Off to the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales
Well, it was a busy summer but we certainly managed to pack a lot in – the six weeks school holiday really flies by, but I am happy to say I think we made the most of our free time.
One of the highlights of the summer had to be our camper van trip around the Llŷn Peninsula (also known as ‘Snowden’s Arm’) in North Wales. I can certainly understand why it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The peninsula is situated beyond Snowdonia’s peaks and has the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other. There is something very special and unspoilt that gives it a feel all of its own.
It has an amazing 146 km coastal walk with ancient pilgrimage sites like Bardsey Island and enchanting seaside villages such as the fashionable Abersoch and the quaint Porthdinllaen Beach near Nefyn.
Abersoch Inner Harbour
For years I have dreamt about hiring a camper van and enjoying the experience of touring around the coast and countryside in a motorhome. Our camper van came fully equipped so we didn’t need to pack much apart from clothes, wash bag and of course our Sorbet hammam towels!
Travelling to the different areas of on the Llŷn Peninsula was perfect as none of the journeys were that long - it can take a bit of getting used to driving a camper van I can tell you!
Along our route we booked some fab, unspoilt campsites by the sea. It was great planning our menus and cooking outside every evening. Well, almost… we ate local fish and chips one night – it would have been rude not to! We had a fire pit to cook on which was brilliant, buying local produce to cook with and making huge salads. We even managed to cook a crumble!
I think our favourite spot was in Aberdaron – our first stop – on the western tip of the peninsula. The campsite felt like you were right at the cliff's edge and waking up with the views of the sea and cliffs every morning was invigorating. London really did seem like a million miles away.
We had a good long walk along the cliff's edge in Aberdaron. The scenery was gorgeous and that is where we came across the views of Bardsey Island - a wild island rich in wildlife and with tons of history. We did not have time to visit it (there are day trips and overnight options) but it is definitely on our list for next time.
A view of Bardsey Island
The island is a Special Area of Conservation for its species as well as a Special Protection Area because of the breeding birds.
Our next campsite stop was a 30-minute drive away just outside Abersoch. It has a very popular beach but surprisingly still felt very chilled and relaxed. It is great for water sports enthusiasts and (lucky for us) for sunbathing – it was beautiful weather whilst we were there and we made good use of our hammam towels at the beach. The village also had some nice shops and plenty of places for cake and tea!
Sorbet hammam towels drying at the campsite after a day on Abersoch beach
Our final campsite was on the north coast of the peninsula in Nefyn near to Porthdinllaen village. It is a splendid spot to enjoy a few days on the beach with spectacular views and sheltered waters.
There is even a pub on the beach called The Ty Coch Inn – voted one of the top ten best beach bars in the world according to a recent survey.
Porthdinllaen Beach
Our final treat of the holiday was to hit a few golf balls at one of the most picturesque golf courses I have ever seen at Nefyn & District Golf Club.
From the start, the golfers are challenged with fairways which hug the stunning and rugged coastline, with the greens perched precariously close to the shoreline.
Amazing views from the Nefyn & District Golf club
We only managed to have a practise on their driving range (ah well!) but we did sit and have tea and cake outside the clubhouse enjoying the views.
It be would be lovely to visit this area again and I totally recommend it for your first trip in a campervan. A good practise before maybe trying the 500-mile trip in the Scottish Highlands! Watch this space……….
