A simple, rustic campsite just below the Watkin Path at the base of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), by the Cwm Llan river.
Hafod y Llan Campsite is a basic, riverside campsite on a working farm, perfectly placed for a walking holiday tackling Yr Wydffa (Snowdon) or exploring the lower lakeland landscape with its rivers and trails. It's surrounded by opportunities for adventure, and near Beddgelert village with a pub, shop and places to grab an ice cream or a meal.
The campsite is at Hafod y Llan, a large and historically-important hill farm managed by the National Trust, 4,000 acres sensitively grazed and with an area designated as a National Nature Reserve. Its steep, dramatic slopes are dotted with remnants of Victorian slate quarries and copper mines, reminders of Cwm Llan’s industrial past. From just above the campsite, you can reach the Watkin Path which leads to Yr Wyddfa's (Snowdon's) summit. It's an 8-mile loop there and back. Of course, you could drive the 30 minutes round to the other side of the mountain to take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top.
There are local trails for all levels of walking, taking in wooded valleys, waterfalls and mountain scenery. The area is steeped in story and myth, and you could walk to the 13th-century grave of Gelert, the faithful dog of Prince Llywelyn, or up Dinas Emrys, the hill where Merlin trod, famous for the legendary battle between the red and white dragons.
Check-in is from 12noon, with departures by 12noon. Please book online and don't travel to the campsite without a booking as we are likely to be full. To help preserve the site's tranquillity, the maximum number of adults in any booking is six and this applies whether you book together or separately. One car parking space per camping pitch only. For group bookings, facility information, electric vehicle charging, local area guides and more, please check the Guide to Hafod y Llan Campsite.
Find all you need to know about a holiday at Hafod y Llan Campsite, including directions, how to check in, dogs, campfires and more...
A large part of Hafod y Llan farm has been designated as a European Natura 2000 site and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is also a National Nature Reserve (NNR) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is also part of Wales's rural upland heritage and you might come across the traditional herd of Welsh Black cattle or Welsh mountain sheep up on the mountain. You could also see the nimble feral goats on even the steepest cliffs, also home to breeding choughs and peregrines. In the woodland areas, look for the cuckoo or pied flycatcher. In spring, there are carpets of primroses and bluebells.
Road cyclists will find local climbs to tackle. and there are some good mountain bike routes in the area - Beddgelert village and forest route can be found from grid ref: SH 573503. You can fish for brown trout on the river Glaslyn, controlled by the Glaslyn Angling Association who can also advise on other fishing in the area. Glan Morfa trout fishery just outside Porthmadog is a 5 acre lake set in beautiful countryside and is kept well stocked with rainbow trout.
For friends and family who would like to join your holiday, staying in a cottage, there are a number of National Trust holiday cottages near the campsite. Y Wenallt (sleeps two) and Hen Dy (sleeps 8) are on the farm right next to the site, and Cartref (sleeps two), with its copper tub on the deck, and The Chalet at Tan yr Ogof (sleeps two) are a short walk away. Craflwyn Hall (sleeps 16) and the row of stable cottages behind it, is a little closer to Bedgelert.
Down the track from Hafod y Llan and right on the Watkin Path, you'll find Watkin Bunkhouse (sleeps 21), with a woodburner in the shared sitting room, bunk rooms and all the facilities you need for a walking break. There are three bothies - simple buildings for setting up camp - in the area - Beudy'r Gelli Bothy (sleeps 10), Caban Llyndy (sleeps six) and Tan y Coed Bothy (sleeps eight).
Find out about the rich history of Hafod y Llan farm in Eryri (Snowdonia), Wales starting in the 12th century.
A circular walk through ancient woodland, across mountain scenery that also goes past Gelert's grave at Beddgelert and to Aberglaslyn gorge.
Explore the wild and lonely heath and ffridd beneath Yr Aran, the lower slope of Wales' highest peak, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the amazing waterfalls of Afon Cwm Llan and the stunning Llyn Dinas lake on this circular walk.