Bala Camp site

[bladerunner]

Hi and a happy New one,

I'd like to camp mid March up Bala way and would welcome opinions/advice regarding campsites that will be open then.

I like good clean "facilities" but try to avoid mondeo man and his "Apache/warrior/Samurai/speedking/freedom fighter" caravan.

Nice if it is within staggering back with torch distance of a good pub with food so as to avoid riding back.

Any ideas?

cheers y'all

 

[THE DOCTOR]

'Up Bala way'

How about Wern Isaf.

This is the site tossers will be using for the 2009 Llangollen meet-up.

Can post gps info if interested.

 

[Allan Davies]

Hi and a happy New one,

I'd like to camp mid March up Bala way and would welcome opinions/advice regarding campsites that will be open then.

A Happy New One to you too Simon.

Must say your a bit keen camping up North Wales in Mid March I camped at the Coalville bikers pub two years ago for a couple of nights in early April. Woke up 3 in the morning ontop of sleeping bag wanting to water the grass only to find 1 inch of snow kin freezing, too much Jamesons me thinks on both nights. Enjoy

 

[Timolgra]

I'll be over that way in the next few days, so will keep an eye out for which are open

 

[bladerunner]

Thanks guys

Is Wern Isaf near enough to a nice pub?

Tent is said to be good for 4' snow!!! - although bike isn't!

I don't mind cold once settled (except for nocturnal star gazing after the beers ). Camped last Feb and had nice crisp ice over tent in the morning - slept lovely!

 

[THE DOCTOR]

Thanks guys

Is Wern Isaf near enough to a nice pub?

It's a little downhill walk into Llangollen.

Pubs, Restaurants & the Hand Hotel within walking distance.

X marks the spot.. (in fact I think the site is further left, below Wern Road)

 

[trangwales]

Hi and a happy New one,

I'd like to camp mid March up Bala way and would welcome opinions/advice regarding campsites that will be open then.

Bala and Llangollen are a bit apart:drinkinpa... even for staggering!
Have a look at http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/townlisting.asp?town=Bala - there are a few campsites on the Bala - Dolgellau road.

Lannuwchllyn is at the far end of the lake - pretty but quiet.

If you fancy one, let me know and I'll have a look. Having to commute between Pesda and Oswestry a lot at present, so variation needed ...

 

[AdamA]

Lannuwchllyn is at the far end of the lake - pretty but quiet.

And very nice it is too. Short walk from the pub and a great location.
http://www.bwch-yn-uchaf.co.uk/

 

[Timolgra]

I was all around the area on sunday in the wind and rain, there was no sign of camp sites open for now.

 

[PW Cymru]

Bala and Llangollen are a bit apart:drinkinpa... even for staggering!
Have a look at http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/townlisting.asp?town=Bala - there are a few campsites on the Bala - Dolgellau road.

Lannuwchllyn is at the far end of the lake - pretty but quiet.

If you fancy one, let me know and I'll have a look. Having to commute between Pesda and Oswestry a lot at present, so variation needed ...

Isn't it about time you sorted out a camping weekend in North Wales

 

[AdamA]

I was all around the area on sunday in the wind and rain, there was no sign of camp sites open for now.

Lannuwchllyn is generally open all year, but they don't hang out an open sign.

The rest tend to open in March/April.

 

[trangwales]

Isn't it about time you sorted out a camping weekend in North Wales

Been a bit challenging at this end - ageing parent taking a toll.
However the day job has got me down towards Aberdyfi, so planning to look at a camping / b&b / pub there.

Suggestions for dates?
BTW PM me your email and I'll copy you some ride outs for the Llangollen event

 

[bladerunner]

Anyone seen any Daffs yet this year?

Well the Bala camping weekend was a resounding success. I let go some seriously well paid overtime to go - and don't regret it a bit. Weekends like this don't come along often enough.

We met up in Cardiff - GSA looking ready for action:

 

[bladerunner]

A470 to Brecon - watch the cars flashing to warn about the speed traps.

Then Upper Chapel, across the firing range quick stop at the Red Kite centre:


Garth , Llanwrtyd wells for coffee stop,

Then pretty valley up Abergwestyn, and across to Devil's bridge to give some more practice with the hairpins before Austria.There's a closed road there, but, hey, the diversions make the journey.


Lunch at Devil's bridge.

 

[bladerunner]

A487 to Machynlleth - ancient capital of Wales - there's lovely.

Up to near Dolgellau then blast along to Bala.

Stayed at the Bwch Uchaf site - which was OK in a small way.

Watched the match in the Eagle's nest pub - busy with Welsh speakers - nice to see a thriving local. Locals were friendly, beer Ok, food fine.

Lovely walk back under a myriad stars.

Slept cosy warm thanks to Rab Goose down bag. Tarp did business of warding off the rain.

Woke to lovely views of the mountains.

 

[bladerunner]

Happy campers

 

[bladerunner]

Sunday:

Rode along length of lake Bala - I've swum it twice - looks just as long as it ever did.

The over the hills to Lake Vrynwy. Stunning waterfalls by the side of the lanes. Quite a few GS's out for a play. Rode within the edge of my envelope - you are a long way from help if entering a sh*t/fan interface.

I was led a goose chase by the GPS trying to go ever smaller lanes on the way to Newtown - but did see some lovely little villages.


A483 was a total blast - all the car drivers were looking after their mums so only bikers out. Empty smooth black top so was able to enter the Zen moment and swing curve to curve - lovely.

Lunch at Crossgates with 100 other bikers.

Then A44 to "grim reaper bend" as Andy Smith calls it, A481 then cute B4567 to have final tea at old railway station - that cat gets ever fatter!!

Final blast back along the A470.


Great therapy after a stressful week and so much more valuable than earning a few extra bob.

So, next weekend, what's it to be, lawn and sunday times, or a 400 miler?


When the sun shines, ya can't beat Wales for biking!

 

[Allan Davies]

When the sun shines, ya can't beat Wales for biking!

Not wrong there Simon,
looks like you had a great weekend Me?? I had to stay in and spoil Mel, as it was her first Mothers day. Which she has earned in spades. Jack even broughty her a pressie.
I just hope we get the weather for the North Wales weekend in June

 

[PW Cymru]

I've got Wed-Thurs Sat & Sunday off now shall I go?

 

[DaveGSCymro]

Not wrong there Simon,
looks like you had a great weekend Me?? I had to stay in and spoil Mel, as it was her first Mothers day. Which she has earned in spades. Jack even broughty her a pressie.
I just hope we get the weather for the North Wales weekend in June

Of course the weather will be ok