Review: Caban Cader & Snowdonia National Park, Wales
I headed to Wales with the family to explore Snowdonia National Park and was blown away by its natural beauty. If you’re wondering where to go on your next family holiday it’s definitely worth considering. Caban Cader, five miles from Machynlleth, was our home for a few nights, booked through the brilliant Canopy & Stars. It sleeps four comfortably – one double bed in the loft space, one double sofa bed downstairs – and although the cabin was tiny, everything had been well thought out to ensure the perfect stay.
Vintage furnishings are dotted throughout the cosy space (floorboards are from a former BBC studio), giving it a warm, homely feel. There’s a small kitchen where you can prepare breakfast and simple suppers on the hob, hot shower and compost toilet (my least favourite part of the cabin, but needs must), table, sofa and the pièce de résistance, a log burner. It’s all very eco and sustainable, which is another huge plus when staying here.
Getting cosy at Cabin Cader
We visited in February, so it was a little chilly (freezing) in the mornings, but it was nothing the log burner couldn’t handle. Within minutes of lighting it, the cabin was warm and toasty – so toasty in fact we couldn’t lie on the bed upstairs as it was too hot. There was something extra special about waking up in the cold and having to light a fire to get warm. Plus, it was a good excuse for all of us to stay under our duvets for a little longer before venturing out into the great outdoors.
Its location in a stunning valley is the perfect place to switch off and reconnect as a family. There’s so much to do here, particularly if you enjoy nature and adventure like us. We climbed Cadair Idris when we visited, the second most popular mountain in Wales at the southern end of Snowdonia National Park. At 2,930ft high, it’s not for the faint hearted, and you can climb as little or as much as you like. Always check conditions before you climb though – you don’t want to be stuck up a mountain when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
The great outdoors
Nearby there are bike tracks and trails, woodland walks, horse riding and other adventure sports. The cabin is set in a huge field with lots of space for running and roaming, and the stream at the bottom is perfect for dam building. The Mawddach Estuary, little town of Barmouth and Fairbourne Railway are close by for day trips. Take a ride on the vintage railway along the coast to enjoy stunning views. Make sure you save time to stop off for a cup of tea and Welsh cake in Betws Y Coed – a picturesque village that feels like it could be in the Alps. Surrounded by vast alpine forests, the air is fresh and life feels good. One of our favourite spots on the trip.
Caban Cader is a very a special place – if you want to get away from it all and hunker down in a log cabin with your family for a few nights, book your stay now. Caban Cader, Beudy Banc, Powys. Book now.
Looking for a personalised itinerary?
If you want more Wales tips or would like me to put together a personalised itinerary for you to anywhere in the world, get in touch today at info@travelyoutopia.com. Costs vary depending on the brief.