**Going Off-Grid in Snowdonia: An Unforgettable Stay in a Remote Shepherd’s Hut**
Venturing into the wild and windswept moors of Blaenau Ffestiniog may not be everyone’s idea of a relaxing weekend escape, particularly when greeted by relentless Welsh rain and a chilling breeze. Yet, for a growing number of adventure-starved travellers, the lure of the remote, the romantic and the resolutely off-grid is proving too tempting to resist. It was with such motives that I found myself checking in—via the unlikely means of a golf buggy—to a secluded shepherd’s hut at Barlwyd Glamping, perched high among the UNESCO-listed slate quarries of North Wales.
In stark contrast to your typical accommodation arrival, here you don’t collect a room key at a polished reception desk. Instead, the check-in process involves the hasty loading of rain-soaked bags into an electric cart as the storm threatens to dampen spirits further. Any reservations seem amplified by the journey’s bumpy climb over gravel tracks, weaving between ancient hills that appear lifted from a gothic novel. Yet, despite the grim weather and initial bewilderment, the promise of an off-grid adventure began to shine through.
Barlwyd Glamping markets its patchwork of five shepherd’s huts as idyllic retreats for modern wanderers seeking a taste of wild Wales. The setting certainly helps paint the picture: each hut appears through the mist as though surfacing in some literary drama, solitary against a backdrop of dramatic quarryland and moor. By the time we arrived at our hut, soaked but spirited, I was more than ready to discover if reality could live up to the billing of “charming outposts for those needing a wildly romantic adventure”.
Stepping into the shepherd’s hut delivered immediate comfort. There’s an almost storybook charm to the set-up: a king-size bed piled high with colourful cushions to one side, a wood-burning stove ready to banish the damp, and a petite kitchenette and en-suite shower to the other. Here, luxury meets sustainability. Completely off-grid, the huts run on eco-friendly hydro power and feature integrated water and sewage systems. There’s no conventional electricity supply, though a battery pack is provided for those in need of a phone charge—a subtle nudge to disconnect from modern life’s clamour.
While the huts lack mains power (meaning no chance for hairdryers or laptops), they exude a sense of lived-in comfort. Essentials are thoughtfully provided, from crockery and utensils to a compact fridge and stove. Each hut is dog-friendly and features a water tank, allowing for a hot shower—so long as you’re mindful not to linger under the spray, as we quickly discovered when the hot water ran out mid-soak.
Dining options hinge on both your culinary prowess and the weather. A gas barbecue stands outside for fairer evenings, but on stormy nights, the nearby Plas Weunydd hotel offers a warm fire and hearty fare, including a standout homemade chicken curry. Despite the adverse weather that curtailed al-fresco meals, the hut’s appeal steadily grew, thanks to the enveloping silence—a rare commodity in an always-on world. There’s no rumble of passing cars, no torrent of emails, just wide windswept views, scattered sheep and a liberating absence of notifications.
The sense of seclusion is matched by a unique amenity: each Barlwyd hut guest has exclusive access to the site’s ‘wildness sauna’, a wood-fired barrel perched on the moor with panoramic views over the Ffestiniog mountains and a neighbouring lake. Even a confirmed sceptic of wellness trends would find some solace here. As the clouds cleared, sunlight spilled across the tapestry of hills, revealing heather and moss in golden hues.
The sauna, for many, becomes the highlight of the experience. There is restorative power in the tranquillity of the setting and the steamy warmth after a brisk hill walk. Whether you believe in its spiritual healing or simply appreciate the chance to unwind, the benefits are palpable—a sense of calm, a break from routine, and, perhaps above all, the joy of being utterly unreachable for a brief stretch of time.
While the thought of being without the internet, television or even a reliable phone signal might alarm some, it’s precisely this enforced digital detox that proves the most memorable takeaway from a stay at Barlwyd. Freed from the pressures of constant connectivity, guests are afforded the space to listen to the wind or the gentle bleating of sheep, to stoke the fire and sip wine, and to relish the simple pleasure of being present.
In summary, Barlwyd Glamping’s shepherd’s huts offer an authentic escape into the wild heart of Wales—one where a stormy evening can feel both dramatic and welcoming, thanks to snug interiors and the enveloping tranquillity of the landscape. Visitors leave not only with memories of adventure, but also, perhaps, with a new appreciation for the peace found in switching off, even just for a weekend.
For those longing to trade hectic schedules and endless notifications for sweeping vistas and restorative silence, this off-grid retreat could provide just the tonic. Just don’t forget to bring a dependable raincoat.