It’s right to be curious too. This is a place with an element of unpredictability about it. Despite being a Caravan and Camping Club site it bucks the trend of static mobile homes and onsite restaurants. Instead the site is restricted to a tidy 50 pitches and the atmosphere is one as much for the young outdoorsmen as older caravanning couples and families out for a weekend in the national park. Those travelling light, in particular, will like the aforementioned tents, which come fully kitted out with all the kit and caboodle so you need only bring a few bed sheets along. Think double beds, sofas and a well-equipped kitchenette – there aren’t any khaki waistcoats or out-of-Africa binoculars, I’m afraid, that aspect of safari you’ll just have to bring along for yourself.
The natural, small scale feel of the site, surrounded by open fields that roll into a tuft of hills to the north east, dovetails nicely with the main attraction of the area: the great outdoors. Head to Bala Lake, a rightful focal point, at three and a half miles long and 140ft deep it is the largest natural lake in Wales and a jewel in this Lake District crown. The 14-mile walk around its perimeter is an excellent route for those willing to go the distance. The trail keeps close to the water but occasionally climbs the surrounding hills to provide fantastic views down the valley.
On the lake, equip yourself in Bala town with some aqua-ready gear (and grab some picnic food from gourmet shops including, reputedly, the best butcher in Wales) and dabble around in a kayak, canoe or rowboat. Sailing boats will also be zipping around on more blustery days but the place is vast, so there’s plenty of room for all! With wind in mind it’s also handy that the campsite always publish the next few days MWIS (Mountain Weather Information Service) forecast outside the onsite shop. If rain’s on the cards then don’t worry. Head down to the National White Water Centre and don yourself a dry suit. Water is released through their chutes around 200 days of the year and crashes down a two-mile course in ferocious rapids. If you’re going to get wet then you might as well do it in style.
This campsite is in a rural location, so is popular for those looking for quieter adventures. Many who visit will, at some point, take the 20 mile trip to Mount Snowdon, certainly worth doing but it's important to wait for a clear day. There are plenty of local routes nearby, though, and the staff onsite are exceptionally knowledgeable and are happy to give suggestions. Bala lake is close at hand, a good spot to hire kayaks (01678 521059) and dabble about on the water or enjoy a little wild swimming along the shoreline. It's also around a 10 minute drive to the National White Water Centre (01678 521083), so if dawdling on the lake is a little too sedentary for you then be prepared for some more high-octane waterborne action on the Tryweryn River!
The nearest pub is the Bryntirion Inn (01678 530205), 2 miles away, a snug spot that serves excellent locally sourced food in an exceptionally friendly atmosphere. Rhug Organic Farm (01490 412203) is 7 miles away and sells home reared black beef and lamb, along with freshly cooked dishes in their shop café.