Why we love glamping in North Wales

If you've gone for the big one and climbed Snowdon, then head for the Watkins Path Waterfall near the base of the mountain, where you can cool off, and then some, in the deep plunge pools. But if you're spending a few days glamping in North Wales, you should really take the opportunity to explore Snowdon's less-travelled regions and there are plenty of swimming spots to tempt you. Staying in the north, you'll find Swallow Falls. This one isn't quite as peaceful as some other waterfalls in North Wales, but is still well worth a visit for its pretty location and mild waters. Those in the know say the best place to take a dip is below the waterfall, by the footbridge.

Cwm Pennant, in the west of the park, is a glittering blue tarn set in a hidden cleft at the head of one of Wales’ most remote and beautiful valleys. It's loved by both wild swimmers and hill walkers, but keep your eyes peeled (or averted) for the odd nudist. To the south, Llyn Cau is a huge, dramatic glacial lake in the crater of the Cadair Idris, set beneath 400m-high mountain walls. The ascent from the car park, past numerous falls and pools, will have you sweating when you arrive, which you'll be grateful for when you feel the temperature of the water.

Walking is always likely to be a part of your glamping in North Wales, with plenty of trails to choose from for all levels. The walk up to Aber Falls, one of Snowdonia’s most beautiful waterfalls, only takes half an hour and is fairly simple apart from the precarious stepping stone river crossing. At the other extreme in terms of length is The Anglesey Coastal Path, a 200-kilometre trail around the island, that is still fairly manageable, with a safe and well-signposted route that makes it one of the most popular walks in North Wales. It can be walked in just four days, though it’s likely to take more like 7-10, once you factor in stops at viewpoints and pubs.

There are miles of trail all through Snowdonia of course, as well as the one up the eponymous peak, but make sure you know your map reading and keep a close eye on the weather forecast if you're going exploring. For something a little different, try the Edge of Wales walk. The recently opened coastal path takes you along the stunning Llyn Peninsula, following an ancient Celtic route through lush green countryside from Caernarfon to Porthmadog.

We have a fairly long list of places to eat and drink when we're glamping in North Wales, but here's a few from the specials board. Gale’s Wine Bar is a Denbighshire eatery with lovely hosts and a no-nonsense menu of comfort food made from locally sourced produce. Always worth a stop for lunch or dinner. Over on the stunning North Wales coast is Dylan’s Restaurant at Menai Bridge, whose fresh, locally caught seafood and enviable location make it the perfect treat night out when you're luxury glamping in North Wales.

If you're glamping in North Wales from January to November, you can get a guided tour of award-winning vineyard Gwinllan Conwyn from manager Sarah. You’ll be fascinated by the wine making process, and frankly, after a tasting of the fine Welsh wines on offer, possibly a bit drunk. For a sweet treat, pay a visit to Two Islands for some dairy-based delights. These guys don’t just make ice-cream, they make small batch Welsh ice-cream on site, using honest, natural ingredients. The small but ever changing range of flavours focuses on seasonality, but always features the Two Island’s take on classics like chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Definitely one not to be left unlicked.

The sprawling expanse of Snowdonia National Park has many locations where you can try paddleboarding, an increasingly popular outdoor pursuit for people glamping in North Wales, as it is all over the UK. If you like your water a little wavier, then there are plenty of surfing beaches to choose from, but also the man-made surfing venue Adventure Parc, Snowdonia, where perfect swells roll in every ninety seconds. There's extreme activity on land as well, with Zip World, spread over four locations, one of the most exhilarating days out in North Wales. The adventure playgrounds set among the trees are loved by kids and big kids alike. Zoom through the forest on a roller coaster ride, scramble on treetop nets, and whip down thrilling zip lines and skyrides. You can go low as well as high too, with a 500ft-deep mine tour at the Llechwedd location.

Combining all of the above is an adventure to make your time glamping in Wales something you'll talk about for years, possibly in therapy sessions. Go Below's Ultimate Xtreme in Snowdonia is the longest underground adventure in the world, testing your nerves on a journey under a mountain with zip lines through caverns, abyssal traverses, and waterfall scaling. Who said glamping was all about relaxing?

What is glamping?

Glamping in North Wales puts you right in the middle of stunning landscapes with adventure on every side, but in a space quite a lot more impressive than your average tent. Our unique glamping locations have special touches like wood-fired hot tubs, al-fresco dining areas, hammocks, fire pits or innovative oddities that make the place you're staying in as fun as the region you're visiting. Glamping in North Wales is a sustainable way to explore the natural beauty of the region, whether on an intimate, romantic break with a partner, or an action-packed outdoor adventure with friends.

About Canopy & Stars

Canopy & Stars is an independent, Bristol-based travel company that's majority employee-owned, giving each and every member of our team a stake in the business they’re helping us build. We have carefully curated our collection of treehouses, cabins and other amazing spaces since 2010, taking care only to add things we really love.

We’ve also set up a charitable trust, where we divert a percentage of our annual profits to support organisations fighting climate change. We strive to make decisions that have a positive impact on the planet, and treat our employees, guests, and suppliers fairly and kindly. Read our story on the about us page to find out more about the Canopy & Stars experience.

How do we choose our places?

Our luxurious and memorable glamping spaces are set within beautiful natural landscapes including woodland, wetland, farmland, and mountain regions, bringing you into the wild, without having to pitch a tent in a force 10 gale. With accommodation that includes everything from gypsy caravans to family-sized yurts, from wooden shepherd’s huts to charming treehouses, we don’t accept the mundane, and work only with owners who are dedicated to offering truly sumptuous, truly special spaces. We personally try out each one, so we know that it's good enough for our collection and can tell you exactly how it will feel when you stay.