Backwoods Camping at Penmaenuchaf, Penmaenpool, North Wales

Waterproof bivouac strung between two trees Ray Mears style
with enough room to sit alongside campfire during rain.

With proper planning and suitable equipment backwoods camping is ten times better than camping on a purpose built campsite.

In reality, the location where I normally pitch up camp is only a few miles from the Penmaenpool village but because of its isolated hilltop position it still seems pretty remote. Especially if a wintery gale is howling down the Mawddach Estuary.

Mike removing a dead tree
stump at Penmaenuchaf.

I have camped out in all weathers at Penmaenuchaf and as late in the year as December when camping becomes a bit more of a challenge than a mere midsummer jaunt in the woods.

I made the bivouac, pictured, to meet my own specification and it has succesfully endured torrential rain, ice, wind and the heat of the fire. On the underside there is a line for hanging washing and plates etc.