Club Site Virgins
We only joined the club to gain access to CL sites. I'm a bit anti-social (in that hell is other people and I feel ill at the thought of being on a site with more than a dozen outfits: and even worse a children's play area😨!!). However, we've decided to climb Mount Snowden in the summer and a want a dog friendly site (yes I know that this would be some folks own personal hell 😀), that's not miles away and have discovered that most of the sites nearby are large commercial sites or club sites....sigh.....can anyone answer the following questions:
1. Has anyone stayed at Bron Dewr cl and does it feel like a CL, as I know it's adjacent to two other larger sites?
2. Which would be the best club site to stay on in terms of not being too busy?
3. Is it true that people arrive early at club sites and you have to wait in a queue whilst people choose their pitch?!
4. How official is the checking in procedure? Do you find a pitch then go to reception or vice versa? We're used to just arriving at a CL and pitching on whichever free pitch takes our fancy or whichever one we've been pre-allocated.
Finally, I know that some people prefer club sites to cls and I don't wish to cause offence but I've read so many worrying posts on here that it has always put me off booking them!
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Yes, Bron Derw does feel like a CL still and the other two sites are not bad either. You are about 15 mins from Llanrwst town.
Nearest club site would be Coed Y Llwyn in Gellillidan which or though a large site does have lots of smaller areas and quite a good dog area. Also has a really good pub accross the road.
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3. Is it true that people arrive early at club sites and you have to wait in a queue whilst people choose their pitch?!
4. How official is the checking in procedure? Do you find a pitch then go to reception or vice versa? We're used to just arriving at a CL and pitching on whichever free pitch takes our fancy or whichever one we've been pre-allocated.
Generally I arrive at a club site shortly after earliest arrival time. Rarely more than one or two in front. Walk into office and book in. Usually less than 10 mins by the time my turn to book and drive through the barrier. Choose own pitch from those available of the type you have booked to use and tell reception the pitch number when set up
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It’s as Easy said but if you go during school hols or bank hols then common sense tells you it will be busier.
Fear not as, outside of peak season, things are generally pretty quiet and laid back. Don’t believe everything you read on the forum.
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The cheaper sites are probably the least busy but if you look on the late availability pages you should get an idea by the numbers of them left.
People do arrive early but it is up to the wardens as to how they deal with it. Some let them in but others will make them wait meaning a queue at midday. On a couple you will be turned round and sent away if you turn up early. You choose your pitch after checking in by just driving round and finding the one you like best.
You do tend to get a lecture on pitching to the peg but otherwise the process is relaxed.
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what is written on here and what actually happens on site are two very very different things.
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We don’t you try Beddgelert. It’s back in the hands of the Forestry Commission now I think, and not the gorgeous laid back Site it once was, but has a small touring area that looks rather nice. Great for Snowdon as well.
If you are primarily CL users, much like us, then you will get a tad frustrated with Club Sites and all the much emphasised do’s and don’ts, but avoid arriving within an hour of site allowing tourers on and you will be fine. Usual routine is pull up by reception, book in, you will be given a site map. Wardens may or may not indicate where vacant pitches are, or leave you to drive round to find your own if Site isn’t busy. Not sure if you still get the short “you must pitch like this” guidance, illustrated with models😂, but just go with it, it’s for the benefit of all. Once you choose your pitch, you just set up then let Wardens know your pitch number later. If you do choose a Club Site, you can take a look at the site plan online and choose area of site you fancy, but you cannot book a pitch. If it’s busy time expect reduced pitch choice. Sites are usually nice, great for people watching, not as friendly as CLs, but still worth visiting. If you choose one with toilet blocks, and decide to use site facilities, check cleaning times, usually at the most inconvenient times for majority of visitors, but hey ho, you won’t be phased as you are probably used to using your own onboard facilities. Bit of a cynics guide, but you just go with the flow.........😁
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We used Brondewr quite a few years ago before the publicity of it being named in one of the CL of the year awards. It was fine and we didn't have any problems with the 2 sites adjacent. If you become a regular CL user you will find some owners maximising their space available with additional sites but outside the boundaries of the CL. It doesn't happen often but keep an eye out for it if it upsets you.
The previous respondents have all answered your queries about sites. Just to add we stayed at Coed-Y-Llwyn and found a little enclave in which to pitch, a bit like a CL but more regimented. Sites will tend to contain children during school holidays and at weekends. It really depends how long and when you intend to travel.
Bear in mind that both this club site and the CL at Llanwrst will leave you with a journey of about 20 miles. There are a few sites nearer to Snowdon but have no personal experience of them. Try looking on
for more information including up to date reviews. You don't have to pay to join and it is quite a useful website for site searching.
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If you don't mind me saying so TheBells if hell is other people then you have picked the most overcrowded and busy tourist time of the year to visit Snowdon. Crowded car parks, groups of tourists and people everywhere! You might even find peace on a larger club site if families have gathered on CLs for their Summer breaks. So think carefully about the timing of your visit.
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Have to echo that. Snowdon summit is usually heaving, folks queuing to have their photo taken, most of the paths will be more like processional routes, and don’t even think about trying Crib Goch scramble.
Link to Beddgelert Campsite https://www.beddgelertcampsite.co.uk/facilities/
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Morning
I've been a club site warden for the past nine years and I can categorically state that this forum is more than a million miles away from life on a club site.
JK
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good post
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Worth mentioning for the benefit of the OP that there is no longer any requirement to place one's caravan on the pitch as demonstrated with the models. It is just as acceptable to place it "the other end in", which is often the way to get the best view.
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Thank you all so much for the advice.
Brue and Take the Dog Along: I completely agree we're mad to go to such a popular area in the summer, but we're doing the three peaks (Scafell in May, Ben Nevis in June), and hubby wants to do Snowdon in July/August whereas I'd prefer September when the school hols are over!
I'm off to Google some of your suggestions now😊
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