Campsites near Abersoch, Gwynedd with campfires

Where to Go

Llyn Peninsula

The Llyn Peninsula and its AONB fan out invitingly around Abersoch. It’s a tranquil green finger of land protruding 30-odd miles into the sea. Many of North Wales’ best beaches hem the coast—the surfing at Porth Neigwl near Abersoch is legendary and the long-distance Wales Coast Path skirts the shores. Among the excellent pitching places scattered across the Llyn, the coast between Criccieth, Porthmadog, and the Llyn’s southwestern tip stand out for their campsite choices.

Cwm Pennant & Moel Hebog

The 2,569-foot Moel Hebog and its rocky expanses are the nearest bit of Snowdonia (Eyri) National Park to Abersoch. Access is from Cwm Pennant, 21 miles northeast. From the top are views of delightful mountain scenery and the Llyn Peninsula, plus Moel yr Ogof’s mystery-steeped cave, where Welsh freedom fighter Owain Glyndŵr once hid. Excellent hikes begin in Cwm Pennant, perhaps Snowdonia’s loveliest valley, then head onto the peaks. Idyllic pitching can be found near Llanfihangel-y-pennant.

The Rhinogydd Range

The fabulous Rhinogydd are Snowdonia mountains that kick off east of Harlech, the castle-crowned town across Ceredigion Bay from the LLyn. These summits constitute some of the roughest, toughest hill country south of the Scottish Highlands. Propped up by peaks such as the 2,480-foot Y Lethr, Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach, the ridge is crossed by the long-distance Cambrian Way path. Several campsites sit on lower ground on the western side of the range.

When to Go

A beach destination, Abersoch is, of course, at its optimum in sunny weather. June and July are on balance as the best months weather-wise, with relatively warm temperatures and some of the lowest rainfall. April, May and September, however, are almost equally good bets for decent weather—plus Abersoch and the Llyn Peninsula are less busy at these times. November through April is surfing season, although campsites are typically not open then.