Drive up the steep hill from Llanberis following the walkers beginning the famous path up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The tarmac eventually runs out to be replaced a gated mountain track, follow this upwards, under the tracks of the steam train, until this too ends. This is where your adventure begins! A Landrover will take you the final kilometer or so to Yr Helfa, the rocky track and river crossing setting the tone for a unique stay in the mountains....
Full Description
Cwm Brwynog will be familiar to the thousands of walkers that climb Yr Wyddfa each year. Its the long valley that starts at the edges of Llanberis and snakes up towards the famous summit, framed by the peaks of Moel Cynghorion, Foel Gron and Foel Goch to the west. The valley appears deserted with only a few ancient abandoned farmsteads dotting the landscape but look closely and you may be able to make out Yr Helfa, perhaps a trail of woodsmoke from the chimney being the only sign of habitation.
t too had fallen into ruin but was completely renovated a few years ago to become an off-grid mountain refuge, surrounded by pristine nature but without compromising on comfort. Electricity is supplied by solar panels and a back up generator (enough for lights and phones but don't expect dishwashers and TV's) and a wood pellet boiler takes care of heating and hot water with the woodburning stove provide extra warmth. The water may be some of the purest you'll ever taste- UV filtered and direct from the spring on the hillside above.
You may be immersed in wilderness with no neighbours but you're far from roughing it- there's a well-equipped kitchen, a very cool dining area and a cosy sitting room to spread out in. In true mountain refuge style, sleeping arrangements are in three dormitory bedrooms but three wetrooms ensure there aren't the usual long queues for showers after a day on the mountains. You will be the only group here.
Gardens surround Helfa with uninterrupted 360 degree views of one of the most magnificent mountain landscapes in the UK. Whether you're baking in a July heatwave or braving a January blizzard, we cant imagine many finer places to be. Switch off, decompress and enjoy a memorable and truly unique experience.
Features
- Woodstove or Fireplace
- Summary Unique off-grid mountain lodge accessible by 4x4 or on foot
- Dogs Up to 2 dogs allowed (£20 per dog per stay). Please note dogs must be tightly controlled due to livestock and wild goats in surrounding mountains
- Bedrooms 3 x dorm rooms, a mix of bunk beds and single beds
- Bathrooms 3x wetrooms (showers, WC, Basins)
- Kitchen Commercial oven (gas) and extractor, toaster. No dishwasher or microwave.
- Reception rooms Sitting room with woodburning stove. No TV
- Accessibility All on one level inside although the house can only be accessed on foot (1km walk) or by 4x4 and floors are uneven
- Outside Large gardens surround Helfa. Brick BBQ (please bring charcoal)
- Parking Plenty of parking outside for 4x4 vehicles able to reach Helfa. Parking for up to 4 non-4x4 vehicles 1 km away
- Children Travel cot and highchair available on request
- Wifi Yes!
- Postcode LL55 4UW
- To note 4x4 transfer to and from the lodge included PLEASE NOTE- transfers to the lodge offered between 3PM and 6PM on day of arrival and 10AM at day of departure. Sorry, we cannot accomodate later transfers.
- Utilities Heating, first basket of logs and hot water provided. Towels and linen provided
- Special features Fully off grid with advanced heating and generation systems including wood pellet boiler , solar panels and batteries. backed up by diesel generators
Location
The village of Llanberis is a half hour walk downhill and you'll find a great choice of pubs, restaurants and outdoor shops. And no visit to Llanberis is complete without breakfast at the world famous Pete's Eats. Further afield, the whole of the National Park is yours to explore and the beaches of Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula are only a half hours drive away.
Booking Details
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30% deposit due at time of booking, balance due 30 days prior to check in.
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