Cae Ddel Country Camping

Liked: .

Disliked: I have thought long and hard about posting this review but have decided to do so for two reasons: firstly I cannot knowingly let someone, or more importantly someone's dog, suffer as I and my dog did here. Secondly, the owners complete lack of response to the issue.

There are some positives about the site. The toilets are showers are lovely and whole site is a wildlife haven (unfortunately too much so...read on).

But what the owner has done as created the perfect environment for midges to lay there eggs. The dense silver birch woods with thick fern undergrowth attracts the female midges (the ones that bitch) in their billions.

It was already quite bad when I arrived at 3pm but by 5pm it was off the scale. I have experienced the worst that the Scottish Highlands have to offer and trekked in the jungles of Sumatra and I have never been as uncomfortable and as miserable as I was over the next 16 hours. I could cover myself with clothing and a mosquito net but it was still awful. My poor dog couldn't and he was bitten relentlessly. By 5:30 we'd retreated to the tent but could get no relief there as they got in through the mesh vents. I tried to cook. I tried to have a fire. It was horrible. I slept (very little) in the mosquito net. I buried the dog under a blanket.

At 7am I opened the tent hoping for an improvement but expecting the worst. It was even worse than I imagined.

I had paid for 5 nights but couldn't stay a second longer so broke down camp, packed the car, had a shower (leaving an expensive towel...which I'm clearly never going to get back) and left. My dogs ears swelled up like balloons because of the hundreds of bites and I had to seek medication care for him.

I emailed the owner telling her I had left and why. Just a simple one liner, not upset or asking for a refund. 5 days later I have had no response. I have noticed another recent review who had pretty much the exact experience as I did and the owner simply gave a glib response about using insect repellent. Well I was covered in the stuff and the attached photo shows the consequences of exposing my arms for no more than 30 minutes in total on her site.

Additionally the site is no where near as peaceful as you might expect or be led to believe. The road with frequent heavy lorries and quarry traffic hurtling down a long straight but bumpy section at 60mph was metres from my pitch.

Finally the owner also contacted me on an email that was not provided to her by PitchUp. It was close (hence I received it), but different. This is a breach of GDPR law and the owner must do better if she doesn't want to get a fine should a data breach like this be reported.

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From the manager: I'm very sorry to hear your stay was spoilt by midges. Seeing the picture of your terrible reaction I understand that you left early. I am also sorry I missed your email letting me know, if I had seen it I certainly would have replied. I hope you and your dog have both recovered. I think the midges were at their worst during your night.
As our site is only a field away from the road, making it handy for all local beaches and attractions, there can occasionally be traffic noise and unfortunately during your stay it was the week the farmers were collecting the silage and passing frequently with tractors and trailers which are louder than usual.
Again, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your stay, but thankyou for your kind mention of our clean shower and toilet facilities.

Liked: Lovely area, decor of the facilities.

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From the manager: Thanks for your great review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed your stay.

Liked: Quiet, cool converted horsebox loos and showers. Lovely little woodland walk. Outside seats covered so you can sit outside when if it's raining. Lovely friendly owner.

Disliked: Satnav takes you past the field, so drive slowly in case you miss it.

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Liked: Woodland Pitches.
Peaceful site away from civilization, yet at the same time conveniently located.
Tastefully styled and very functional/clean facilities.
Gateway to Snowden National Park.
The birds were singing on arrival so that tells you something!

Disliked: Nothing!

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Liked: Ist time camp with 2 labradors...
My Grandson, my dogs & I loved the woodland walk.
The dogs enjoyed running around off lead chasing each other in the designated enclosed dog field.
As a family who value peace, tranquility & privacy the location was ideal, ideal pitch size.
All the facilities were clean & fresh & we thoroughly appreciate what is on offer here in this hidden gem.
Thank you for an absolutely wonderful stay, we didn't want to leave.

Disliked: There is nothing to dislike here.

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Liked: Cae Ddel is a great campsite.

If you want to have a quiet time, enjoy camping and just need the basic facilities it is perfect.

If you need to disconnect from modern life, you'll find the lack of interruptions from the internet an ideal "digital detox". There is no WiFi or mobile internet access here.

The site only opened this year and Frances and her partner have created a little oasis near the village of Rhoslan.

The toilet block and showers are in a well equipped trailer and are kept very clean and tidy.

If you're travelling on foot, there is a bus service between Rhoslan and Criccieth, or you can walk the 4km to the train station.

Each pitch has a wooden hut where four people can comfortably sit, socialise and prepare food.

The nearest shops are in Criccieth, so make sure you bring a few days supply of food and drinks with you.

There is a beautiful woodland walk within the site. There are lots of trees and a couple of ponds that have plenty of birds and wildlife.

I really enjoyed my stay at Cae Ddel and I wish the owners all the best for the future.

Matt

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Liked: Small and quiet campsite
Nice toilets/showers
Dog run and short walk through forest
Friendly host

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Liked: Good space given, nicely sheltered from the wind and cute and clean facilities!

Disliked: We took a gamble entering the campsite as there wasn't any signage, but luckily we were right. ☺️

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Liked: The campsite offered plenty of space for the children to explore. Loved the trailer (toilet and shower block).

Diolch.

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Liked: Toilets and showers: everything new and well mantained!

Disliked: A bit too close to the road that can be quite noisy during the weekend

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