You can see both mountains and sea from Chicken Shack, a solo bell tent site, in the north Welsh village of Y Fron. It’s an enviable location for a summer stay, one from where you can see most of the things you’ll want to explore. As well as the coast, which is six miles away, and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), some of which are within walking distance, there’s the surrounding four acres of land. And, because there’s just the one bell tent here, all four acres are just for you. Likewise the composting loo, the hot water shower, the kitchen shed and, of course, your bell tent for two.
The site is peaceful and pretty secluded. After being welcomed here by helpful hosts Teresa and John, you are left to enjoy the place on your own with, perhaps, the occasional visit from a curious chicken. It’s not a place for socialising, it’s a place to get away from it all. With that in mind, it’s off grid and back-to-basics, as far as glamping is concerned. It’s at the camping end of the scale – but, having said that, everything is provided: the tent, a made-up double bed, your towels and cooking kit. You have your private shower, loo, and kitchen shed, fire pit and barbecue too. It’s the kind of glamping site you can just rock up to with clothes, food, and whatever you want for fun.
In this location, that could include surfboards and swimming gear for the beach at Dinas Dinlle and walking boots for the hike up Mynydd Mawr (aka Yr Ellifant or Elephant Mountain – because it looks like one lying down). It’s one of the northernmost mountains of Snowdonia and Snowdon itself is temptingly close. It can be tackled on the Snowdon Ranger or Rhyd Ddu path just nine miles away – or from the Llanberis side, a few miles further east. From there, you can opt, instead, to take the train to the summit. There’s also Caernarfon Castle and even Anglesey for day trips too. Whether you stay for a weekend or a week, you certainly won’t get bored around here.
Your canvas bell tent is provided with a fully made bed, duvet and tasteful furnishings. Gaze at the beautiful mountain and sea view and enjoy a peaceful stay in nature! Other facilities include a gas cooker, cookware, private compost toilet and shower.Yr Fron, where Chicken Shack is located, is on the slopes of Mynydd Mawr. A hike to the 698-metre summit can start on site but be prepared. Likewise, if you head further in to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. There is, of course, plenty of good hiking, mountain biking, climbing and more adventurous activities within the park; including the walk up Snowdon (about eight miles away). The Snowdon Mountain Railway provides a more leisurely route up or down with the station at Llanberis (13 miles) the launching point. Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, home to the longest Zip Line in Europe and the fastest in the world, is 20 miles away. For the beach, Dinas Dinlle (eight miles), is the recommended spot to head for: a mixture of shingle and sand that is good for swimming, surfing and kiteboarding. Up the coast (also eight miles) Caernarfon’s famous, World Heritage-listed castle is a must-see for anyone interested in history. It’s on the Menai Strait opposite Anglesey, which yu can reach in less than half an hour in the car.
There’s a little village shop in Yr Fron for basics while you’re staying on site but, for more than that, head for the well-appointed village of Pen-y-Groes (three miles). It has a well-stocked Co-op and a range of takeaways too. If you’re in Caernarfon there are plenty of places to choose from. Perhaps try The Anglesey Arms or, for a really special meal, book ahead for the seasonal food of The Sheep and Leeks which gets a mention in the Michelin Guide.
