For a truly sustainable holiday in Pembrokeshire’s Preseli Hills, head for Gwersyll Brithdir Mawr. This August-only campsite pops up for a few weeks every summer on an 85-acre farm that’s host to an eco community. It gives its visitors a chance to get back to basics in a beautiful location—and to get a little insight into the workings of a farm that’s been managed in harmony with nature for more than 25 years. As the folk at Brithidir Mawr will tell you, this is a campsite that’s basic but beautiful.
Water is from a spring, power is from the sun and wind, the community’s food is grown organically on site, as far as possible. There are ducks and chickens who help keep slugs off the lettuce and cats and dogs to keep the foxes away from the poultry. You might also meet sheep, goats, horses and, of course, some of the humans who live on site while you’re here. Joining in with the community is part of what’s on offer and there are sometimes communal fires on Friday and Saturday nights. The site also has a stone circle and a woodland that you’re welcome to explore and it’s all in view of Mynydd Carningli, a 346-metre peak in the Preseli Hills that’s got evidence of human occupation from prehistoric times.
It’s about a 45-minute walk to get to the top from where there are far-reaching views. It takes a similar time to walk into seaside Newport, some two miles away. There you’ll find a beach, shops, eateries and a place to join the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. This is a campsite that's offering a chance to get away from it all in a special part of West Wales. At the same time, though, it's location means you are not too far from anything you might want and surrounded by inspiration that you might need.
Gwersyll Brithdir Mawr is in the Pembrokeshire National Park and on the coastal edge of the Preseli Hills. There are short walks around the farm itself including in the woodland and, for a longer walk, you can head up Mynydd Carningli in about 45 minutes. There are plenty of other places to walk among the hills too. Or you might prefer a coastal walk on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. You can join it in the lovely seaside town of Newport, two miles down the road. From here, head in one direction to visit sleepy Parrog or in the other to eventually reach the mile-long Newport Sands (four miles from site). You can find out about the area’s history at Iron Age village Castell Henllys (six miles) or explore another coastal town, Fishguard (nine miles).
The Bluestone Brewing Company is a mile down the hill from site and has a shop and tap room serving craft ales every Friday and Saturday. For more than that, you’ll need to head towards Newport. There’s a small grocery shop, a wholefood shop and a butchers as well as lots of places to eat out. Try PWNC for a healthy breakfast, Blas at Fronlas for coffee and cake or The Canteen for pizza. Tides Kitchen and Wine Bar is the place for seafood or a special dinner – and there are a handful of pubs to choose from too including the popular Golden Lion.
