Camping as a family in the Snowdonia National park

Camping in the wild

 

We had a great weekend. A few weeks ago we took our first camping trip as a family, with Bobby our Labrador Puppy. We’ve always considered camping but never really took the plunge. That was until our friends suggested we go together. As it was George’s best buddy we knew we had to just go for it – and as it coincided with the end of his first week back at School we thought it would be a lovely way to send off the Summer.

When I was growing up we went on camping holidays as a family every year, we towed a huge trailer and pitched up on Haven Holiday Parks across Devon, Cornwall and Wales. Back then, in my teens it really was so much fun. This time, in my 40th year I will be honest and say I didn’t quite know what to expect. Not just because it was our first time, we weren’t as prepared as I’d like but also we were bringing Bobby along. I was really unsure as to if he would settle.

 

Where we stayed

 

Our friends found a super site – Cefn Coed located in the Snowdonia National Park. It offered wild camping with great views across The Mawddach Estuary. Gorgeous camping spots for smaller groups in the forest. There were toilets on site in the farmhouse (thank goodness) and lovely walks heading off in most directions. The site offered so much fun and space for little people, is dog friendly with the most incredible views.

The site is surrounded with farm land, animals and mountains. The four areas you could pitch up allowed for groups to stay near each other but also space so that you didn’t feel like you were on top of each other. We all really enjoyed our first camping trip. I will say this – I am so glad that I packed layers, hot water bottles and our quilts. It was incredibly cold in the evening. And thank goodness for our friends, who are seasoned campers and quite literally took everything but the kitchen sink. We drove home on the Sunday already planning our next adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What we did

As part of our research we could see that there were some lovely walks and a pub in particular that we wanted to visit. The Mawddach Trail was roughly a 1 hour round trip with a stop off at the pub on the way where we grabbed food and drinks. The campsite pointed you in the right direction, it was so easy to find your way around.

The site was great fun for the boys with room for them to play football. I was desperate to see the views over the Estuary. As well as the view of the mountains all around us. Thankfully the weather was kind for the whole trip which meant that we really enjoyed exploring. The sun was shining and there was a gorgeous blue sky.

We also enjoyed alfresco breakfasts, lunch and dinner as well as smores and dancing around the campfire. The boys had so much fun. Each plot was set out with a campfire, you can take your own logs or buy them from the farmhouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And that’s our weekend Camping as a family in the Snowdonia National park.