“Don’t spoil it, will you?” laughed the elderly solo traveller as he zipped up his two-man tent. He was, he said, here to explore the Llyn Peninsula on foot, and to bask in Penrallt’s peaceful embrace at night. A neglected football lay near his tent, a reminder of the scores of kids that had played here in the school holidays. In the corner, the first arrivals of the owners’ annual conservation weekend were settling. Penrallt attracts all sorts, united through a love of wild, rugged coastline and of the wildlife that thrives nearby.
The owner, Sue, proudly pointed out many wildflowers on our walk to the cliffs via her small homemade labyrinth, a lovely spot overlooking the sea.There were so many blooms, it was hard to keep up.‘Striving for Sustainability’ is her and her partner Pete’s motto, and for their efforts they have received a Green Dragon Award.The facilities aren’t luxurious but they are adequate and in keeping with the site’s environmentally-friendly, wild and rugged vibe.
Tents pitch up around the edges of the ‘Sea View’ field leaving space to play in the middle. There’s a family field, too, with eight pitches that can be booked out as a group. An old boat, swings and climbing tree and the generous space for ball games and riding bikes, tend to appease youngsters more than any day-trip off the site.The stretch of coast alongside Penrallt has a well-marked scenic path. One direction leads to the small harbour at Porth Ysgaden and a lovely beach at Porth Towyn, where you can spot seals. In the opposite direction, there’s a mile of empty golden sands at Traeth Penllech – perfect bucket-and-spade territory.