Graig Wen Glamping-Empress Quarry Wagons

Enjoy our fantastic location in Snowdonia National Park from the comfort of Empress, our only en suite wagon! We're close to the coast on the beautiful Mawddach Estuary Trail between seaside Barmouth and historic Dolgellau. Perfect for cycling to the beach or heading into the hills to explore waterfalls, woods and mountains.

What’s Inside?

The larger of our two new Quarry Wagons, Empress can sleep 4 in a standard size double bed and 2 optional 6ft 1? bunk beds/seating area. The small en suite shower room is heated and also has a wash basin and flushing loo.

The wagon is fully insulated with an infrared heater for instant warmth at the flick of a switch. There’s electric lighting and a USB charge point. Because sometimes you need to stay connected, there’s 4G on site and free wifi near reception

You can whip up simple meals in the kitchenette with a gas hob, sink and cool box inside the wagon . Cooking implements and crockery are provided. There’s also use of a fridge freezer close at hand. Four people can sit around a dining table over which the double bed simply pulls down at bedtime.

Double bedding is provided so just bring towels and sleeping bags for bunks if needed.

Please note the top bunk is not suitable for children aged 6 years or under.

You can park one vehicle right by the wagon so it’s easy to get settled in with your luggage.

Order takeaway croissants and barista coffee for breakfast then sit back and relax around your fire-pit with a chilled craft beer from our shop!

Home-built with local timber

During the winter lockdown of 2021 we built the wagons from scratch to our own design, just as we did with Jones, our shepherd’s hut. The wagons are clad with rosy Douglas Fir timber produced locally and ecologically in the Esgair Forest. The forest is part of the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Reserve, which supports sustainable livelihoods based on healthy environments. The wagon’s sleek interior is made from sustainable birch plywood, giving it a light and airy modern feel.

Outdoor space

There is a private seating area with fairy lights right outside the wagon. We are in the Snowdonia Dark Skies Reserve so it’s perfect for sitting at the picnic table and star-gazing around the fire bowl – and of course toasting marshmallows! Children can find freedom to explore (under supervision) in our adjacent 40 odd acres of wild woods and fields.

Location

The two new quarry wagons, Empress and Small Duchess, are less secluded than our yurts and shepherd’s hut, located on the small camper van area of our camp site. You’ll have a few neighbours in up to half a dozen camper vans/caravans (less in winter) but our site is very quiet, laid back and friendly. Empress Wagon is tucked away in the corner, sheltered by trees. So although views are limited, you only have a few steps to walk to the shared seating area by our breathtaking viewpoint.

If you’re happy being a little less secluded with more in the way of home comforts, you’ll enjoy a stay in Empress whatever the weather. However If you’d rather be away from everyone and off grid, then you might like to consider Idris yurt or sharing the hidden glade with a few other glampers.

What are quarry wagons?

Similar in design to shepherd’s huts, we were inspired to call our new designs “quarry wagons” to reflect the typical Snowdonia industrial heritage of our location.

Our smart new wagons are sited where, in Victorian times, rock was brought on much more basic, open topped wagons from Ty’n y Coed slate quarry just down the road. The rock was split into roofing slates in the building which now houses our adjacent holiday cottages.