I'm pretty new to camping (apart from 25+ years ago in the boy scouts if that counts ?) and me and the family (wife and 2 kids aged 7 and 12) have recently returned from our first and successful camp in keswick in the Lake district staying at Castlerigg hall.
I don't think we would be considered all weather camping types and so i think with dark and cold evenings closing in fast our next trip will be spring/summer 2011.
We live in the Manchester area by the way and we were considering Bala for our next adventure and i'm hoping for some tips and feedback from people who have stayed there recently please.
I've done a little bit of homework on the area and it appears that the 2 stand out parks are Pen Y Bont and Glanllyn
Can anyone please give me a bit of feedback on either or both of these camps ?
The main difference appears to be the distance away from the main town,are there any pubs/restaurants/shops within close vicinity of glanllyn ? that would be my primary concern as we would ideally prefer to be within a resonable walking distance of places to eat and drink ideally.
thanks a lot in advance.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
We stayed at Glan Llyn a couple of years ago, and would certainly go back unless it has changed dramatically. It has only been lack of time to go camping, as we have had a few very rough years family health wise, that has stopped us. The kids spend a lot of time paddling in the lake and the stream that runs into the lake at the edge of the site.
We've stayed at Pen Y Bont 3 times since Easter last year. It's a great, quiet little site. Less than 5 minutes walk to the lake, 10 -15 minutes walk into the town from the site, reasonable choice of restaurants/cafes/chippies. One chippy/cafe, the name of which escapes me, does a very nice full cooked breakfast!
------------- Of all the things I
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
I think at present Pen Y Bont appears to be the clear favorite,some of the reviews on glan Llyn seem to suggest that its a bit isolated and away from civilization albeit a very nice campsite.
Their children's play area would be very welcome but I'm not 100% sure it's worth being so far out from town just for the sake of something extra for the kids to do.The same with it's location right beside the lake/stream,looks ideal but it's not essential really for me.
Yes, agreed, Glan Llyn is lovely, and if you like to get away from it all and take all the supplies you need its great. If you have/need/desire to walk to any pubs/shops then maybe not so great. see Google streetview to get an idea of Glan Llyn's splendid isolation
I took a run out with the kids this morning and headed out to Bala and visited Pen Y Bont (78 miles away and took about 1 hour 45 mins) and was given a very warm,friendly welcome by the owners in the reception area who invited me to take a tour of their lovely site at my leisure.
I have to say i was pleasantly surprised and found the facilities to be just what we are looking for and some of the tent pitches are in great sheltered spots along with electric hook ups.
We also had a look around the town and stopped by the boat club and had a little picnic while watching the windsurfers and kayakers float by on what was a lovely day weatherwise.The town is easily within walking distance and i'm 100% sure that we will be visiting this site in 2011.
cheers !
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Bala Lake
