lovely and peaceful
Wonderful peaceful site with lovely views. Very friendly wardens. Fantastic birdlife.
duggiedog
Reviewed on 30/07/2018 19:28
Gwern-Y-Bwlch Club Campsite
close panel
Log in to write a review
Peace and Quiet in Mid Wales
This terraced site is easily accessed from the A470 but I think a lot of members will either 'love it' or 'hate it' depending on personal preferences. The hardstanding pitches vary in size and we just dropped lucky on a vacant large, level pitch - as a twin axle caravan we may have struggled to get onto some of the pitches but we used the mover and had a lovely view down the hillside. From the site information, we were expecting to be incommunicado for a week but the site WiFi worked well and we got a phone signal on EE - not imperative but useful. There is really only one safe way to walk out of the site and that is up the lane which climbs and climbs behind and above the site. It affords great views and gives access, eventually, to other paths including Glyndwr's Way. However, the footpaths on the ground do not match those shown on the OS map and sadly, Powys CC don't seem too bothered to erect waymarker signs (or the farmers have removed them) so be sure you know where you are going. The weather has been extremely wet and the ground was abysmal - even Glyndwr's Way (National Trail) was ankle deep in mud. That said, the site was very peaceful with an abundance of birdlife. I'm not sure how great it would be for families - no play area - I suppose it depends what your kids are into. Plenty of information in the hut and a car drive gets you to various places including Mawddach Trail (Dolgellau to Barmouth), beaches at Borth, Lake Vyrnwy and Aberystwyth.
Peaceful site
Stayed with friends for a couple of nights in July in our motorhomes. A very well kept site, staff were OK, not overly friendly though. Our pitches were already taken so had to find others, not a drama as we were in motorhomes, would have been a lot more problematic in caravans. The grass pitches weren't available due to the recent bad weather which restricted the amount of pitches available. TV reception was hit and miss as was the mobile reception. Lots of tourist information in a shed next to reception. Staff didn't seem that knowledgeable on local area, kept referring us to the info shed, TBF they had only been there 2 weeks and didn't stay in site. Lots of seasonal pitches though, there weren't that many available for tourers and the good pitches with decent views had been taken. Local pub, Winnstay Arms, is basic, food is OK. Only one real ale on tap though. Gastropub it ain't. Don't try and walk there along road, too dangerous. Don't trust OS maps for walking locally, a lot of footpaths are non existent or very overgrown. LOcal landowners certainly don't welcome walkers. There are a series of local circular routes available in the info shed. Put together by local walking group, I'd be more inclined to trust them instead of doing your own thing, as we did! We did have a very enjoyable stay however, the site is immaculate and well looked after. I would stay there again.
Climb every mountain
Stayed 2 nights , friendly wardens , work hard , mowing and weeding pitches ( gutty job , I know I've done it as a volunteer) bird feeders around site , birds visited lots.
Very hilly, the higher you go up the more the views become, you can see for miles .
Drove to Newtown , supermarkets Tesco and Morrisons .
If you want peace and quiet this is ideal, need your own facilities.
Certainly a lost gem of a site in the middle of Wales.
chens
Reviewed on 04/06/2017 15:38
Quiet and Peaceful
We spent 8 nights at this site in April. It is wonderfully quiet and peaceful, particularly towards the top of the site where you lose any traffic noise. The way it is terraced gives a good deal of privacy. Lots of birds with plenty of feeders which are refilled daily. You do have to drive to get anywhere but there are some lovely scenic routes to enjoy. The co-op supermarket in Machynleth is excellent. If you want to walk any distance from the site itself you need to be able to read a map accurately and be prepared for an uphill slog from the site.. There are rights of way but they are not signed and some are very overgrown and impassable. The Glyndwr's Way is lovely but, of course, a linear route. It is possible to get up onto the hills (which is open access)but the going is rough.
Testing my new motorhome
I chose this site especially to test my brand new motorhome because there is no toilet block. Also, my daughter and partner have my old Inca so I was on hand if they had any trouble. We arrived after the wardens had closed the shop but we received a cheerful welcome and told to select a pitch avoiding the grass pitches. We could then book in the following morning. The site was everything I expected, quiet ,peaceful and surrounded by beautiful countryside. The wardens were lovely and extremely helpful. I wouldn't take children unless they liked the outdoors and nature. Otherwise a delightful site which I shall certainly visit again.
Recent stay
We enjoyed a short break at the site and enjoyed the break. The wardens were friendly and the site clean , tidy and peaceful apart from a friendly pheasant who honked us awake each morning! Digital tv has been installed so reception was good though we still have no mobile phone signal on our phones. We enjoyed a walk round Machynlleth and the street market every Wednesday is a must for us. Our dog enjoyed the dog walk and a walk in the area around the main car park in town which has ample parking.
Ducato09
Reviewed on 09/04/2017 15:23
Caution
We stayed here for 10days in August and enjoyed the quiet and relaxing location. Access to and from pitches in some terraces could be a bit tight but with care and cooperation of neighbours this is no problem.
A good area for walking and exploring the magnificent scenery of this part of Wales as well as access to the interesting coast.
TV reception might be an issue for some people.
Peace and Tranquil site
We found this site easily and quickly settled into the lovely peace and tranquility which it offered. The wardens were friendly and very helpful, especially when we had an electric problem which they tried to sort out for us. The views from our pitch was amazing to wake up to. The site is a bit hilly and steep in places but this is not an issue if you are a seasoned caravanner... I would not recommend this site to families as there is no wifi and I know how the youth of today can't live without it! We visited the local castles and abbey ruins. The nearest supermarket (Co-Op) is only approx 20 mins drive away. We will definately be returning once our caravan issue is fixed.
Lovely, well kept small site for the price of a CL
We were very pleasantly surprised on arrival. The site is beautifully kept, the pitches on the terraces a good size and pretty level. The motorhome service area is easily accessible. The wardens were friendly and helpful. Great for what we used it for - an overnight stay. Good value too, we have paid more to stay at CLs that were much less welcoming and attractive.
hilaryann
Reviewed on 07/10/2016 20:21