The folds of the landscape around Pant Yr Hwch Farm – home
of Canvas & Campfires – seem ready made for glamping. A stream bubbles down
one side of the small holding’s 11 acres, feeding its way into the River Grannell
and also filling the small pond, while the slopes and undulation of the land
creates a site of several natural tiers. At the top is the early 19th
century farmhouse, beautifully restored inside and out, and an old stone barn which now serves as a holiday cottage.
Then a slope breaks away, rolling down to the pond and an area of open meadow
space where the new safari tents are found. For glampers with children the
place is a boon. Look for birdlife in the giant, old oaks, roly-poly down the
meadow slopes or take your wellies for a wander by the stream. For young
explorers, you can’t go wrong.
The glamping side of things consists of just five safari tents, each
sleeping up to six people and facing out from the hill to the opposing side of
the Teifi valley, a mirror of woodland and hedge-lined fields. Inside they’re
thoroughly well kitted out. There are two bedrooms – a master room with a king
sized bed and a twin room with singles – while the remaining two campers will
find their snug night den inside a cupboard in the living area. Open the doors
and a double bed is hidden away. Sleeping in there is an adventure in itself.
The kitchen is well stocked – crockery, cutlery and utensils are all provided –
and there’s an excellent porch out front for dining on sunny days. All the
safari tents have en-suite flushing loos too – so no dewy feet during the morning
dash to the lav – while the Seren safari tent even has its own wood-fired hot tub.
Venture beyond the cocoon of the valley, past the sheep and
down the narrow country lanes, and the historic market town of Lampeter is a
five-minute drive away. A cluster of independent shops and small cafés make it
a pleasant little spot to explore, and the university there provides some real
vibrancy to what might otherwise be a sleepy spot. In the opposite direction,
meanwhile, it’s a mere 15 minutes to the beaches of the west coast and the
pretty, Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron. A patchwork of colourful houses line
the main quay, overlooking the dinghies as they bob between the harbour walls,
and there are number of delightfully old fashioned pubs to be found. It's also a nice place to stock up on chocolate and marshmallows for your evening back at camp. After all, you can't stay at a site called Canvas & Campfires without an evening toasting marshmallows!