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4.74 /5

Highly rated

115 reviews

Penmaenpool, Gwynedd, Wales

+ 18 photos

Cefn Coed, or 'back of the woods', is a charming, historical Welsh farm estate with roots dating back as far as the 16th century. Fancy a break from the fast pace and stress of the modern world? Offering both immersive woodland and picturesque field pitches, you're ideally situated to experience the idyllic beauty of Snowdonia, with both tent and campervan pitches available.

Secluded farm estate, surrounded by stunning woodland

Perfect base for exploring Snowdonia, close to Cadair Idris and Cregennan Lakes

Just five minutes from the idyllic Mawddach estuary and riverside walks

About Cefn Coed

You'll find heaps of character here, with nothing but the dramatic mountainous landscape for miles around. Tucked away along the famed Mawddach Estuary, the farm enjoys a woodland setting halfway between Dolgellau and Fairbourne, with Barmouth just over the other side of the water. The ideal base for experiencing the wonders of Snowdonia National Park, with so much to explore on your doorstep, from the staggering beauty of Cregennan Lakes to the towering peak of Cader Idris. Looking for a more relaxed stay? Simply kicking back and taking in your surroundings is just as rewarding, with stunning views all round and forest bathing at its best. Tent and campervan pitches are available in both field and woodland settings, making for a truly magical and unforgettable visit. The woodland pitches are secluded clearings within the site's own oak forest. The fields offer a communal experience, sunny with fantastic views all round. Also available are wooded campervan pull-ins, individual plots along the borders of the wood. All pitches are non-electric, as it's all about getting back to nature here! There's a reason guests come back here again and again. If you're looking for a wilder campsite with unique character and an experience to cherish, this is the place for you - make your trip a truly memorable one.

Cefn Coed is open from 01/03 to 31/10.


Facilities and amenities

Facilities include toilets and showers, and there are a number of water taps located around the site.

The Mawddach estuary is just five minutes from the site, and Dolgellau town is a short walk or bike ride away.

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Adult only

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Allow commercial vans

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Allow pets

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Bike hire

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Café / restaurant

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Communal BBQ

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Disabled facilities

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Drinking water

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Electric hookups

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Entertainment

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Family friendly

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Fires allowed

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Fishing

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Games room

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Glamping

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Golf

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Horse riding

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Hot tub

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Internet access

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Kids club

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Kids playground

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Laundry

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Near beach

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Near pub

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Open year round

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Peaceful

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RV pitches

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Shop

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Showers

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Swimming pool

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Toilets

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TV room

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Vineyard

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Water hookups

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Watersports

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W.C. disposal


A note from the site themselves...

I couldn't put it any better than the words of one of our guests, "there is something magical about Cefn Coed" and another quoting an old Welsh saying "Lle i enaid gael llonydd."....a place for the soul to find peace.

In a place steeped in so much history, there is a real sense of being a custodian rather than the owner. We don't try to manicure or improve on the perfection that nature creates without the need for human interference. Cefn Coed is a place to disconnect and take pleasure in simple but life-affirming things.

Rest and recharge by the light of a flickering campfire among the stillness of Ancient Oaks. Gaze in wonder at nights of a billion stars where the silence is broken only by the hooting of owls.

Walk down by the meandering River Gwynant and absorb the astounding views of the glorious Mawddach estuary, follow its course along the bank to watch the sunset over the ocean or maybe you would be tempted by the shorter walk to the George III for a different kind of refreshment!

For the adventurous, right on the doorstep, there is Cader Idris to conquer, often snow-capped in winter, as well as nearby enchanting lakes and waterfalls to explore. This is the place where we are fortunate enough to live and work, although we do say that we feel like we are on holiday every day!

Nothing brings us greater pleasure than to share our home and see the effect when our guests also feel the magic of Cefn Coed.


Map and address

Park address

Cefn Coed,

Ponderosa Ranch, Penmaenpool, Gwynedd, Wales, LL40 1YF

Coordinates

52.7363, -3.9723 | SH 66 17

View on Google Maps

Cefn Coed is ideal for...

Couples

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Older children (13+)

Peace and quiet


There are 56 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

Grass Pitches at Cefn Coed

30 x Grass Pitches

Max 5 people

Grass field pitches suitable for tents and small campervans (under 6m).

Woodland Tent Pitches at Cefn Coed

15 x Woodland Tent Pitches

Max 5 people

Secluded clearings hidden away in the site's oak woodland, for tents only. Maximum tent size 5m x 4m.

