Cae Du

Rhoslefain, Tywyn LL36 9ND

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We say

Teaser text:

Unwind to the rhythms of the waves and the tides.

This is based on a review from:

Cool Camping Wales Find out more

Cool Camping campsite review:

‘Away from it all’, ‘a wonderful sea view’, ‘an idyllic location’ and ‘well-maintained’ are all terms that can be fairly applied in a bid to describe Cae Du. But it’s not enough, and to see this place for the first time, approaching from the north, on the A493, your little heart skips a beat or two. For there, a couple of hundred yards below, lying right next to the sea, with an unspoilt landscape enveloping the site, is the campsite of your dreams.

It looks like a place that has become detached from the real world and it proves to be just that. If all you want from your camping break is a sea view and an escape from the mad world we all live in, then this is the perfect place to unwind to the rhythms of the waves and the tides. ‘Idyllic’ is a word that is used far too often, but it sums up the situation of Cae Du as no other word can.

But while Cae Du is an escape route from the rat race, it isn’t so far removed that there is nothing else to do, if staring out to sea doesn’t hold your attention for the entire holiday. Or if the children start walking around with placards round their necks protesting their need for action. Or if the weather turns a bit wild on this exposed stretch of coastline – which it can do.

It’s about a mile to the nearest station on foot and from there a whole new world awaits you: Shrewsbury, which must be one of the most handsome old towns in Britain; a short hop of three miles to link up with the very scenic Talyllyn Railway; or in the other direction there are all manner of destinations. The small, time-warp seaside resort of Barmouth (Abermaw) is one such stop travelling north – it still has donkeys strolling the enormous beach and colourful swingboats rocking back and forth.

The Mawddach Trail, which follows the course of the disused railway from Morfa Mawddach, near Fairbourne, to Dolgellau, is one of the most enchanting walks (or bike rides) anywhere and, with tide ebbing and flowing, the place never looks the same from one minute to the next.

And this is the thing – whatever you want to do with your camping break, it won’t be far from Cae Du, even though it seems to be placed in another world.

The upside:

Fantastic location directly next to the sea and a dishwashing view that might just inspire the undomesticated.

The downside:

Can be a little exposed when the weather gets angry and level ground hard to come by.

The facilities:

Excellent, with hot and cold water, toilets, showers, laundry, and dishwashing facilities, but no electric hook-ups. Wood for campfires, lamb burgers made at the farm and eggs (depending on how the hens are feeling) are sold at the farmhouse.

Nearest decent pub:

This isn’t ideal pubcrawling territory, but 3 miles away at Bryncrug, the Peniarth Arms (01654 711505) does decent pub grub. A few miles further towards Dolgellau, at Penmaenpool, the George III Hotel (01341422525) boasts a cosy bar, an exceptional restaurant and scenic location overlooking the Mawddach Estuary. It also has good rooms.

If it rains:

There are several train rides near by; from Tonfanau station, 1 mile south of the campsite, the scenic Cambrian Coast service (08457 484950 [rail only info]) runs to Pwllheli in one direction and Shrewsbury in the other; the Fairbourne Railway (01341 250362) and the Talyllyn Railway (01654 710472). Or if it’s really pouring, head to the little cinema in Tywyn (01654 710260) and catch a film.

The damage:

Tent and 2 adults £10, family £15 and single £6–10. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Open:

Mar–Oct.

If this campsite is full:

Another good campsite in the area is at Garth Y Fog (07909514669 or 01341 250254) near Fairbourne, which overlooks the drama of the hills and the Mawddach Estuary.

You say

Reviews:

Cae Du

Combi

- Visited on: 08/11

1

I agree with earlier post, this site is going downhill. We have been several time's in the past, but the 3 times we have been this year have been poor. The 1st time the site had only been open 3 day's & the 2 shower's in the gents had broken shower heads (which were the same as when we last visited the site in Oct), the road down was a spring breaker, and the field was covered in sheep poo. The cost of £7.50 per person plus £1 for a luke warm shower is not very good.

We have just returned from our last 2 nights and again faulty shower heads & lukewarm water, tents so close it is a fire hazard & when you complain all you get is take it or leave it.

The site is in a great spot & will always be busy but if the owners (they are farmers who are always busy) do not have the time to run the site properly then they should employ someone or stop taking money off people for what is starting to be substandard.

Stayed in: tent pitch

Review submitted on: 30/08/11
Cae Du

pauldebwallacebod

- Visited on: 08/11

5

Just got back from bank holiday weekend at this campsite. The weather wasn't great but we had a great time. The view from the campsite is fantastic. On Sunday night we watched the sun set on the horizon, it looked like the sky was on fire. It was nice to see all of the camp fires light up the night. We got the train into wales, Tonfanau station is approx 20min walk from campsite. You can walk across the top of the costal path direct into the camp. We would deffinaltely go back to this site.

Stayed in: tent pitch

Review submitted on: 29/08/11
Cae Du

cheshirecamper

- Visited on: 06/11

1

This used to be a fantastic campsite, until it began to great reviews on sites like this. Now it's cramped, crowded and the owners are often grumpy and unfriendly as they are harrassed by people who don't treat them or the site with respect.

Our last 2 visits were awful, first we had to camp so close to neighbouring tents that ours was scorched by sparks from their fire. (We moved the tent further away but were told by the owner to move back in the morning). On our last visit we vowed never to return (after nearly 20 years) as loud music until 3am kept us awake and the number of generators running all night (so campers could watch tv and run their fridges) spoilt what used to be a quiet, peaceful, friendly place to spend the weekend.

