Holidays don’t get much more sustainable than camping at Dyfed Permaculture Farm. This not-for-profit enterprise in the Carmarthenshire countryside has been growing organic produce for more than 40 years. Now it’s growing a reputation as a peaceful, eco-friendly place to camp too. Campers can choose to pitch in one of two wildflower meadows. Toilets are composting, hot water for your water-saving bucket shower is warmed by solar energy – and there’s a pop-up vegan restaurant a five-minute walk away. This place is about as low impact as it’s possible to get but it’s also a lovely spot to camp.
There are just two camping pitches here within a farm of 20 acres and with simple facilities it’s close to wild camping. You’re certainly surrounded by nature. In addition to the farm’s grazing sheep and resident cows, there are bees, badgers, bats, and buzzards not to mention majestic red kites and owls. Mature hedgerows, meadow flowers, and valley views complete the scene. And while you’re largely left to your own devices, there is a little luxury in an undercover space: a turf-roofed roundhouse, which you’re welcome to use if it rains. Outside, there’s also a communal fire pit and logs are for sale.
To make the most of this place, you might time your visit with one of Dyfed Permaculture Farm’s workshops on low-impact living or perhaps with a volunteer day where you might learn more about this place. Or you might just be happy to soak up the atmosphere of somewhere that’s farmed in harmony with nature. More than likely, though, you’ll be here to explore the area, at least a little bit. There are plenty of places to walk and, as this is Wales, you’re never too far from water. The campsite is just south of the Teifi Valley and you can wild swim in the river just three miles from here. There’s kayaking, canoeing and rafting in it at Llandysul, the market town of Newcastle Emlyn on its banks and a waterfall at Cenarth, all within a few miles.
Pick your own pitch when you arrive before setting out to explore the facilities. These include basics like a filtered spring water supply, compost toilets washing up area and solar bucket showers. There's a large open-sided Roundhouse (with a cool turf roof) right next to the campfire area where you can eat, relax and read more information about the Farm and the events and Courses we run here. Your can also cook on a gas stove during wet weather, inside the Roundhouse. Wheelbarrows of wood are available to buy for the Campfire. Laminated maps showing the pathways to follow for exploring the Farm.Campers are welcome to explore Dyfed Permaculture Farm and there are laminated walking maps available to guide you around the different areas. The Trust which owns the properties also holds regular workshops in subjects to do with sustainability such as low-impact building and there are volunteer days too. The Cistercian Way, a long-distance walking route, passes by site and offers a route into the surrounding countryside. The village of Drefach Felindre is less than two miles away and home to the small National Wool Museum. The market town of Newcastle Emlyn is five miles from site on the banks of the River Teifi. A little further is Cenarth Falls and the National Coracle Centre (seven miles). The same distance in the other direction on the river takes you to Llandysul where you can kayak, canoe or go white-water rafting. The closest place to access the river from the campsite is Henllan (three miles) where you can take a dip if you’re into wild swimming. The village is also home to the Teifi Valley Railway, a miniature railway that’s particularly popular with younger children (and rail enthusiasts). The mountain bike trails of Brechfa Forest and the west Welsh coast at New Quay are both about 35 minutes’ drive away.
There’s a pop-up vegan/vegetarian restaurant, a five minute walk from site. Check dates for pop-up events and book in advance. In the nearby village of Drefach Felindre, there’s a wholefood shop, Y Pantri Bach, where you pick up supplies for campsite cooking. Or, if you fancy eating out, there are two pubs: Tafarn John y Gwas and The Red Lion, and a fish and chip shop too. There are more options in Newcastle Emlyn, 10 minutes’ drive away, which has a range of cafes, tearooms, shops and pubs.