Wooded Campervan Pitches at Cefn Coed

9 x Wooded Campervan Pitches

Max 5 people

Wooded campervan pull-in pitches surrounded by trees. For campervans 6m and under.


Woodmans Hut  at Cefn Coed

Woodmans Hut

Max 2 people

Off grid, back to basics accommodation for two people, with a sofa bed and small kitchenette. Outside your own fire pit. Shared facilities nearby. Pets welcome.

Romany Vardo Living Caravan at Cefn Coed

Romany Vardo Living Caravan

Max 2 people

Off grid, back to basics gypsy caravan for two with private camp kitchen shed, and small double bed. Pets welcome. Access to shared facilities nearby.


Cefn Coed reviews

4.74 /5

Highly rated
115 reviews
Overall
4.74
Location
4.93
Value for money
4.7
Service
4.83
Facilities
4.51
Cleanliness
4.73

Amazing spot

Jessica S

0

0

Sprinter-Type Campervan - Wooded Campervan PitchesOct 2023

Best place we have stayed to date.

Absolutely great

Peter S

0

0

Small Tent - Grass PitchesAug 2023

As someone returning to camping after many years, I was a bit apprehensive about the back to basics description of Cefn Coed. If this is basic then basic has improved in the last 20 years. Firstly the location is fantastic, nestled in a wooded valley with a river running through it, makes it a really tranquil place. 200 yards from the site is the Afon Mawddach estuary. The woodland pitches that follow the path to the estuary definitely offer a wild camping feel. Once at the estuary, turn right for the King George III pub or left towards Barmouth. Either way you get stunning views and plenty of wild life. We stayed on the main camping field where you pick your own pitch. The field is relatively flat and finding a decent spot is no problem. 100 yards from the field is the kitchen/toilet/shower block, which are clean and functional. Everyone connected to the site are very friendly and helpful. One thing I would recommend if you stay here is the Thai takeaway food. It's fantastic, if I was served it in a restaurant I'd be delighted. To get it delivered to your tent, piping hot after a long day hill walking was fantastic. Will definitely be booking again.

Our majestic camping trip

Jennifer B

0

0

VW-Type Campervan - Wooded Campervan PitchesJul 2023

I have recently converted my car into a micro-camper and we chose this site as our first outing. I travelled with my husband and young son. We were in "The Glen" pitch, which was beautiful. It was a multi-level pitch with an area of hardstanding for the car, a bark area for our awning and up a little bank there was a peaceful area to put our camp fire and seating. The site was so peaceful, each night we slept very well as everyone was quiet and there weren't many people walking around past our pitch, even though we were on the "main" road up to the loos. I was fully prepared for wild camping, having taken a small camping toilet with us, but this was not needed as the toilet block was only a short wander away. I was surprised that the toilets were unisex, but this didn't cause any issues. The shop on site was well stocked with everything you might need and might have forgotten. I would highly recommend this site and I plan on visiting again!

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FAQ

Check-in is between 2pm till 8pm and you must vacate your pitch by 10am on day of departure.

Yes, up to two dogs are welcome per pitch provided they are kept on a lead whilst at the site. The Mawddach Estuary nearby is ideal for dog walks too.

BBQs are welcome, provided they are kept raised off the ground, and fire pits are available to hire from the site.


A casual walk around the campsite and through the forest is a beautiful experience in itself, with a whole host of natural sights and diverse wildlife including glow worms, badgers, and owls.

From the campsite, you can head down to the Mawddach estuary within just 5 minutes, with fabulous views en route. The local pub is only a 30 minute stroll down the trail where you can enjoy food and drink whilst taking in the scenery over the estuary!

You can walk or cycle to the historical market town of Dolgellau, the coastal village of Fairbourne and even the famed town of Barmouth.

There is also a lovely mild circular walk right above the farmhouse, passing above and around the estuary for fabulous landscape scenes.

Fantastic walks such as the Panorama, the Precipice and the New Precipice are all within a short drive as is the famous Cader Idris, the second highest peak in Wales after Snowdon (which itself is only an hour's drive away).

Creggenan Lakes deserves a special mention, a renowned beauty spot with unparalleled views over the lakes and coast with walks all around. Other water based gems include Arthog Falls, the Blue Lagoon and Bala Lake.

If cycling is your thing, Coed Y Brenin Mountain Biking Centre has world class trails as well as a visitor centre, cafe and walking paths too! Road biking is also very popular with long, winding smooth roads all throughout the mountains.

The listing for Cefn Coed was last updated on February 20th, 2024 at 3:54 PM

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