Girlguiding Caernarfonshire, Wales

FELIN BACH

Felin Bach twin hostels & campsite


Girlguiding Caernarfonshire Headquarters

Felin Bach is set in its own attractive woodlands on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, a quarter of a mile from the village of Caeathro.

Felin Bach guiding hostels and campsite It is ideally situated for hill walking yet convenient to the historic town of Caernarfon with its medieval castle. The area abounds with natural beauty and many interesting attractions all within a half-hour journey time.

Situated in a sheltered position in the woodland this is a stone built stable block converted into two comfortable hostels set around a tarmac courtyard which has a covered entrance with metal gates and a large craft or activity room.

Both hostels are carpeted throughout and include a recreation or dining room. A double shower room and 3 flush toilets. The kitchens are fully equipped with a six-burner gas cooker, microwave, fridges and freezer together with kettles, pans, utensils, crockery and cutlery. All beds have sprung box mattresses and covers but not bedding. Central heating is in all rooms except the craft room and is charged for separately. Electric (power and lighting) and gas (for cooking) is supplied through £1 coin meters. There are 13amp power sockets throughout. Vacuum cleaners are provided.

Felin Bach also offers an Activity Trail set in the woodlands, which includes:

  • cargo net
  • monkey rungs
  • balancing planks
  • poles and ropes
NB: Adult supervision must be provided for this activity at all times.

Seiont hostel


(named after the river running through Caernarfon)

Sleeps 23

Comprises: Two dormitories with pine bunk beds accommodating 18 (10 + 8) and a leaders' room accommodating 5 in two bunk beds and one put-u-up bed. All bedrooms have cupboards and chairs.

Eryri hostel


(Welsh for Snowdonia)

Sleeps 27
Wheelchair accessibleDisabled wheelchair access available at Eryri Hostel

Comprises: One dormitory accommodating 20, with 8 pine bunk beds and 4 single beds and a leaders' room accommodating 7 in two bunk beds and three single beds. Both bedrooms have cupboards and chairs.

Camping field


Adjacent to the hostels, Felin Bach's 11 acre campsite has ample space for 500 campers.

Although unequipped, there is a toilet block with 4 flush toilets, 4 wash basins and 1 shower with hot and cold running water. There are two water taps close by. Wood and altar fires are allowed on request.

A stone building on the site has a fireplace for drying, and also houses two freezers and two fridges. It can be used as an emergency shelter or a meeting room - it has a table and chairs. There is also a Portakabin that is ideal for some activities such as crafts.

Useful information

How to get there

Map of location for Felin Bach hostels



MAPS:
Leisure Map (1:25,000) Sheet 16 or (1:50,000) Sheet 15

Felin Bach's grid reference is SH504622

Nearest Bus Station : Caernarfon
Nearest train Station : Bangor
Felin Bach is on bus route KMP95

Bookings

These should be made through the booking secretary.
Mrs. Jean Roberts
Contact:

Arrival and Departure times

The hostels are available for occupation from 2.00pm on the day of arrival and should be vacated by 11.00am on the day of departure, unless previously agreed.

Vehicle parking

Please park in the car park at the side of Eryri for the hostels.
Cars and Mini-buses are able to drive onto the campsite but, in the interest of safety, we would request that vehicle movement be kept to a minimum.

Canoeing & Activities

Canoeing is available on Llyn Padarn, LLanberis.
We have 8 canoes with paddles, life jackets and helmets for hire - possibly with instructor - but you must arrange your own insurance.
Contact Jill Stott - for general enquiries.

Please note:

  • Snowdonia is classed as Wild Country by the Department of Environment and not merely fell walking country. Any expedition should be registered before departure and must have leaders qualified for the type of excursion planned. All members of the party must have appropriate clothing and footwear and be properly equipped.
  • When planning activities please take into account that Felin Bach is within a farming community and that the country code needs to be observed at all times.

Local information

SOUVENIRS:
Inexpensive souvenirs are available. To book the shop during your stay please email Jill or Peter Stott at .

SHOPS:
The local village garage has a small shop. Main shops are in Caernarfon.

MEDICAL CONTACTS:
Doctor:    Dr. Williams, Waunfawr, Caernarfon.
Tel: 01286 650223
Hospital: Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor (A&E)
Tel: 01248 384384

Safety, Terms and conditions

Health and Safety

Please note: Girlguiding Caernarfonshire has a written Health and Safety Policy that is displayed in both hostels. This includes Risk Assessments for general use of the buildings and campsite and also Fire Risk Assessments. Please make yourselves familiar with these as soon as possible after arrival. The hostels have a comprehensive fire safety alarm system with emergency lighting together with fire extinguishers and fire blankets. There is lighting for the courtyard and sensor-controlled lighting around the outside of the hostels.

Wood Fires

These are permitted so long as the turf is removed and replaced afterwards. There is also a campfire circle for use.

Damage and breakages

These must be reported to the warden and be paid for.

Rubbish

As much as possible should be burned, tins flattened and bottles washed. The nearest recycling centre is at Cibyn Industrial Estate, Caernarfon. Any rubbish that cannot be burned or recycled must be put into plastic sacks, the top tied, then placed in the wheelie bin provided. This is collected from the lay-by early morning of each Wednesday.