Thursday 30 June 2011

8th trip - Cwm Cadnant Caernarfon

Our eighth trip was to Cwm Cadnant Valley in  Caernarfon in North Wales.
We went with Liz and Sean for 3 nights.
A really nice site in a handy location for loads of attractions in the area.
We originally were meant to have Gary and Ann with us but they had to cancel at the last minute.
All 3 of us had paid a non-refundable deposit for our 3 pitches (next to each other) and because Gary and Ann had cancelled so soon to the arrival time they were told they would still have to pay the whole amount, which they had accepted. Upon arrival they asked us for all the money owed including our absent friends'; fair enough, rules are rules. So I said it was ok we could spread out and use Gary and Ann's empty pitch to give us some extra playing area etc. but were told that our original 3 unit space was taken and we can have a 2 unit space because because there was only 2 of us now.
Oh dear, confrontation time!
So I said if we are paying for 3 pitches we must have 3 pitches, they can't rent the same pitch twice! The lady behind the counter couldn't deal with us and my angry face so went to get her husband who took one look at me and said, "no problem sir, 2 pitches 2 fees, have a nice stay." (he said something like that, can't remember precisely) Too right!
The lady owner did get a bit shirty with our kids when they walked mud into her recently cleaned shower room, but apart from that, it's a lovely site.
Locally we went to Caernarfon castle, round the back, not paying those prices. We went crab fishing behind the castle in the little harbour and we spent hours having a great time. The best bait to use is bacon, from a local butchers in the town. After many hours we let all the crabs go.




We also visited a National trust property, Penrhyn castle http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle/
We've been several times and it's always a fantastic day out for the family. A bit pricey if you are not members. My sister came to visit us one time when we were there and had to pay full price and she's as careful (tight) with her money as I am.
Penrhyn Castle

We also went to the Slate Museum in Llanberis Slate Museum's website

Cwm Cadnant Valley campsite