Hidden Gems Along the Cambrian Line – a picnic spot at every stop
3rd Oct
Autumn days present an ideal opportunity to load a backpack with your favourite food and drink and plan a day exploring whilst the weather is beautiful, bright, and crisp.
Make the most of the bright days before the onset of Winter and head to Snowdonia for the perfect day out picnicking, and enjoying our favourite season in our favourite region!
From Shrewsbury in Shropshire, the Cambrian Main Line takes you over the border into Wales, through rugged mountain terrain, quaint market towns, World Heritage sites and castles, and cross country towards the picturesque West Coast of Wales. Here it merges into the Cambrian Coast Line offering spectacular views, coastal walks, and places to visit along the length of the Wales coastal path.
Here are a few of our highlights:
First stop – Pwllheli!
A good night’s rest nearby the Pwllheli station will be much needed before setting off on a train-hopping adventure along the Cambrian Line. A wonderful night’s rest can be found at Wern Fawr Manor Farm, a fabulous 75-acre estate lying on the outskirts of Llanbedrog and a short drive to Abersoch, Pwllheli and some of the Llŷn Peninsula’s most renowned beaches and coves. The Grade II* listed 16th Century house lies at the centre of the estate and has been extensively restored whilst maintaining its original charm and character. Around the country house in this peaceful and idyllic setting lies 5 well- presented self-catering cottages.
River Side Picnic near Criccieth
Take the Cambrian Line from Pwllheli to Criccieth and take a short walk to Llanystymdwy where you can pitch up down by the river Dwyfor and enjoy a picnic on the riverbank, next to the grounds of the amazing Lloyd George Museum. Here you can learn more about this fiery, controversial politician, who led Britain during World War One and helped establish the welfare state. The museum, based at David Lloyd George’s childhood home on the Llŷn Peninsula, is furnished as it was when he lived here between 1864 and 1880 and gives you the chance to step back to the time of this colourful energetic statesman, the ‘third greatest British Prime Minister of the 20th century’.
Woodland Picnic on the Dwyryd Estuary
Head back onto the Cambrian Line to Minffordd and stop to enjoy a walk around the unique, Italian village of Portmeirion. A picnic isn’t essential as it has a number of lovely cafes to choose from dotted throughout the village.
Picnics are needed however if you choose to spend time discovering the impressive natural landscape surrounding Portmeirion and the subtropical forest around the village
known as The Gwyllt (Wildwood in Welsh) which is home to some of Britain’s largest trees, secret gardens, a derelict castle and rare flowers spared across 70acres.
Beach Picnic at Barmouth
Head back onto the Cambrian Line for a trip down to Barmouth for a picnic on stunning Abermaw beach.
Abermaw is ideal for bathing and watersports and from here you can enjoy breathtaking views of Cardigan Bay and the picturesque harbour. A land train runs along the promenade and there are traditional donkey rides, swing boats and amusement arcades, but the beach itself is expansive and vast enough to find your own private space.
Heritage Rail Picnic in South Snowdonia
Hop on the Cambrian Line and take the final stretch to Tywyn for an unforgettable journey through south Snowdonia on Talyllyn Steam Railway. Enjoy a picnic on the journey itself or set up your picnic at the halfway point at Abergynolwyn station.
Feeling the pace? Then rest your head at one of the UK’s most idyllic campsites….
Sleeping under the stars at Nantcol Waterfalls campsite
Nantcol Waterfalls campsite offers a completely unique camping experience. Nestled at the foot of the rugged Rhinog mountain range and only two miles from Shell Island and its golden sandy beaches, here you can camp on seven acres of flat ground literally a stone’s throw away from the river and waterfalls – hear the soothing sound of running water all around…
Feeling tempted? Enjoy the last rays of Autumn sunshine, pack up your panic bag and head to stunning Snowdonia!