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Bwch Yn Uchaf

99%
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· Bala, Gwynedd, Wales
1 acre hosted by Gareth & Bethan P.
20 motorhome/tent pitches
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Gareth & Bethan is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Best all-round: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Narrow-gauge steam railway station, countryside views, gorgeous riverside setting. What's not to love?!

At the top of Lake Bala (Llyn Tegid) begins a magical journey into a rich historical and cultural past. Whether by train, by car or foot, the way winds alongside the banks of this top-notch lake, the largest freshwater lake in Wales. It continues through fresh, green rolling hills, framed by the three massive peaks of Benllyn, Arenig and Fawr.

Because of its situation, set among the windy hills, the lake is perfect for windsurfing and sailing. There are various slipways and launching places around the lake, but the main hub of activity is on the foreshore in front of the warden’s office, where you can get the permits you need.

The bustling one-street market town of Bala (Y Bala), at the northern end of the lake, is a stronghold of the ancient Welsh language. With more than 80 per cent of the population speaking the region’s mother tongue, it’s useful to have a suitable local greeting or two up one’s sleeve. It’s a deeply traditional Welsh town and this area is a great place to catch a male voice choir. Try the village hall at Llanuwchllyn (at the other end of the lake to Bala) on Monday and Thursday nights or keep your ear to the ground – provided you understand Welsh.

Seldom out of sight of the lake throughout its four-mile journey is a narrow-gauge railway line, operated by three steam locomotives. It begins its journey at Llanuwchllyn, and hugging the shoreline, makes its way to Bala. After the return journey, a visit to the signal box is an interesting diversion, where the stationmaster will demonstrate the original 1896 levers and lamps; an archaic confusion of wooden handles and outdated widgets.

The Rheilffors Lyn Tegid Cyf (Bala Lake Railway) is run almost entirely by volunteers and they’re always on the look out for willing helpers. So, if you’ve ever fancied driving a steam train or just blowing the whistle and waving the flag, become a member and live out your childhood dreams!

To the left of this quaint old railway station is the unpronounceable Bwch-yn-uchaf campsite. It begins with a vast field of mown lawn, which is great for large tents and caravans. From here, there is a small drivable path that leads away from the main field and ablutions, and winds its way through two smaller enclaves of grass, bordered by a tree-lined shallow river, perfect for a spot of fishing or canoeing.

The narrow strip of riverside turf means that each pitch has an unobstructed view of the sparklingly clear river. There are portable loos and various water points in the middle of the three fields, which is handy if you don’t feel like the long-ish, but scenic, walk to the main ablution block.

So, whether it’s sailing on the lake, walking in the mountains or simply a bit of R&R in a valley with a steaming good view, this peaceful spot has all the bases covered.

All of our pitches are unallocated & unmarked, so you can choose where to pitch (unless stated otherwise). There is virtually no light pollution here, so you can camp underneath the stars and with the sounds of the river, sheep and the steam train chugging past! The river Twrch runs alongside the site, great for the kids to paddle in! We are right next door to the Bala Lake Railway station. Play area for the children. Main toilet block includes shower facilities, disabled facilities, washing machine, tumble dryer & fridge/ freezer to cool those drinks! There are toilets & washing up area closer to the pitches. Water points are throughout the site. Bringing a pet?  We will charge £1 per pet per night on arrival. Please add in the notes that you are bringing a pet. We allow dogs, but they MUST be on a lead unless they are in the dog run - gated area by the river so the dogs can run free.  Sorry no groups - even when booked separately.
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Natural features
River, stream, or creek
Mountainous
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99%
130 Ratings · 143 reviews
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Adam F.recommends
September 20, 2023
Non-electric grass pitch
Very clean and tidy site with good facilities. Kids enjoyed the play area and the dog loved the dog run. Plenty of space for our large bell tent.
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David H.recommends
September 18, 2023
Non-electric grass pitch
Excellent campsite
Well managed site, clean and nice flat ground. Good play area for kids. Fores permitted 👍 Definitely recommend
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Julie C.recommends
September 11, 2023
Non-electric grass pitch
Camping
Great location and facilities. Boys loved the steam train close by.
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Toni C.recommends
September 8, 2023
Non-electric grass pitch
Lovely campsite, pitched up with a stream running by, beautiful views and very peaceful. Was a bit of a shame the shower block wasn't more central to the campsite, but toilets were close by.
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Anna L.recommends
August 26, 2023
Non-electric grass pitch
I loved camping at Gareth and Bethan's. This is a family place, my daughter made lots of friends, playground is so well equipped. I loved the dog meadow fully fenced so I could let her of the lead. We could hire a campfire equipment for just 3£ for the whole stay. Toilets and showers are clean, there is also fridge and freezer for campers. I would love to come back again definitely! Thank you for such a great experience.
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Hannah W.recommends
August 22, 2023
Non-electric grass pitch
Beautiful relaxing stay 😊
We had a wonderful relaxing stay at this beautiful campsite. Check in was easy, there was lots of choice and space to choose a pitch. Shower and toilet blocks were lovely and clean, extra facilities like washing up, fridge/freezer availability and washing machine and tumble dryer were great! My children had the most amazing time exploring, paddling and playing in the river, at the playground and watching the train go past the campsite. Evenings were quiet and the views (especially the sunsets) were stunning. The off lead dog area was a fabulous thoughtful touch too. Easy to get to Bala either by road or by train and not far to visit everything this beautiful part of the world has to offer. We wouldn’t hesitate to return to this amazing place and I’d recommend to anyone. Perfect campsite. Thank you so much for having us!
Location
Bala, Gwynedd, Wales, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Gareth & Bethan P.Joined in January 2017
From the host
Bwch-yn-Uchaf Caravan and Camping Site is situated within Snowdonia National Park at the foot of the beautiful Aran and Arenig mountain range and 10-minute drive from Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake). We also have a 4-bedroom B&B next to the site. The site is on the edge of the picturesque village of Llanuwchllyn, which enjoys panoramic views of stunning scenery and is an ideal base to explore the areas many attractions including scenic walks.. The shallow sparklingly clear river Twrch runs alongside the entire length of our site and is extremely popular with guests of all ages. There is low light pollution and no traffic noises so all you can hear is the stream, sheep and sometimes the train passing by. Also adjacent to the site is " Bala Lake Railway" Llanuwchllyn Narrow Gauge Railway Station with its open carriage journeys along the lake. A great way to fully appreciate the stunning scenery the area has to offer.
Nearby attractions
*We are next door to Bala Lake Railway (You cannot get any closer!)* 5 minute walk to the start of the Aran Mountain* Hours drive to the start of Y Wyddfa/Snowdon*10 minute drive from the beautiful Llyn Tegid/ Lake Bala *Max hours drive from all the Zip World locations (North Wales) * About 40 minute drive to the nearest beach of Barmouth Basically, drive for an hour in any direction and we are not far from a lot of things!
Food and drink

Yr Eagles (01678 540278) ½ mile away in Llanuwchllyn is where the locals eat – and all the campers, too, if it’s raining! Big portions of home-cooked food are on offer. There’s also a beer garden with views. (Booking advisable)

In Bala (10 minute drive) there are variety places to eat: Cyfnod Bistro, Plas Yn Dre, Badell Aur (chippy),Indian, Chinese, pizzeria and a kebab!

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