Shepherd's huts near Barmouth
Beachside views and mountainous backdrops combine in Barmouth, an ideal base for exploring wider North Wales.
- Barmouth
Popular camping styles for Barmouth
Shepherd's huts near Barmouth guide
Overview
Situated within the bounds of both Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia National Park, Barmouth in Gwynedd blends the best of both worlds and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the wider region. Enjoy biking trails in the nearby Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park, hillwalking amongst the mountains, and glacial lakes further north, then take advantage of sandy beaches like Traeth Abermaw (Welsh for Abermaw Beach), scenic paths like the Mawddach Trail, and seaside towns like Harlech, Tywyn, and Llanaber. Campers can also take their pick from dozens of sea view campgrounds, hard standing caravan parks, and converted glamping huts.
Where to go
Llŷn Peninsula
There are few better places to visit in West Wales if you enjoy surfing, sailing, or birdwatching than the strikingly beautiful Llŷn Peninsula, which is home to Abersoch, Pwllheli, Bardsey Island, and Aberdaron. Explore the coastal footpaths on foot or by bike, take to the water, or visit a pub which is quite literally on the beach before laying your head at a sea view campgrounds with electric hook-ups, caravan park, or glamping site.
Shropshire Hills AONB
Make your way across Mid Wales and across the border to the rural Shropshire Hills. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this region is characterised by working farms, rolling pastureland, and ancient woodland perfect for walking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. In fact, you can pitch your tent at back-to-basics camping parks, caravan sites, or glamping sites with sweeping English views. Canoeing and climbing are also on offer here.
Isle of Anglesey
Glamping sites, family-run campgrounds, and caravan parks are dotted around the Isle of Anglesey, a remote, majority Welsh-speaking region off the northwest Wales coast. Take to the water with sea kayaking, swimming, and coasteering; do a loop of the Anglesey Coast Path, visit Beaumaris Castle of Holyhead; and enjoy the many Blue Flag beaches in the area which is just an hour and a half north of Barmouth.
When to go
Beachy Barmouth enjoys peak season and the best weather—like much of Wales—between June and September, when watersports, camping, and fair-weather walking are all popular pursuits. Summer also welcomes kite festivals, the Three Peaks Yacht Race, and the Hurly Burly 10K Swim, but Barmouth in the spring is perfectly pleasant, as are the nearby wildflower blooms, while autumn is quieter and good for caravanning. Skip winter, when it’s usually cold and unpleasant on the coast.
Know before you go
- Although there are one or two independent camping supply stores (and a Regatta outlet) in Barmouth, you’d be best to stock up on the essentials in nearby Aberystwyth or even Porthmadog.
- Barmouth is situated on the scenic Cambrian Coast Line, which runs between Pwllheli on the Llŷn Peninsula and Machynlleth in the southern extremes of Snowdonia National Park.
- Buses run to Barmouth from Wrexham, but connections might need to be made in Dolgellau if you’re arriving from other areas.
- Ferries run from Barmouth to Penrhyn Point, from which you can hop on the Fairbourne Railway to nearby Fairbourne.
