Back-to-nature camping in Wales
You’ll wake up to a dawn chorus of insects and birdsong, have access to the banks of the river Marlais and public footpaths though our forests and up our hill. There you’ll enjoy lovely countryside views of the county of Carmarthenshire. You’ll also appreciate a farmyard surrounded by historic farm buildings characteristic of this area of south Wales. The farmhouse, nestled in a little wooded valley, was built of stone and slate in 1867 by John Jenkins Esqr., along with a number of outbuildings including a hay barn, a cowbier, a pigsty, bake house, school room and coachman’s cottage, all of which have been sympathetically restored according to traditional local custom.
Glanmarlais Camping is run by the Slater family and its network of friends, supporters and acolytes on Glanmarlais Farm in southwest Wales. Upon their arrival in the beautiful rolling hills of Carmarthenshire in 1997, John and Jean Slater set up an organic sheep farm, which they ran together until John's death in 2014. Their focus was always on ethical food production, the protection of wildlife, enhancing biodiversity, and the creation of diverse habitats. Now, the second generation is picking up the reins with the aim of protecting and enhancing the rare grasslands and ancient woodlands of Glanmarlais Farm.
Around Glanmarlais
Located on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) national park, the site offers access to walking, mountain biking and motorbiking routes of all levels across some of the UK’s most magnificent natural landscapes. If you're here for a less active holiday instead, you'll find here some ideas for some easy, wholesome fun: local walks, castles, gardens, birds of prey feeding stations and more.
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For some gentle entertainment, you can take a stroll to the village of Llansadwrn, have a wander around the ancient church, stop off at our very own award-winning potters - James and Tilla - to pick up a beautiful hand-made item of thrown tableware. You can also discover a wonderful collection of leather accessories and waxed canvas bags at Mike and Nia’s old school workshop, Rural Kind. Alternatively, order a pint of fine Welsh ale off our excellent landlord Cliff at the Sexton Arms, Wales’ friendliest pub. The brave among you can challenge a local to a game of pool or darts, and practice your Welsh language skills.
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Llandovery, Llandeilo and Carmarthen
You can source food and other supplies from Llandovery (15 minutes’ drive) and Llandeilo (20 minutes). Both of these picturesque Welsh towns offer an array of shops, cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs. The dramatic hilltop ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle, the historic house and deer park of Dinefwr, and the splendor of Aberglasney Gardens are located in and around Llandeilo.
Carmarthen, Merlin’s birthplace is a half-hour drive away and offers an array of large shops and other big-town amenities. For an enchanting day out around Dylan Thomas’ old stomping ground, head to Laugharne and visit his boathouse. The National Botanic Gardens of Wales offers visitors an exciting dive into horticulture and conservation and is well worth a visit.
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The Red Kite Feeding Station in Llangadog and the Dolau Cothi gold mines in Pumsaint are a great choice for easy family entertainment and are both just a short drive away.
Our community cinema - Sinema Sadwrn
If you happen to be here on the last Friday of the month, head to the Reading Room in Llansadwrn and watch one of the excellent films screened in the community hall. For the latest releases, support independent cinema! Drive through across the Black Mountain through some stunning landscapes, past the old lime quarries to the old mining town of Brynamman. The cinema there, built in 1924 and furnished with tip-up seats upholstered in old gold corduroy, offers an authentic early-century viewing experience with all modern comforts.
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There are plenty of walking trails nearby showcasing the area's natural beauty. Please contact Lisa Denison of Quiet Walks if you’d like a guided walk in beautiful Carmarthenshire and surrounding areas.
A public footpath runs through the farm, which guests are welcome to explore. (Please don't go too close to the livestock and remember to close the gates!)
For greater exertion, head to Llyn y Fan Fach in the Brecon Beacons, where you'll be able to see some splendid waterfalls and swim in the lake, and take in Llyn y Fan Fawr for a longer loop. Alternatively, you can walk around the Usk reservoir, or go to Llyn Brianne dam and reservoir. The latter is near Dinas and Allt Rhyd y Groes national nature reserves, which are beautifully scenic and teeming with wildlife.
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Head to Cwm Rhaeadr or Brechfa Forest for some first-class mountain bike trails. Road racers will also enjoy the 60-km loop around Llyn Brianne.
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We are just a hop and a skip from both the A40 and the A482, with great riding roads to Aberystwyth, Aberaeron, Rhayader, Builth Wells, Hereford and more.
Motorbikers should head to Owl's Diner or the West End Cafe in Llandovery and get the low-down on riding conditions over a hearty breakfast or lunch.
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On a hot summer’s day, take a refreshing dip just a short drive away in the Sawdde river in Llangadog. For something more adventurous, head to the wild swimming spots of Junction Pool by Rhandirmwyn, or Wolf's Leap and Wash Pool by Llanwrtyd Wells. Alternatively, go hiking first then jump into the lake at Llyn y Fan Fach.
The beautiful beaches of west Wales, the Gower Peninsula and Pembrokeshire are all about an hour away for family ocean adventures and sandy summer days.
Video credit: Lavinia Abbott
