Introducing.....Arenig

We’re kicking off our series with ‘Arenig’, named after Arenig Fawr, the distinctive mountain that you can see from the camp kitchen window. This mountain is 854 metres (2,802 ft) and translates into English as ‘Great High Ground’. There is a memorial on the summit to the eight American aircrew who died when their flying fortress bomber crashed on 4 August, 1943. You can still see some of the wreckage scattered across the hillside. If you fancy walking up it takes around 2 ½ hours from Llyn Celyn and on a good day you can see all the way to the Wicklow Hills in Ireland, Blackpool and even the Brecon Beacons – indeed, it is one of the finest panoramas in Wales!

Arenig was the very first space that we built, and we like to think of it as our ‘penthouse’ bell tent as it occupies the space at the very top of the field. This also makes it the most private as you are the furthest away from the car park and the other tents. It has the biggest kitchen and decked balcony of our single tents, which opens out directly into our very own birch woodland - perfect for hunting for frogs or wild flowers. The balcony is made from our very own chestnut poles which are ideal for hanging fairy lights and bunting – they also make a great makeshift drying rack for clothes and towels! But note that this maybe not the greatest space for very small children and dogs as the platform is raised a little way off the ground.

The tent itself has a double and two singles and we can easily adapt this for two or three people – and a travel cot fits neatly at the bottom of the bed for babies. There are loads of cosy cushions and rugs – and an old Welsh pine chest filled with more blankets, hot water bottles and the all-important board games (this is the tent that has Trivia Pursuit if that is a factor in your selection process!!). There is also a gorgeous little log burner to keep you cosy and warm, whatever the weather!

The camp kitchen is kitted out with everything you could possibly need - from pots and pans to bottle openers and real wine glasses. There is also a selection of books should you want to snuggle up in the hammock provided for a couple of hours and have a good read.

Arenig also boasts a private fire circle complete with unique teak root benches, which come with strategically placed holes which are the perfect place for resting a fire poker or the all-important marshmallow stick! Sitting around this campfire you are treated to the most amazing sunsets over the Berwyn and Snowdonia ranges, without having to move more than a few metres from your tent!

Finally, Arenig has arguably the best composting toilet in the site, with a stable door so you can open the top half and enjoy all these stunning views whilst enjoying some, ahem, quality time!

Our verdict: best for families with older children or teenagers and groups that are looking for a perfectly private retreat with lots of space and amazing views…