Wild Camping in Wales: A Weekend at Coco's Wild Camp

James
4 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 10 hours ago

After another week of grim, rainy weather in Birmingham, I spotted a decent forecast for the weekend and didn't think twice. Time to get out. Coco's Wild Camping in Wales is one of my favourite spots. I've been a number of times, usually on the Royal Enfield or in the Fiat campervan.

This time I took the van. With temperatures forecast to be properly hot, having the shade of the canopy and more importantly the Totalcool 45L fridge freezer keeping the beers and food cold was going to be essential. I packed up the campervan, loaded the gear, and set off solo.

The Route Stopping off on the Way:

The drive takes around two hours direct, but I never go direct. Half the point of a trip like this is the journey, so I always stop off to pick up decent produce on the way. That way, when I get to Coco's I can properly switch off there's not much nearby so once you're there, you're there.

Ludlow Farm Shop:

First stop is always Ludlow Farm Shop. A flat white coffee and a pork pie for the road ahead, plus a few bits bread, sauces, whatever looks good. It's a great delicatessen that sells locally soured meats, cheeses, just about everything you might need.

A J Pugh's Butcher, Knighton:

Next is Pugh's butcher on the Welsh border in Knighton a brilliant local shop with proper Welsh meat. I always try to pick up Welsh lamb and homemade welsh dragon sausages here, especially in spring. Given that Coco's is a working sheep farm, cooking Welsh lamb on the BBQ that evening just adds to the whole experience. Welsh lamb really is the best.

Arriving at Coco's Wild Camp:

Once you get there you head up the hill, turn right, pass Coco the donkey, a highlight in itself, and check in with the owner Steve or one of his family members.

It's £10 per adult and £2.5 per child one of the best value nights away you'll find anywhere. Fire pits and wood are an extra cost if you need them.

There are three levels to the site:

Levels 1 & 2: One is more sheltered closer to the main entrance, 2 is higher with great views and and the cafe, this is where some people stay

Level 3: This is where I always aim if the conditions are right. The views up there are genuinely unbelievable, and on a hot day there's usually a decent breeze to take the edge off.

It's wild camping. There are compost toilets and water points dotted around the site, and at weekends a little mobile café opens up on level two doing homemade burgers, hot dogs, chips, and a proper breakfast in the morning. Their breakfast roll and coffee is the best way to start the day up there.

Finding a Spot:

It takes me a little while to find the right pitch. I like to be away from other vans and people if I can help it, but with 400 acres of working farm to spread out across, it's never difficult.

The Afternoon:

Set up was easy. I got my Anker solar panels facing towards the sun, plug them in to my Totalcool fridge and start switching off. Music on, cider in hand, taking in the views from level three and getting a few photos. I then had a little afternoon kip before thinking about dinner which is honestly one of the great pleasures of a solo camp.

Dinner Barnsley Lamb Chops on the BBQ:

I got the coals going on the Heston Blumenthal bbq cube and waited until they were properly grey and settled no smoke, no black coals before cooking.

The menu: Barnsley lamb chops marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and a BBQ rub with grilled courgettes dressed in garlic, herbs, lemon juice, fresh mint, and a yogurt sauce.

The lamb chops came out exactly how i like it crisp on the outside, the fat properly rendered and caramelised, pink in the middle. Sitting there eating that with those views in front of me, there aren't many better meals I can think of.

Once the sun gone a little I lit the Coco's wild camp branded fire pit, a few more beers, and a gin & tonic, I watched the stars come out. Perfect place for star gazing.

Morning:

After a brilliant night's sleep on the Duvalay mattress I packed up, headed down the hill, and grabbed a breakfast roll local sausages, bacon, hash brown, egg, and a coffee from the mobile café. Sat on one of the benches for a bit before heading back to Birmingham feeling genuinely more chilled out and relaxed.

Coco's Wild Camp: The Verdict

If you want to chill out and relax with unmatched views of the Welsh hills, this wild camping in Wales spot is hard to beat."

The Pros: Unbelievable views from level three, massive space to find a solo pitch, brilliant value at £10, and excellent breakfast rolls.
The Cons: It is wild camping there are no electric hookups and it's compost toilets only. Come prepared to be self-sufficient. Its not really a Con as i prefer these types of places to big commercial campsites.
The Staff: Steve is always on hand if you need any help
The Golden Rule: This is a strict leave no trace campsite. Make sure you pack up and clean up all your rubbish, and remember to return your fire pits on the way out. Be sure to follow all the site rules, which you can find directly on their website below.
FAQs — Coco's Wild Camp
Final Score: 9/10. An absolute favourite spot that never disappoints me.