'I stayed in 'enchanting' UK glamping spot by beautiful hikes and thrilling zipwire'
If glamping in North Wales isn't your idea of a luxury getaway, there's one staycation spot that could change your mind.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Snowdonia National Park, Llechwedd Glamping offers unparalleled views and hotel-style comfort while maintaining an outdoorsy, adventurous feel.
The safari-style lodges, perched on top of a cliff overlooking a working quarry, provide an idyllic bolthole whether you want to hike, wild swim or explore the area's UNESCO-listed slate landscape. They're part of the newly renovated 4* Plas Weunydd Hotel nestled amongst beautiful Welsh mountains and moorland.
I visited in June with my sister Romilly, 23, mum Emma, 62 and our crazy English Pointer, Daphne. From the moment we arrived, it was an adventure. The slope to the cabins is too steep for cars, so the friendly hotel staff ferry you and your luggage to the top in a pickup truck.
The dog-friendly glamping lodges felt like a luxury hotel suite, and come complete with a kitchen, plush double bunk beds (sleeps five), an en-suite with hot shower and every conceivable mod-con from super-speed WIFI to rechargeable table lamps. The walls are adorned with old black and white snaps of the slate miners hard at work in the quarry below.
The wood-burning stove, basket of logs, firelighters and matches were a much-appreciated touch. As were the hot water bottles in cosy knitted covers, two plug-in heaters, board games (we enjoyed many rounds of the Logo Game!) and tin of dog treats (Daphne couldn't get enough). There's a private deck too but we didn't make use of it much as the British weather wasn't on our side.
As for the food and drink, the hotel had a great selection of locally sourced dishes, but we opted for the pizza-making kit and cooked our creations in the lodge's very own al fresco pizza oven. Freshly made dough, Mutti tomato sauce, mozzarella and chorizo are beautifully presented in a wicker basket alongside essential tools like rolling pins, pizza cutters and rustic wooden serving boards. The wind was high on top of the cliff which made lighting the oven a bit tricky, but once away we had piping hot pizza in no time.
The breakfast offerings are also top-notch. Glampers can go for a breakfast pack of pastries, cereal, juice and bread delivered to the cabin (£12.99) or, like us, take advantage of the hotel breakfast, which exceeded all expectations.
Served in the tastefully refurbished pooch-friendly dining area, visitors can tuck into any variation of a traditional Welsh breakfast (like an English breakfast but with the optional addition of cockles and laverbread!) cooked fresh to order.
We kept it safe with with poached eggs on toast followed by yogurts and freshly-baked croissants from the self-service area - all of which went down a treat! Little touches, including the miniature jars of gourmet ketchup and brown sauce, added a high-end feel to the experience.
Located in the historic slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog and overlooking the Moelwynion mountains, Plas Weunydd is perfectly positioned for those looking to explore the dramatic landscape.
For seasoned hikers, Wales' highest peak Mount Snowdon is a 40-minute drive away. But if, like me, you enjoy a more leisurely stroll, Dyffryn Maentwrog woods is a must-visit.
Located a 10-minute drive from the hotel, an enchanting circular trail takes you past Llyn Mair lake, built by local landowner William Edward Oakeley as a 21st birthday present for his daughter Mair in 1889. The nearby Victorian ornamental pond and Japanese-style stone seat, built by the family at a similar time, are the perfect spot to take it all in. I particularly enjoyed hearing the distant chug of the Ffestiniog steam railway which runs through the woods.
Located next-door to the glamping site is Zip World Llechwedd, one of Wales' most visited attractions. Positioned in amongst the historic slate mines, families and hardcore adrenaline-hunters can take their pick of seven adventures.
We braved a ride on Titan, Europe's first four person zip line, featuring two sections of zip lines spanning over a kilometre (£60 per person). Specially converted ex-army trucks take you to a dizzying height of 1,400ft where you catch two zipwires back down to base camp. Although high, we were pleasantly surprised by the ride's leisurely speed, allowing us to take in the stunning views of the quarry below.
Those scared of heights can head underground instead to Bounce Below, an enormous underground net adventure where you can jump and slide your way through the disused mine. It's ideal for adults and children from seven years and up whatever the weather and is a great alternative to traditional trampoline parks.
Book the holiday
Nightly rates at Llechwedd Glamping start from £125. You can find out more and book at plasweunydd.co.uk.
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