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Bryn Y Gwin Farm Camping & Caravan …

Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales
1 acre hosted by Test O.
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A small camping and caravanning site with stunning views over Dolgellau, North Wales, and a large, well stocked, fishing lake
The works of Ian Davie are spectacular. His detailed paintings pick out wildlife scenes and thickets of local flora from the fabled Welsh countryside around him. Cast across a canvas they’d be impressive enough, but the fact Ian works his magic on the elegant white flight feathers of swans… well, that really takes some beating! It seems fitting then, for an artist who so thoroughly absorbs himself in every aspect of the local environment, that Ian, along with his wife Tracey, has now crafted a masterpiece in the great outdoors – opening up a scenic 40-acre campsite for anybody with an eye for beauty to enjoy.

Bryn y Gwin Farm is a genuinely enthralling place and whether you’re Claude Monet or a cack-handed camping enthusiast you can’t help but feel a little inspired here. Based across natural tiers in the Mawddach valley, Bryn y Gwin has all the charm of a campsite as it should be – without the commercial claptrap of pristine, symmetrical pitches and, instead, populated by an array of indigenous trees and the sound of running water. Indeed the babbling brook that lucky campers can pitch their tents beside was once worker of the old water mill in the centre of the site. Its quaint wooden wheel is now dormant beside the building but careful refurbishment has turned it into Tracey’s therapy clinic, where campers letting off steam have the added bonus of her herbalist, reflexoligist and professional masseuse skills.

Beneath the broadleaves the campsite becomes a patchwork of changing light. In the early morning, yellow streaks break into the clearings, brightening up as the day goes on, and throughout the seasons Bryn y Gwin enjoys the full fruits of the forest – carpets of spring bluebells, fistfuls of summer blackberries, early autumn conkers (perfect for the playground) and the rusty shades of fallen leaves. The farmhouse, of course, is always following suit and campers at the right time of year can buy produce from Ian and Tracey’s garden along with free-range eggs from the chickens.

However, to really immerse yourself in the locale, there are two distinguished options. The first is to join in one of the campsite's bush craft days. Ex-army expert Nick will sort you out. He learnt his trade during winters in deepest Norway, and his campfire lighting tips will set you up for the night. Alternatively, perch yourself down by the campsite’s private lake with fishing tackle in tow. The serenity of the spot is to die for and, at the right times of day, you can be the only one fishing here, a solo line shimmering across the water.

Like the fine detail that goes into each shade of Ian’s latest painting, everything here is watched with the careful eye of an artist. Ian and Tracey may have crafted a picturesque little campsite, but we haven’t even mentioned the frame in which it sits. In the heart of Snowdonia National Park, beneath the mighty crags of Cadair Idris, Bryn y Gwin Farm is a campsite on the doorstep of adventure and framed by the best that the Welsh countryside can give. You can’t hang it on your wall though, I’m afraid, so you’ll just have to go and see for yourself.

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Location
Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Test O.Joined in January 2015
From the host
A small camping and caravanning site with stunning views over Dolgellau, North Wales, and a large, well stocked, fishing lake
Nearby attractions
With the lofty crags of Cadair Idris framing the old market town, Dolgellau feels as Welsh as is possible and it's fitting the locale is surrounded by some of the best walks in the country. The well known routes (Mawddach Trail, Cader Idris and Precipice Walk) are certainly worth their salt, but when the weather's good try quieter ones off the beaten track – Ian and Tracey have excellent recommendations. For something with a little more pace, nearby Coed Y Brenin is a magnet for mountain bikers and now also hosts dedicated running trails, high rope adventure courses, orienteering and geocaching. You can rent bikes from the visitor centre (01341 440747). For cultural days out, try the seaside town of Barmouth (8 miles away), well-known for it's sea fishing, scenic harbour and historic half mile railway bridge over the Mawddach estuary. Or visit the ruins of Cymmer Abbey and the fascinating Clogau gold mines (around 2 miles away).
Food and drink

There are BBQs onsite and the farm's own (seasonal) produce for sale. It's a 15 minute walk into the picturesque market town of Dolgellau. Dylanwad Da (01341 422870) is probably the best spot in town, with a creative, changing menu in simple surroundings, or, for something light, try Siop Coffi T.H. (01341 423552) on Glyndwr street. The café is set in a former ironmongers and the glass office is now a cool, snug space. Bagettes and panini are freshly made along with their homemade cakes. Out of town but near to the campsite, Mawddach (01341 423552) is a safe bet – slate floors, exposed beams and fantastic views – or visit the bar in the George III Hotel (01341 422525), highly recommended, it is situated on the banks of the Mawddach Estuary approximately a mile and a half away.

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