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There’s something magical about turning the key in a Volkswagen California Ocean and watching the everyday melt in the rearview mirror. We picked up our gleaming home-on-wheels from Easicampers Blackburn, and by the time we hit the motorway, the only thing we were worried about was whether we’d packed enough bacon. Spoiler alert: we had.
Night 1: Lake Bala Bliss
Our first stop was the beautiful Pant yr Onnen campsite, right on the shores of Lake Bala. It’s the kind of place that forces you to breathe deeper. Being the only lakeside spot where fires are allowed, it would’ve been rude not to have a BBQ. There’s something primeval about grilling sausages with your toes in the lake and a chilled drink in hand, as the sun dips behind the hills. The van had everything we needed—and more—and made us feel like seasoned adventurers, even if our wildest struggle was choosing ketchup or relish.
Saturday: Sun, Sea, and Pub Envy
Saturday saw us coasting through the rolling roads of Snowdonia toward Abersoch—a place I’d never been to and now wonder why I ever left off the list. Quaint streets, sea views, and surf shops give it a relaxed vibe. We strolled, explored, and then refuelled at the newly renovated St Tudwals Inn, where the decor and menu were just as charming as the town.
After lunch, we indulged a detour to Pwllheli, purely because I wanted to stare longingly at yachts and pretend I knew starboard from stern. Huge thanks to my wife and daughter for smiling politely while I imagined us sailing the Med. (Spoiler: we left yachtless (for now), but spiritually buoyed.)
Saturday Night: Waves & Wind
Our next stop was Blackrock Sands. It was blustery, sure—but falling asleep to the roar of the waves with the pop-top roof slightly swaying? Absolutely dreamy. Windy perfection. The bacon and sausage butties we had the next morning tasted even better eaten to the soundtrack of seagulls and surf.
Sunday: Slate, Sheep, and Surprise Speed
Next up: Llanfair Slate Caverns—an unexpected highlight. Let me tell you, if you ever think your job is tough, take a stroll through a 19th-century slate mine and recalibrate your definition of “hard graft.” Fascinating, humbling, and full of stories carved in stone.
Then came the petting zoo detour, a supposed side quest that turned into a full feature film. Our 26-year-old daughter turned into a 6-year-old the moment she saw a goat. When they announced it was feeding time for the lambs and baby goats, my wife and daughter sprinted with an urgency I haven’t seen since the Boxing Day sales. An hour later, I had to pry them away with the promise of ice cream in Barmouth.
We lunched, wandered the beautiful coastal town, and ended the day happy, slightly sun-blushed, and probably smelling faintly of hay.
Monday: The Big Climb
We started early at Hendre Mynach campsite, fuelled up with coffee and determination, and pointed our boots at Snowdon, taking the Llanberis Path—known as the “easiest,” but that’s campervan-speak for “it’s still a mountain, you know.”
The climb was breathtaking—in every sense. And the summit? Majestic. Wild. Pure Wales. There’s no photo that quite captures it—but the pride in my aching legs came close. And yes, the beer at the top was not just earned, it was necessary.
Final Stop: Llandudno Magic
After the descent and a victorious van-load of high-fives, we made our final stop at Llandudno. A late lunch, a wander along the elegant Victorian pier, and a visit to Little Orme, where we were lucky enough to spot some seals doing their best impressions of beach bums. It was the perfect full stop on our North Wales adventure.
Until Next Time…
What made the weekend so special? Freedom. Fresh air. Fires by the lake. Hugs with baby goats. Views from the top of the world. And the kind of laughs that only happen when you forget the itinerary and just follow the road.
A massive thank you to Easicampers Blackburn for supplying us with a spotless, fully-equipped Volkswagen California Ocean that never missed a beat. Everything worked like a dream, from the fold-out beds to the fridge stocked with snacks. We wanted for nothing—except maybe that yacht.
Until next time, North Wales. We’ll be back—with or without a herd of goats.
For more information on our range of campers and motorhomes get in touch with our local Blackburn Branch.
Phone us on 01254 495999
Email us bookings@easicampers.com
Visit our site https://easicampervanhire.com/campervan-hire-blackburn/
