Lamb and legends combine for an epic Welsh experience

An epic experience awaits for visitors to Wales this summer who will be immersed in impressive landscapes, will embrace classic culture and admire architectural creations in the heart of the Welsh countryside.

But a truly Welsh experience would not be complete without the inclusion of iconic Welsh Lamb, produced on pastures where holiday makers will enjoy an adventure like no other. 

As part of the Epic Retreats project, which is the focus of a new Channel 4 documentary called ‘Cabins in the Wild with Dick Strawbridge’, guests to the land of legends will be living it up in a brand new, bespoke pop-up hotel experience in two idyllic locations across Wales - Southern Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula. On arrival, their welcome to Wales will include a roasting lamb carcass, cooked by a professional private chef and supplied by a local butcher.

Red meat promotion agency, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is pleased to work with Epic Retreats and supply the lamb for welcome BBQs throughout the summer months.

HCC’s Market Development Manager Rhys Llywelyn said: “Epic Retreats is a fantastic initiative and we are thrilled to be involved. Agriculture and the production of lamb is a centuries-old tradition in Wales, and remains central to the Welsh way of rural life.

“Roasting a whole lamb carcase will be a great way of sharing the flavour, tenderness and succulence of the meat, and will certainly create an impression on the guests on their first night. It will also be an opportunity to share our passion for the product, and tell the story of how it’s produced in the ancient landscape of Wales.” 

The Epic Retreats project forms part of Visit Wales’ Year of Legends. Eight cabins have been exclusively designed and built, all inspired by Welsh legends and emblems, including King Arthur, the Welsh dragon and our country’s industrial heritage.

Aled Rees, partner in Epic Retreats and Managing Director of Cambria Tours, said: “We are delighted to be working with Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) to give our guests a traditional and warm Welsh welcome complete with a hearty meal of Welsh Lamb!

“As a tour operator focused on Wales, we at Cambria Tours strive to offer guests the very best that Wales has to offer – including our fantastic food and drink! We are passionate about working closely with the best local suppliers and partners to showcase the epitome of Welsh produce throughout our guests’ stay. We are thrilled to have an opportunity to share this with an even wider audience through the Epic Retreats project.”

The first guests will arrive at a secluded spot at the foot of Cader Idris, near the ruins of Castell y Bere in southern Snowdonia on 5 June, and the itinerary includes tours of local historical sites and attractions, Welsh music and theatre in a landscape that stretches to the sea. 

The Epic Retreats project is a partnership between Best of Wales, Cambria Tours and George + Tomos Architects and is part funded by the Welsh Government’s Tourism Product Innovation Fund.