Even the stunning views, spectacular sunsets, proximity to beach and regular visits from dolphins and seals swimming by can't compensate for the noise, dirt and crush.

Review submitted on: 08/08/11
Cae Du

UK Defender

- Visited on: 06/11

4

Fantastic site and location. We went on a windless sunny weekend and enjoyed bbq, beers and campfire. Would imagine that if it was windy may not be great as very exposed right next to coastline. There is a nice bit of beach that is only visable at low tide and you have a 5 minute walk over the rocks to get to it & loads of weed so can be a bit slippy so I'd guess if you had very young kids might be a bit of a pain.
So if it's scenery and simple pleasures you're after you can't go far wrong at Cae Du.
One last thing - we took our 2 WELL BEHAVED dogs - but the owner was a bit annoying as he seemed to go out of his way to point out that they MUST be on leads every second of the day. I'm more than capable of taking responsibility of my dogs. Think the owner should just cheer up a bit and enjoy the stunning views on his doorstep.

Stayed in: tent pitch

Review submitted on: 05/06/11
Cae Du

George

- Visited on: 06/11

4

Location, location, location! Beautiful spot and stunning views, the spot cannot be faulted. We went from breezy near arctic to mediterranean heat over a four day stay and loved it all. We were treated to dolphins swimming by while we supped morning coffee! Facilities spotless and despite half term crowds we never really had to queue. The only reason we're not giving this site five stars is a bit of a hesitation about pitch proximity; we were told to pitch up as close to another tent as possible "as close as we could without guys crossing". It would be best not to hear your neighbours turning over in bed, but then we did go at half term so I guess we should have been prepared for crowds. A little more space it would have been truly perfect. We paid £15 per night for two people in one tent.

Stayed in: tent pitch

Review submitted on: 05/06/11
Cae Du

smanselljones

- Visited on: 09/10

5

Best. Campsite. Ever.
It's in a lovely spot in North Wales with the sea tumbling up to the bottom of the cliffs that you sleep a-top of. Beautiful views in every direction and everything you need from a campsite. Namely, camp fires. They are few and far between these days and it is lovely to find a site where you can light a little fire and cook your supper over it. Plus, campfires always make the beer taste better!
As far as the practicalities go; decent, reasonably priced and clean showers. Good indoor room for washing up etc. Ground a bit uneven but there's usually enough space to find a spot where you won't end up at the foot of the tent in the morning.
Even if this place didn't have running water and the other little 'luxuries', I would come back time and again. It's idyllic. The constant sound of the sea and the slight 'edge of the world' feeling that you get on top of a cliff probably contribute to the relaxed and invigorating feeling I always have when I come away from Cae Du. Try it and you'll see!

PS - try the lamb burgers, you can't fault them either...!

Stayed in: tent pitch

Review submitted on: 24/05/11
Cae Du

loolindley

- Visited on: 04/11

5

My boyfriend and I have visited this camsite numerous times, and it is our favourite place to camp.

The views are what draw us there, with a 180 degree sea view in one direction, and the beautiful hillsides in the other. We could spend all weekend staring in awe at the sea alone.

The campsite has a very rustic feeling to it. No 'pitches' as such...you just pick a discarded campfire to pitch behind. The ground is uneven in parts, but we always manage to find a flat bit! The showers cost £1 a go, and the toilets are always clean with plenty of loo roll, and soap by the sinks. There is also a hair dryer if that is important to you.

If it rains, there is an undercover sofa area, and next door a utility room with a freezer for your ice packs, and a washing machine.

The owners have always come accross as very nice. You can buy wood for a camp fire, lamb burgers (which I totally recommend!) and eggs from them. They ask that you book for the busier weekends (bank holidays, and school Summer holidays), but other than those times, we just turn up. Contrary to the information on here, it costs £6 pppn.

So once we have found our spot, pitched our tent, and let the dog have a swim off the pebble beach, we can make a camp fire, open a bottle (or two), and sit back to drink in the awe inspiring views. The sun sets directly infront of you, and I defy anyone not to be mesmerised by it.

If you are looking for something else to do, Morfa Mawddach is a short drive down the coast where you can walk over Barmouth bridge into Barmouth, or you could walk up the estury to Penmaenpool (about a 10 mile round walk - but there is a lovely pub at the village which also serves good pub grub).

That's all if you can drag yourself away from the view...

Stayed in: tent pitch

Review submitted on: 06/05/11
Cae Du

dtalmi

- Visited on: 04/11

1

myself and a friend (both female) read about this campsite on this website. the information stated that it opened in March. we arrived early April, on foot, with our backpacks, but discovered they only open on Easter weekend. we had no transport and it was late in the afternoon. The owner was extremely surly and unhelpful, and refused for us to pitch our small 2-person tent anywhere on their property including on an out-of-the-way path. it would have been a small favor to do for two weary travellers - what happened to welsh hospitality?

Stayed in: other

Review submitted on: 26/04/11
Cae Du

mabster1966

- Visited on: 05/10

5

This is a great campsite. No needless rules and regulations and the price is extremely reasonable. The shower block is ok, no complaints. The showers are not free so you're going to need a few coppers. £1 a go. We found the showers to be unpredicable, so wash the essentials first.

I can't praise this campsite enough. My favourite by far. This is proper camping.

Stayed in: tent pitch

Review submitted on: 02/03/11