Camping In Wales: Where To Go And What To Do To Improve Your Trip
Wales is a popular place to visit year-round due to its climate, landscape, attractions, history, and culture. There are plenty of great campsites of varying quality, but the one thing that remains consistent is that Wales is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful locations in the world. This post will cover what you need to have a great time, as well as some exciting places to camp.
The Best Camping Spots In Wales
Here are three places that you should consider visiting in Wales. Though there are many opportunities for you to explore the nation, these locations are where you can have an unforgettable camping adventure.
Camping In Snowdonia
Snowdonia is a mountain range in Wales and has been a popular destination for outdoor adventures, such as camping. Snowdonia National Park is the most visited national park in Wales and one of the UK’s top ten most visited national parks. As such, it is well worth looking at if you are thinking about camping during your holiday break. There are many campsites around Snowdonia, and it is an adventurous and fun experience for everyone. You will be surrounded by nature and comfortable in your tent. If you have never been to Snowdonia before, this should be the first on your list of locations.
Camping On The Welsh Coast
This option is for those looking to complete the famous Welsh coastal path. This 840-mile trail is considered the world’s first continuous coastal route. You can opt to do the entire route, which should take you around seven weeks to complete, or you can pick and choose the sections that appeal to you the most. Many travelers decide to tackle the 200-mile area of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and take in the beauty of the ancient landscapes and mysterious and tempestuous seas.
Dance In The Brecon Beacons
If you enjoy pushing yourself to the limits, you can choose to follow the infamous Pen y Fan path that is part of the UK’s selection process for special forces. Dubbed the “Fan Dance,” you will be scaling some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. The best part is that you can find a list online from the National Park Authority of landowners who are friendly to the idea of wild camping. The news is excellent for those who would rather disconnect from the world for a few nights than stay at a campsite.
What You Need To Know To Make Your Camping Trip A Success
Now that you know about some of the fantastic places to camp, you should know what you need to bring to enjoy your trip to the fullest. This includes camping gear, cooking equipment, and the essentials necessary to enjoy your visit to Wales!
Legalities
A campsite on private land is only allowed if the landowner has given you permission to camp there. You might be committing the criminal offense of aggravated trespass if you don’t leave immediately following a request from the landowner. You should also know that knives are illegal to possess in public in England and Wales. As long as the knife’s blade has a cutting edge of less than 7.62cm (3 inches), it is legal.
Tent
In terms of tents, there are few options available to you, and it will depend on how you will arrive in Wales. The most obvious choice is buying a simple tent online that can accommodate the number of people you take with you. This is ideal if you plan to walk from campsite to campsite. On the other hand, if you will be driving there, you could visit Roofbunk who will install a hard shell popup tent on the roof of your vehicle (as long as you have roof racks already installed). It is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the comfort of a campervan with the convenience of a regular car.
Backpack
If you plan on engaging in some trekking (if not, you really should), a sturdy backpack is essential. You can find numerous pack options online if you don’t already have one. It should be lightweight, water-resistant, and large enough to pack the essentials like water, a first aid kit, and some food.
Sleeping Bag
Depending on the season you visit, Wales can get extremely cold. Therefore, you should get a sleeping bag that can keep you warm even through the coldest nights. These will inevitably be bulkier, but if you are traveling via car, this won’t matter so much. If you plan on trekking with your camping equipment, you will need to get one that rolls up as small as possible so as not to take up too much space.
Blow Up Pillow
Anyone who has gone camping before and forgotten their pillow can attest to how vital this item is to ensure restful sleep. It is not expensive to buy these items and, once deflated; they can be folded up into a tiny space.
Torch (Flashlight)
Any torch should be fine, but if you want to go a step above, you can purchase one that has an area lighting function. This is ideal at night when a focused beam isn’t so usual in lighting up your campsite. Other than that, it should be waterproof, robust, small, and lightweight. If you are going deep into the wilderness, you might also consider a headlamp.
Fold Up Chairs
In a similar vein to the pillow, you’ll never appreciate how important a chair is until you’re without one! You don’t need to spend a fortune, and a fold-up stool is often sufficient enough.
Gas Stove
If you are going to be engaging in what is known as wild camping, you will need to have the ability to heat your food. If you choose this route, you should always respect your natural surroundings and clear up after yourself.
There are at least three good reasons to consider camping in Wales:
- The geography is dramatic.
- The country’s rich culture is well-preserved.
- The food is so good that you’ll taste the quality in every bite.
Prepare yourself to experience the ancient land full of history by packing up your bags and going camping!