Brynllwyd Glamping

The beaches of The Gower and the Pembrokeshire Coast; the epic peaks of Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons; the rivers and woodlands of the Wye Valley and Welsh Borders – there’s a staggering variety of natural splendour in Wales’ diminutive 8,000 square miles. Glamping in Wales offers just as rich a mix, from treehouse glamping to log cabin holidays, there’s a setting to suit for your perfect glamping getaway. Adding yet more colour to the Welsh glamping tapestry with their luxury pod experience is brand new Brnyllwyd Glamping in Ceredigion, a six-acre paradise near the world-famous Devil’s Bridge.

Darren and Sue’s luxury glamping pod amps up the comfort levels for those with glamping in West Wales on the agenda. With the whole site to themselves, this cosy cabin accommodates up to five guests providing a sense of exclusivity that extends to the high-end facilities. A spacious living and dining area provides ample room for chilling and there’s a separate bedroom with a proper double bed and comfy bunks (the main sofa also converts into a double bed for additional guests). The well-equipped kitchen includes all mod cons and utensils, while a sleek en-suite – with power shower, toilet, heated towel rail and washbasin – saves any late-night dashes to far-off facilities.

On the outside decking lies the pièce de résistance – a luxury hot tub. Hot tub glamping is all the rage now and, with a myriad of active outdoor adventures to enjoy in the immediate vicinity, glamping with hot tubs and West Wales go together like cockles and laverbread. If there’s a more perfect way to unwind after scaling the surrounding Cambrian Mountains than soaking in the suds with a glass of something bubbly and a star-studded sky overhead, we’re yet to discover it. A firepit-cum-barbecue is also provided for al fresco cookouts with plenty of seating and an ‘outside bar’ for keeping the beers chilled if the indoor cooler proves a fridge too far.

Despite the luxurious touches, this is still a thoroughly outdoorsy experience. The grounds of Brnyllwyd are brimming with interesting pockets of woodland and an abundance of bluebells in spring. Follow paths through the meadow to a private lake – where a small footbridge leads you the an enchanting island – or perch on one of the hand carved ‘toadstools’ on the bank and watch dragonflies zip above the water’s surface.

Nearby Devil’s Bridge is one of Wales’ most noted natural wonders. This huge gorge features a trio of historic bridges, caves and waterfalls all easily accessible via the nature trails. For our money, the best way to see this gorge is via the Vale of Rheidol Steam Railway. Then take the narrow gauge train into the bohemian student town of Aberystwyth or hit the coast at some of the charming seaside towns like New Quay and keep your eyes peeled for Cardigan Bay dolphins.