Stars & Smores: Camping Trip

The Great Black Mountains Escape: Camp & Hike ⛺
The ultimate cure for city-centre screen fatigue is officially here. We are heading to the spectacular Cayo Retreat in Longtown for a full weekend of fresh air, proper belly laughs, and a classic summer campout.

Nestled right on the border under the dramatic peaks of the Black Mountains, this site features a private river running through the grounds and an 11th-century castle overlooking our pitches. No cliques, no awkward networking, and absolutely zero pressure—just a group of excellent humans, an epic ridge hike, and a night of stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the UK.

Whether you're a seasoned wild camper or your tent has spent the last three years gathering dust in the cupboard, this one is for you.

🗺️ The Weekend Playbook
Saturday 18th July: Basecamp & Hatterall Hill
12:00 (Midday) — Basecamp Arrival: We meet at Cayo Retreat at noon sharp. First order of business: claim our pitches by the water, get the tents up, and unpack the camp chairs.

14:00 — The Hatterall Hill Hike: Once camp is set, we’ll walk straight from the site up onto the towering ridge of Hatterall Hill. We'll join the legendary Offa's Dyke Path right along the spine of the ridge, straddling the official border between England and Wales. Expect breathtaking 360-degree views across the Olchon and Llanthony valleys. It's a steady climb, but we'll take a highly conversational pace with plenty of breaks.

Campfire Social: As the sun dips behind the peaks, we’ll get the fire roaring, crack open some drinks, and settle in by the stream. Later in the evening, we'll take a 10-minute stroll down the country lane to the local village pub for a quick pint, before heading back for some incredible stargazing.

Sunday 19th July: Choose Your Own Adventure
The Morning Ritual: Wake up to the sound of the bubbling river, brew fresh coffee in the open air, and share some breakfast.

12:00 onwards — The Group Choice: We have the entire afternoon open until we head home at 18:00! We'll be throwing ideas into the group chat closer to the time to see what everyone feels like doing. Whether we head over the mountain pass to explore the famous book-town of Hay-on-Wye, find a local castle ruin, or just lounge by the river with some outdoor games, the choice is entirely ours.

🎒 The Essentials Checklist
To make sure everyone thrives, you will need to bring along:

A tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat.

Sturdy walking shoes or boots for the mountain trails.

Layers for when the sun goes down (it gets proper chilly by the river!).

Food for the weekend and whatever you fancy drinking around the campfire.

First-timer note: If you’re short on gear, don't panic. Drop a message in the group chat below—our community is legendary for sharing kit, and we always make sure nobody gets left out in the cold.

Spaces are strictly limited by our pitch allocation, so grab your spot, dust off your boots, and let’s make it a weekend to remember!