An Off-Grid Anniversary Escape at Plas Weunydd
What’s it like staying at Barlwyd Shepherd’s Huts? We invited April to share her experience celebrating an anniversary, off-grid style. With their adorable pup Riley in tow, April and her partner spent a few days tucked away in one of our Barlwyd Shepherd’s Huts.
For a limited time you’ll get a free sauna session with your off-grid stay! And you’ll get 3 nights for the price of 2 on Sunday - Weds bookings.
When we first booked the Barlwyd Shepherd’s Huts at Plas Weunydd for our anniversary, we knew we wanted something different. No phones buzzing or endless to-do lists - just us, Riley, and the mountains. A couple of days to switch off, slow down, and soak up everything an off-grid escape has to offer.
Day One: Arrival and Blue Skies
The adventure began before we even got to the hut. Collecting our electric buggy from the hotel, we started out off-roading adventure into the hills. The huts sit high above Blaenau Ffestiniog, with incredible views of the town below and the peaks towering behind.
After a quick unpack, we stretched our legs with a short walk to get our bearings. The skies were bright blue, and the lake was so inviting that we couldn’t resist a dip. The water was icy cold, but that shock to the system left us feeling instantly re-energised.
In the evening, we headed back down to the main hotel for dinner. The menu was fantastic, with plenty of choice including vegan and vegetarian options. After retreating to the hut, we sat outside watching as the stars lit up above us. It was the kind of night you don’t forget, where the silence and the scenery make you feel like you’re the only ones in the world.
Day Two: Slow Living in the Clouds
We woke up content, the kind of deep sleep that only comes from being fully away from it all. For breakfast, we cooked up some scrambled eggs on toast to mark our anniversary, with Riley getting a celebratory share too.
The weather had turned, with low cloud and a moody grey sky hanging over the valley, but it only added to the atmosphere. Instead of heading out on a hike, we chose to embrace a slower pace of the day. We played cards, dug out the board games, and sat outside in the mist, listening to the silence that wrapped around the huts.
By the afternoon, we wandered back to the lake to try out the hidden sauna tucked away by the shore. Taking it in turns, one of us dipped into the freezing water while the other basked in the heat of the sauna. It was such a unique and refreshing experience — the contrast between icy lake swims and the wood-fired warmth left us both feeling alive and renewed.
As if on cue, the weather brightened in the evening. We had opted to include a pizza pack with our booking, so we got our chef hats on and whipped up dinner in the outdoor oven. The first attempt wasn’t exactly a masterpiece, but by round two, we were pros. After stuffing our faces, we retreated inside to the log burner. Riley had already claimed the best spot, curled up snug as a bug in front of the fire.
Day Three: Farewell Breakfast
Time to check out and it honestly felt like our stay had vanished in the blink of an eye. After our buggy ride back down the mountain, we headed into the main hotel to make the most of their buffet breakfast before hitting the road. It had all the essentials to fuel a day of adventures, whether you’re chasing an adrenaline rush at Zip World, tackling a mountain route, or enjoying a slow wander around town.
Why Plas Weunydd?
For us, this anniversary wasn’t about fancy city breaks or packed itineraries. It was about switching off, recharging in nature, and making space for time together. The Shepherd’s Huts at Plas Weunydd gave us just that, the perfect balance of comfort, adventure, and peace, with Riley snoozing happily by our side.
If you’re looking for somewhere to reconnect, whether it’s for a special occasion or just to escape the rush of everyday life, we couldn’t recommend it more.
You can find April on Instagram @riley.in.squares and @greatoutpawsuk and her website greatoutpaws.co.uk. Huge thank you to April for sharing her special weekend in North Wales!