sometimes its nice to just switch off and get away from technology to recharge your own batteries. You can’t go wrong with a pack of cards or even a book or magazine. 

So what did we get up to? Firstly we were meant to stay for two nights, however a day before we were due to leave an announcement was made that Flintshire was going into local lockdown in 48 hours. And so we decided to stay one night only and make the most of it.

We arrived at our cabin around 3.30 as check in is at 3pm. We received digital confirmation with all the information needed beforehand, It was a rather miserable rainy afternoon and after parking up, we walked less than 100 yds up the path to the most mesmerising spot on the range. The cargo cabin is situated behind the farm in an elevated but private spot overlooking the most wonderful countryside.

There are two deckings, one for sitting or dinning outside and a sheltered one with an outdoor bath!

We had a lovely welcome hamper which included Jones crisps, waffles, hot chocolate, tea/coffee, rice crispy cakes and a bottle of fizz!

The cargo is open plan with an L-shape settee that converts to a bed in true glamping style. It also housed a separate toilet and shower room, with plenty of hooks for towels and clothing and compact storage.

I loved the traditional the kettle and the first thing we did was stick it on till the whistle alerted us then demolishing the rice crispy cakes-bliss!

The gully kitchen had everything you need for a cosy night in but we had already decided that we were dinning out and booked a table at the white horse pub, Hendrenewydd on Catherine’s recommendation.

This epic road trip did not disappoint, we got in our 4x4 and drove over the Clwydian range in what can only be described as an adventure. From one cattle grid to the next we had to look out for wild animals, birds and farm animals and it felt like a Safari journey in this natural habitat. When we drove over the top for our descend the view was out of this world, just heavenly.

The White horse was exactly what we wanted, a very old pub, an open fire and excellent traditional menu from oysters to truffle chips to pork fillet.

We had a starter and main washed down with red wine and the presentation and food was top notch. If you are ever passing, I would highly recommend this place. They were also well managed for covid with an induction to a 1 way system, masks and even hand sanitisers on the tables.

We then drove back via the single track lane over the range and back to the cosy cabin.

The path was lit up with garden lights and the cabin was lovely an warm when we got in. Despite the drizzle outside I was determined to have a bath and donned my wooly hat on, poured the bubbles and enjoyed an evening spa experience.

Honestly this trip was just what the Dr ordered and when we woke in the morning the grey skies had cleared and we had breakfast on the decking. Waking up to the sound of the birds and enjoying breakfast outside was so grounding and calming.

Currently the Cargo Cabin is only available for Flintshire residents as they are in local lockdown with a whopping 30% discount so it’s the perfect staycation.

However they are taking bookings with a guarantee of full refund if they have to cancel your booking due to current restrictions. I know that valentines 2021 has already gone but they have lots of mid- week dates available which is what we did.

Head on over to their website on www.trelanfarm.co.uk or on instagram @trelan_farm to find out more about them. If you book, be sure to mention that you found them via #tanyanottanya and Catherine will make sure there is a bottle of fizz and some locally made cakes waiting for you!

“This refurbished shipping container has found a truly special place to dock, on the grounds of a 150 acre beef and sheep farm in Cilcain, North Wales. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush countryside and endless peace and tranquility. With a stylish interior and beautiful wood clad exterior, it’s stunning both inside and out. And the outdoor bath takes in the best of those breathtaking views - just add bubbles.”