Wonderfully Unique! (3 very happy Trilobite hunters) What an absolutely amazing place – we booked based for the opportunity to look for Trilobite fossils and we were not disappointed – having a world class geological site all to yourself is an altogether unique privilege. The setting of the shepherd’s hut feels both remote and homely at the same time, with beautiful hilly views from the small but perfectly designed accommodation containing everything you need for a comfortable stay (including complementary and much appreciated Welsh cakes and Maltesers!). During our short trip I managed to unexpectedly completely switch off from the outside world, no mean feat, possibly helped by the complete absence of traffic noise. This is enough to recommend a trip here on its own. But if you are interested in fossils, and Trilobites in particular you are in for a real treat. Take your hammer, chisels and goggles and start splitting rocks in the quarry. I have seen more Trilobites, parts of Trilobites and different sizes of Trilobites in the last weekend than in the rest of my life put together. One of our party even found 2 species of Graptolite. For fossil enthusiasts it is perfect. It doesn’t get any better than that. Well actually it does. On arrival, in my enthusiasm to exit the car and enjoy such an amazing place I left the SatNav plugged in and drained the battery so when we had packed the car it would not start. Following a quick call to Emma to explain our predicament she turned up with hubby Lyndon, a truck and a set of jump leads to try to start the car. When this did not work and with the car facing the wrong way Lyndon attached a tow rope to the rear towing point and reverse bump-started the car for us while being towed backwards by Emma in the truck. All without any fuss. Fantastic! Thank you both for being such amazing hosts, not only for the wonderful stay in a unique and beautiful place but also for rescuing us and getting us bump-started for the journey home!

I booked the quarry hut on a bit of a whim as a fossil enthusiast, but glamping novice. I dragged my other half and 10 year old son along who, to their credit, always get into the fossiling with me. The quarry was absolutely amazing, and did not disappoint. We collected around 20 trilobite specimens including fragments and some whole ones. Take a fossil hammer to split the rocks, goggles and prepare to get mucky. It is immensely relaxing and compelling. Emma, the owner (and Lyndon who we met briefly) were fabulous hosts. Warm, friendly and extremely communicative and helpful - exactly what you want. The scenery is breathtaking; it is hard to describe the peace, tranquillity and feelings of space and solitude: you just have to go there. Meanwhile, there is a Tesco Extra 10 minutes away beyond the long gravel track and a couple of main roads - perfect! The 'hut' itself is also beautiful. Very well equipped, comfortable and immaculate with ingenious uses of space. Glamping at its best. We were lucky with the weather, so used the fire pit to toast marshmallows, the hammock to laze in and the outdoor table to eat at, while conversing with the sheep and watching the red kites. I didn't want to leave. See you again one day!

Stayed for 3 incredible nights here with my fossil-mad 5 year old son at Easter. Before the trip, Emma was fantastic, providing information about the hut, the quarry and the area. The drive through the hills to get to the hut gets better and better the closer you get. When you turn off the ‘proper’ road on to the stone road it feels like you are leaving the world behind, and after winding up down and around hills and waiting for lambs and sheep to move to the side, you finally spot the hut in the distance with the quarry directly behind it. The location of the hut is truly outstanding, the views are breathtaking and it really feels like you are the only people for miles around. The hut sits within a very large fenced area which means it’s really safe for kids to run around. The firepit was great for the chilly nights in April. The hut is beautifully furnished and has everything you need. A comfortable bed, seating area and a great little kitchen and a bathroom that could win the ‘best view from a bathroom’ award hands down. We brought far too much stuff with us but just left most of it in the car. The views you are greeted with every morning are stunning and constantly change. The sunsets are amazing too. Having the opportunity to wake up within a few metres walk of quarry that is one of the best locations for trilobite fossils anywhere, is just unbelievable. Each morning we walked over, laden with our fossil hammers, chisels and safety gear. After a few hours of hunting, thanks to my son’s refusal to only come back with the best ones, we (I) would practically crawl back with double my body weight in slate. I was worried before we came that it might be more difficult to find any trilobites (and I actually secretly bought one or two on line to avoid a very disappointed son and lots of tears) but there was no need. There is such a lot to find. Emma was lovely and messaged us to see if we’d arrived safely and to wish us a safe trip home. Overall it was a magical and unique trip that we’ll remember forever. Thanks Emma!

We stayed for 3 nights 14 th Feb the weather on the whole was atrocious but it didn’t spoil the stay. The hut was very cosy and comfortable and surprisingly warm. Very comfy bed. Emma is a great host going out of her way to help us Great fun looking for trilobites (found a few in difficult conditions) Had a good walk around the area Managed to get a fire going in the pit Saw the kites flying overhead Other birds a fox and probably a hen harrier Would love to get back one summer

If your a rock hound, fossil hunter, or just want quiet peaceful surroundings then this is as good as it gets. The Quarry is amazing and a heaven for young and old fossil hunters and the hut and surrounding hills and fields will provide the peace and quiet that is lovely. I truly cant recommend this place enough.

Like trilobites? Like seclusion? Like cosy, well equipped accommodation? Like fabulous views? Then this is the place for you. The Upper Gilwern Quarry Hut is a rare treasure. Beautifully maintained and in a stunning location it really helps you get away from it all. Pull on your wellies and walk 5 minutes and 460 million years back in time to the fantastic quarry where you will soon be collecting trilobites. They are everywhere! Then wander back to the hut to warm up (we went in mid-November), sort your fossils, and watch the Red Kites soaring. Everything you need for a perfect stay is provided. Thanks to Emma and Lyndon for creating such a fantastic place to stay.

Wow what a place. I will go again, so peaceful and relaxing with the added bonus of the quarry next door. Found loads of Trilobites. Highly recommended.

2 night stay in a beautiful location. The hut is beautifully kept and equipped with everything you could possibly need. We couldn’t have wished for nicer accommodation. Fossil hunting was great fun and we were treated to a spectacular view of the night sky with little light pollution. We took the opportunity to visit Llewelyn’s cave, a couple of local churches and had a great walk from the Elan Valley visitor centre. We crammed a lot into our stay, although you could stay at the hut and just enjoy the spectacular views and wildlife all around. It’s a magical place and we hope to return.

Just had an amazing 4 nights at the shepherds hut and it was wonderful. It’s hard to describe how special this location is, we came for the quarry but the whole place is great. Birds of prey overhead, total solitude and the sheep coming to see what you are doing every so often. The hut was immaculate and everything you need is provided. We will definitely be back and thank you Emma for making this great place accessible 😊 🔨🔨

This gorgeous shepherds hut has the most tremendous views. It's so peaceful, hearing only the wind, birds and the sheep, I've never felt so truly relaxed. The fossils we found were utterly awe inspiring, the quarry is fantastic, my children loved it. We took long walks when not fossil hunting, had bbqs into the evening and watched the stars under the bright clear sky. We were fortunate to stay during the heatwave so it was perfect in every way. The inside is immaculate, the only thing I'd say is for a family of 4 who are all tall, it might have been a bit of a squash. We let the children have the hut and slept in our tent. We also brought a shade parasol being aware that the quarry might get hot during the day. This was a useful addition. The shower is wonderful and there are outdoor games for the children to play, as well as fire pit and bbq. Our host was always available to contact and so friendly and polite. Shops and places to eat are within easy driving distance. We will most definitely be visiting again. We all had the best part of our summer holidays here!