Barlwyd Shepherd's Huts

Remote, romantic and cosy, Barlwyd Shepherd's Huts offer a place to stay in a setting that’s almost otherworldly, positioned high on a hillside among the slate quarries and mountains of Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales. The fact you reach your hut by golf buggy adds another lunar dimension – but step inside and you’ll instantly feel at home. Everything you need for a night or two is provided under the curved roof of these off-grid cabins. They're a great option for adventurous couples who want to explore this former industrial landscape, slap bang in the middle of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.

There are five shepherd’s huts up on the winding trails that lead across high moorland, above the former Llechwedd Slate Mine site. It’s a secluded spot a mile or so from the adrenaline-producing adventures the area has become known for – namely zip lines, mountain biking and underground caverns. As you venture higher and higher, the views get better and better. It’s those spectacular scenes that really set this accommodation apart, although the shepherd's huts themselves will wow you too.

Each is a snug bolthole for two – small enough to be cosy but big enough for a decent-sized bed and a bathroom, with a flushing toilet and a hot water shower. Water comes from a tank, powered via battery. There’s a kitchenette, space to sit and an all-important log burner that keeps things warm when the wind blows outside. The huts are well-finished, furnished and dressed, and we wouldn’t expect anything less. They're part of a family of accommodation options in the Llechwedd mine which include Llechwedd Glamping and Plas Weunydd hotel.

The hotel, just a mile down the hill, neighbours Zip World’s Llechwedd site, where you can explore caverns, bounce on underground trampolines and ride a zip line from half the height of Yr Wfydda (Snowdon). There’s Antur Stiniog too, a mountain bike park with a lift, and plenty of hiking trails. If you want to conquer Yr Wfydda itself, that’s only half an hour away along with all the other adventures of the Eryri National Park.