Cwellyn Arms Campsite, Rhyd Ddu, Gwynedd
The stunning Cwellyn Arms Campsite overlooks Cwellyn Lake and has spectacular uninterrupted views towards Mount Snowdon and Mynydd Mawr with various forestry walks on its doorstep. The river Gwyrfai runs alongside both camping fields to Cwellyn Lake.
We spent a beautiful weekend here in the van as an early birthday present for Julie and enjoyed using the Outdoor Revolution Cayman Cacos Air SL PC Low.
We really liked the sewn-in groundsheet which kept the bugs out and as it’s an inflatable awning it was super quick to put up. The luxury cotton material also meant it didn’t get too hot inside – just as well as it was a lovely sunny weekend!
We weren’t so keen on the door in the awning tunnel being at the back of the van. It would have worked better for us if it was at the front.
For sleeping, we used the Dreamhaven 10cm SIM inside the awning and the Zempire Monsta Twin SIM on the bed in our van. Everyone got a great night’s sleep!
We were able to kick back and relax using Isabella Modi chairs. These are compact multifunctional camping chairs which can be set to 5 different positions and work well around the camping table too. Two of these chairs store really well under our bed in the van.
We enjoyed some fantastic campsite meals using the Campingaz Party Grill 400 and the Kampa Easy Over Non-Stick Griddle which was great for pancakes!
The Outdoor Revolution Lumi Mosi Light came in very handy as the campsite’s spectacular location very near the lake was also popular with the midges – and they were biting!
There’s plenty to see and do in the area around Snowdon. Of course, we climbed the mountain, but we also enjoyed paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming in the lakes and visited Zip World at Penrhyn Quarry.
Set in what once was the world’s largest slate quarry, Penrhyn Quarry is now home to the fastest zip line in the world, Velocity 2, where you can fly 500m above the bright blue quarry lake.
The zip wire was brilliant and certainly one of the highlights of our weekend!
Another highlight was the location of the campsite. Absolutely stunning, right next to a lake, at the bottom of Snowdon – which you could see from our pitch – and a 15 min walk to the pub which served great food.
On the way home, we visited Barmouth, a seaside town which lies on the estuary of the Afon Mawddach and Cardigan Bay. We last visited here about 30 years ago and have some great memories – it’s still just as beautiful.
