Motorhome Aires Around Snowdonia

This week we came across an exciting sight in our local region of North Wales. Yes, that’s because we drove by one of the brand new Motorhome Aires around Snowdonia, so we thought we’d share with you what we know about this local authority run initiative.

Criccieth has an Aire

Many of you may know the gorgeous, seaside town of Criccieth.

Located in an enviable position at the foot of Snowdonia, otherwise now known by its Welsh name, Eryri.

Criccieth is where the backdrop of the Welsh mountains meet the beautiful Lleyn Peninsula. Altogether, this popular, low-key tourist destination is quite simply a perfect place for a Motorhome Aire.

Not only is it quite a rare occurrence to have any Motorhome Aires at all in Britain, but here in North Wales this is quite a first.

To be able to now say that Criccieth has an Aire is quite a statement worth promoting.

Where is it Located?

The Aire at Criccieth is situated right in the heart of the town. This means it has easy access to the delightful shops, wonderful beaches, 12th century castle and public transport links, including a railway station.

Criccieth is absolutely lovely and has a really great mix of individual shops. In our opinion it’s really become quite a “go to” destination.

The Aire location in Criccieth centre makes it absolutely ideal for us motorhome folk.

what3words location:

How long can you stay?

Signs display the full rules and basically say this:

Parking is a Maximum of 48 hours with no return within 7 Days.

Overnight parking – 4pm To 10am the following morning.

Where do you park? Motorhome Aires Around Snowdonia

In the marked tarmac bays only. These are numbered.

How do you pay?

At the pay & display machine or by parking App.

How much is it? Motorhome Aires Around Snowdonia

£16.50 per night per motorhome.

Can you put chairs out?

NO.

There is no camping behaviour permitted, so nothing is allowed to be put outside at all.

Is Camping Behaviour allowed?

NO.

The permitted parking at the Aire, as is often the case abroad, does not allow for camping behaviour.

This means basically none of the following outside:

• BBQ’s or other cooking means
• Putting an Awning out, a windbreak or other canopy up
• Chairs, tables, sun loungers etc
• Generators or portable solar panels
• Washing lines
• Music or radio’s

Is it for Self-Contained Motorhomes only?

YES

The motorhome must have:

• On board toilet
• On board water and waste tanks

Is there a set parking rule?

YES

Motorhomes must be parked central of the parking space and the length must not overhang.

This is to provide a 6m spacing between motorhomes.

Are dogs allowed? Motorhome Aires Around Snowdonia

YES

Dogs must be kept on a lead.

Who is operating the Aire?

Gwynedd County Council

Is There a dump/fresh? Motorhome Aires Around Snowdonia

YES

There’s a proper service area providing both grey emptying & toilet waste disposal.

There’s also fresh water.

The fee for the service point is £3.

Where are the other Aires located?

Gwynedd County Council has other brand new Aires opening around Snowdonia.

These are:

• Llanberis – Y Glyn parking area – Right by the lake of Llyn Padarn, gateway to Snowdon itself.
• Caernarfon – Doc Fictoria – at the former Shell fuel station.
• Pwllhelli – North Quay parking.

Gwynedd County Council’s Aire initiative

It’s a trial initiative currently involving 4 towns within Gwynedd. These Aires are to be known as “Arosfan” sites.

The Council are currently searching for a 5th location in Merionydd area.

Have we seen the other Aire locations?

We have seen the excellent new Aire at Llanberis.

At the time of our visit last Summer, work was still underway, so it wasn’t ready to open.

However, the work we could see was very encouraging. We think it’s a superb location and brilliant facility for the town.

A Positive Decision – Motorhome Aires Around Snowdonia

We’ve been motorhoming for 20 years and in that time we’ve used more Aires or Aire type parking than we can count – hundreds.

These have been across various countries in Europe and in Australia and New Zealand, where a similar system can be found.

Although our own efforts to try and persuade our local council in Conwy to introduce Aires met a brick wall, we hope they see sense now their counterparts across the border in Gwynedd are trialing this Aire-type system.

Overall it’s a positive decision by Gwynedd Council and one that will hopefully do a great service to the community of motorhomes and local businesses alike.

One final point. Please respect the rules at the Arosfan Aires and support them too. We’ve got this far, now we want to keep them!

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