Glanmor Isaf, Talybont, Bangor

The farm and surroundings

Glanmor Isaf is an organic hill farm grazing sheep and cattle on the foothills of Snowdonia.

The farmhouse itself, built in 1846, stands on the shore of the Menai Straits with views of Anglesey to the north, the impressive Carneddau Mountains rising to the south and imposing Penrhyn Castle just across the fields.

Standing in quiet, secluded countryside, the farm is only a 2 mile drive from the A55 Expressway, a few miles east of Bangor. On the edge of the farm lies the Lafan Sands Nature Reserve which gives excellent possibilities for spotting wading birds and other wildlife from its winding paths and bird hides.

The farm and surrounding area is steeped in history and legend. The farm land itself was the site of a battle during the Civil War and during the First World War an airfield was built in front of the house -quite a contrast from the peaceful spot it is today!

Glanmor lies on the edge of Snowdonia National Park with all it has to offer: walking, mountain biking, climbing and hiking in the breathtaking scenery. The surrounding area is rich with small food producers. Quality farm produce and fresh sea food is right here on our door step. The Menai Straits supply the best restaurants all over the country with cockles and mussels but they’re really hard to beat prepared simply on a camp fire.



The farming at Glanmor Isaf

We have been certified organic at Glanmor for the past 10 years. Living and farming in a gentle sustainable way is very important to us. We live surrounded by spectacular countryside and rich wildlife and feel duty bound to look after and care for the land by maintaining the ancient agricultural traditions of the Welsh mountain farm.

Here in Glanmor we are proud of our pedigree Welsh Black cattle with a bloodline stretching back over a hundred years...as long as the Pritchards have been at Glanmor! The cows calve in the flat fields around the farmyard in the spring and spend the summer on our upland farm called Fedw a few miles away which is the traditional Hafod and Hendre method of farming.

Our flock are mainly hardy Welsh mountain sheep that thrive up in the rugged highlands of the Carneddau over the summer months and lamb down on the gentler lowlands during the spring. Lambing is a special and very busy time in Glanmor which really requires all hands on deck with plenty of opportunity for helping out.

There is also always plenty to do with the chickens and pigs on the farm. Fromshutting in at night to feeding and everyone’s favourite job – collecting the fresh eggs!

The Family at Glanmor Isaf

The Pritchard family have farmed here for four generations. Ann and David live in the farm house and farm in partnership with their son Owen who lives just down the road with his wife Elin and young sons Gwion and Eban. The day to day running of the farm is very much a family affair and we all muck in.

The location of the Feather Down tents

Our tents are situated in amongst the apple and pear trees of the old orchard only a field’s walk away from the beach and the nature reserve. The orchard gives a sheltered hideaway feel to the tents whilst they are close enough to the farm buildings to experience and feel part of the bustle and rhythms of farmyard life. Next to the orchard is the side field where the stock look on and graze peacefully. From the tents there are spectacular views of Snowdonia and the surrounding countryside.

The North Wales Coastal Path will soon be opened along the beach and the North Wales Cycle Track is only a mile away, giving endless possibilities to leave the car and explore the area on foot or by bike.

Pets

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed.

Bike Hire
Bike Hire is also available on farm, and we have drawn up a few local routes on plan to help you navigate the locality if this is of interest.

EXTRA IN 2010

• Slow Food - Farmers Soup or Stew from the Open Fire - £27.50 (soup) / £32.50 (stew)

Not only is it delicious but it’s also a great stress buster... Slooow Food at Feather Down is the real thing with real ingredients, great taste and unexpected flavours that you just couldn’t capture at home. You will receive all the ingredients, including fire wood, the recipe and cooking utensils to prepare a delicious Farmers Soup or Stew at your tent enough for four people.

>> Click here to make a reservation at Glanmor Isaf.


Things to do in the area

Or just spend time here. Wander the acres around the farmhouse, take a picnic to the beach, climb trees, catch a lift up the mountain and watch David and Owen work the sheepdogs or give us a hand, there are always sheep to move, pet lambs to feed or eggs to collect!

We look forward to welcoming you here and hope you experience and enjoy what we hold dear, traditional Welsh family farm life and beautiful, peaceful country side.

>> Click here to make a reservation at Glanmor Isaf.