A Cosy Mid Wales Escape: What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind.)
There’s something special about heading off to a tucked-away cabin in the Welsh countryside. The views, the peace, the slow mornings with a cuppa in hand. It’s all part of the magic. But when you're swapping city noise for birdsong and screens for stargazing, it can be tricky to know what to pack.
Whether you're a first-timer or one of our lovely regulars, here’s a handy guide to what to bring (and what you’re best leaving at home) for your stay at Coety Bach.
The essentials
Start with the sensible stuff:
Layered clothing – The weather can change quickly in the hills, so pack for sunshine and showers
Swimwear – For a soak in the wood-fired hot tub under the stars
Walking boots or wellies – Especially handy if you’re heading off over Shaky Bridge or fancy an adventure in the Elan Valley
Extra towels – We provide bath towels, but extras come in handy for the hot tub or drying off soggy dogs
Torch or headlamp – You’ll find solar and outdoor lights in and around the cabin, but it’s worth bringing a torch if you’re planning to head out after dark
Reusable water bottles – The tap water comes straight from the hills and is lovely and fresh
Chargers – Even if you don’t plan on using your phone, it’s worth having one to hand
Binoculars – No need to pack these, we provide a pair in the cabin for birdwatching, spotting wildlife across the valley and stargazing the dark skies.
Also worth bearing in mind, everything you bring needs to be carried up the slope from the parking area to the cabin. It’s not far, but it is fairly steep. A couple of smaller bags or a rucksack are often easier to manage than one big suitcase. (We provide a wheelbarrow to help with your belongings)
The “glad we brought it” list
These are the bits our guests often say made all the difference:
Your favourite food and snacks – Something easy for the evening when you just want to nibble and relax
A good book or journal – With no TV, it's a good excuse to settle in with a story or jot down a few thoughts
Your tipple of choice – Whether it’s something warming in a flask or a bottle of something local to sip by the fire
A warm blanket or two – Ideal for snuggling up under the stars
Tea, coffee and sugar – We pop a few basics in to get you started, but if you’ve got a favourite blend or brew, it’s worth bringing your own
No need to bring games (Unless you have a favourite) , we’ve got a few cards and board games tucked away for quiet evenings in.
If you’re bringing your dog
We love dogs here. To help your four-legged friend settle in, we recommend:
Their bed or blanket – It gives them their own cosy spot and keeps the furniture paw-print free
Dog towels – Especially handy if they've been paddling or rolling (We have a dog wash around the back of the cabin)
Bowls, lead and bags – All the usual bits
The garden is fully enclosed so they can sniff around safely, and there are plenty of lovely dog-friendly walks nearby.
What to leave behind
Candles – We’re a candle-free cabin for safety and insurance reasons, but the indoor and outdoor lighting gives the same soft glow
Too many clothes – You’ll likely live in comfy layers, and Llandrindod’s not far if you forget anything
Anything that pings or buzzes – You’ll soon find you don’t need it
Stress – It’s not welcome here, and there’s nowhere to plug it in anyway
One last thing...
Leave a little space in your bag. You might fancy taking home a few local goodies or a bottle of something Welsh, and we wouldn’t blame you.
Coety Bach is all about switching off, slowing down, and making the most of the view. The hot tub is optional, but highly recommended.
Ready to pack your bags?
Book your stay now and start looking forward to a peaceful break in the heart of Mid Wales.