Gyrn Goch Cottages
...Luxury holiday lets on the North Wales coast
About Ystumllech Farm
Gyrn Goch Cottages are situated on Ystumllech Farm in Gyrn Goch, close to the coast on the North side of the Lynn Peninsula in North Wales.
The farm covers 35 beautiful acres nestled between mountains and the Irish Sea, and rests close to three mountains known locally as The Rivals. Views of Trefor Pier (approximately 1km away) can be seen from the farm land.
All areas of the farm are open to guests. From the mountain which climbs high behind the cottages, to the private lake, ponds, wetlands and fields of grazing sheep, there are acres of land to be explored at leisure.
We've put together a few images in a slide show opposite which offer a glimpse of the farm throughout the seasons.
Just hover your cursor over the main images to view a description. There are also lots more pictures below which offer further insight into different aspects of the farm.
 Mist rolls in over the cottages |  Cormorant in flight over the lake |
|---|---|
 Winter sunset viewed from the farm |  Tawny owl camouflages into an old tree hollow |
 The farm buildings, mountains and fields bathed in winter sunshine |  A spring lamb looks happy and relaxed in the sunshine |
 |  A chilly yet tranquil scene by the lake in the cold winter of 2011 |
 A curious sheep observes walkers on the farm |  Purple thistles in flower by the lake |
 Wild flowers add a splash of colour to the grasslands by the lake |  Summer reflections in the wetland pond |
 View from the lake's waters |  View across the fields |
 A veteran sheep of the farm |
Gallery of images taken on the farm
The Lake
The farm lake is approximately a ten minute walk across the fields
from the cottages
A large lake has been created on the farm to attract local wildlife such as cormorants. If you sit quietly by the lake you are likely to hear the varied calls of different creatures from insects in the long reeds to buzzards surveying the water from the sky.
View of the lake from the mountain (2011)
Cormorant takes flight acoss the lake's still waters
If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you may wish to take a small rowing boat on the lake. These can be found by the lakeside. We ask that children are well supervised by adults. Although the water is clear and inviting, please note swimming is forbiden in the lake for safety reasons, deep waters and cold temperatures.
While the lake was once stocked with lots of fish,
unfortunately, spotting any waterborne creature larger than a
tiddler or tadpole is now unlikely - most likely due to the
cormorant's voracious appetite!
There are plenty of frogs living in the reeds, and we find younger guests enjoy spotting the dozens of baby frogs which frequent the banks in the summer. You may even spot a toad or two.
The lake being stocked with fish (before being quickly depleted by local birdlife!)
The mountain
View of the farm with rugged mountain backdrop
While the farm boundary lies at the base of the mountain, those with a sense of adventure and sturdy walking shoes can join the Coastal Path at the top edge of the farm to explore the mountain (seen in the photo rising up behind the farm buildings).
It takes approximately one hour to get to the top, which is accessible with care on foot, although extensive growth of bracken may limit access at certain times of the year. Views of the Irish sea, the nearby mountains (the Rivals) and the harbour and beach at Trefor are certainly worth the climb.
There is also a cave halfway up the mountain which more adventurous guests may enjoy the challenge of locating. However tempting it may be, for safety reasons, we advise walkers not to venture beyond the cave entrance due to instability of the passage.
Entrance to mountain cave
A blanket of bluebells by the mountain base in May 2011
It's not only the top of the mountain which has lovely views. Some years, around May, bluebell growth at the base of the mountain can be particularly dense offering attractive views to walkers. If you're fortunate you may even spot a wild orchid such as those pictured below.
Ponds, waterfalls and wetlands
This small waterfall carries the mountain water from the first
pond into the main lake
The ponds and wetland areas form some of the most picturesque and tranquil areas of the farm.
Benches have been placed at sites of beauty, allowing you to rest your feet and enjoy the scenery. Grassy walkways around the lake, ponds and wetland are also cleared regularly to allow easy access around the land.
The ponds and wetland areas naturally attract a variety of wildlife from bees to butterflies. These also add to the beauty of the farm and offer fun photographic opportunities.
An old rotting tree casts reflections in the waters of the second pond
The third pond is the most recent addition to the wetlands area and provides guests with a pleasant spot to sit and enjoy the countryside surroundings. On a sunny day the reflections cast on the water can be particularly attractive.
Long grasses and reeds cast reflections in the waters of the third pond (pictured left)