Pant y March, Bala, Snowdonia National Park.
The farm and surroundings
Pant y March is a 180 acre working mountain farm located 850ft above sea level in a truly stunning location overlooking Wales’ largest natural lake – Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake). It enjoys far-reaching north westerly views over the majestic Arenig mountain and is in the southern part of Snowdonia National Park. This is really a land of legends, of giants and fairies, of witches and wizards and of mythical creatures which inhabit the lakes and mountains. The Welsh language and culture thrives here with over 80 % of the inhabitants (including your hosts) Welsh Speaking.
Bala Lake
Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid in Welsh), in Gwynedd, was the largest natural body of water in Wales prior to the level being raised by Thomas Telford to help support the flow of the Llangollen Canal. It is 4 miles / 6.4 km long by a mile / 1.6 km wide) It is crossed by the River Dee and its waters are famously deep and clear. The town of Bala sits at its northern end and the narrow gauge Bala Lake Railway runs for several kilometres along the lake's southern shore. Bala Lake has abundant pike, European perch, trout, eel and gwyniad. It also contains the very rare mollusc Myxas glutinosa - the Glutinous snail. According to legend the lake is inhabited by a monster known affectionately as Teggie. Also according to legend, while the Dee itself flows into the lake, the waters never mix. The lake now forms part of the River Dee regulation System.
The Farming at Pant y March farm
When Geraint and Llinos bought Pant y March in 2007 they were very keen to develop the farm in a traditional but sustainable way. We farm 300 Welsh Mountain Ewes a hardy breed that stays out all year long. We added a sow called Ruth to the stock in 2008, and if all goes well there will be a farrow of piglets in the summer. We have a family of chickens that roam freely around the farm to supply us with endless supplies of delicious eggs and a friendly Samoyed dog that greet all visitors to the yard. Due to the mountainous nature of the farm it is a peaceful haven without the usual sound of the heavy machinery that one usually associates with a working farm. The farm was recently granted an The Organic Soil status.
The Pant y March farm family
When Geraint and Llinos purchased Pant y March, it really had a feeling of going back to one’s roots as Llinos’ grandfather was born here on this farm more than a century ago. They live here with their young daughter Martha. Llinos grew up on a farm the opposite side of the lake, and is a keen storyteller, walking guide and outdoor instructor, and enjoys leading environmental activities and teaching the Welsh language and culture.
Pets and horses allowed
You can bring dogs with you provided they are kept under control, and at certain times wewill ask you to keep them on a lead. Horses can be also accommodated with prior arrangement.
The location of the Feather Down tents
You can bring dogs with you provided they are kept under control, and at certain times we will ask you to keep them on a lead. It would also be aperfect place to bring your horse with you as we can provide you with a stable and there are bridle paths that go directly from the farm.
• Camp fire facilities
Gather your friends and family together for an evening beside the camp fire telling stories and toasting marshmallows!
>> Click here to make a reservation at Pant y March farm.
Why you’ll enjoy your stay at Pant y March• The location of the tents is jaw-droppingly beautiful with far reaching views over Bala Lake and The Arenig Mountain
• The tents are located in a sunny position enjoying awesome sunsets.
• Nearby there are streams, woods, badger sets, above will be buzzards and red kites.
• You’ll enjoy pure mountain air, far away from the maddening crowds.
• Children love the freedom of the farm. Pant y March it is a quiet sheep farm, there isn’t any dangerous vehicles hurtling around at speed which gives children freedom to roam, and peace of mind for parents.
• In the field next to the tents we have a den ‘in working progress’ so children that come and stay spend days adding bits and bobs to in, leaving their parents to enjoy the peace
• New for 2010 - We have set up an orienteering course around the farm to encourage children of all ages to explore
• Pure light un-polluted skies. People are amazed how pure the night sky is at Pant y March. It is bound to bring out the budding stargazer in you ( A Telescope can be hired – ask when booking).
• During the farm walk you will hear of local myths and legends of the area, as well as learn a little Welsh if you’re interested.
• It is a stunning 2 mile walk to the The Eagles Pub in Llanuwchllyn (they do lovely home cooked food), and as an added
bonus you can catch The Bala Lake Railway back to Llangywer at the bottom of the hill! A perfect way to spend Sunday! • Access to Bala Lake at Llangywer is a mile away where you’ll find a secluded beach, picnic area, parking and the Narrow Gauge Railway station
• Plenty of opportunities for wild swimming nearby!
• 2500ft+ Mountain walks within 15 minutes drive of the farm – The Aran, The Arenig and The Berwyn Mountains. The mountains of this area are as challenging and beautiful as the honey-pot areas to the north of Snowdonia National Park. The only difference being that you’ll have the paths and peaks all to yourselves!
• Bala is a mecca for water sports. Canoes/kayaks/sailing boats/rowing boats can all be hired from Bala Lake foreshore.
• If it is adrenalin you’re after it is worth investigating the rafting at The National White Water centre at Tryweryn
• For you food lovers there is the Michelin starred Tyddyn Llan restaurant 7 miles away
• For family cycling, nowhere beats the flat 9 mile Mawddach Cycling Trail which follows a disused railway track from Dolgellau to Barmouth. (ask for a bike rack when booking bikes).
• Within 45 minutes drive you will find endless empty sandy beaches, castles, prehistoric tombstones, slate-mines, Portmeirion Italian village, Mount Snowdon, Cadair Idris, Llangollen Canal (including the world famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct), the centre for Alternative Technology, Ewphoria Sheepdog centre, Pistyll Rhayder; Wales’ highest waterfall, 3 major mountain biking centres (closest being Coed y Brenin), various festivals in the summer including the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July.
>> Click here to make a reservation at Pant y March farm.
