Wayside Cottage, Snowdonia

Sleeps six. Three nights, £720

When we arrive at Wayside near the village of Dinas Mawddwy in Snowdonia, we have a "wow, is this it?" moment. The white-painted cottage sits on its own in a quiet lane surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and not a few sheep (owned by proprietors Megan and Elwyn).

After a long drive from London it's luxurious comfort you crave and Wayside doesn't disappoint. Its rough walls and exposed beams are complemented by modern touches including a thoughtful welcome gift box, faux fur blankets, Sky TV, a B&W iPod docking station and a well-equipped kitchen.

The cottage has three bedrooms: an upstairs master with a spacious en suite shower room, and a twin and double downstairs. All are immaculately kitted out with crisp white sheets and Welsh blankets. The large utility room is great for storing walking gear and in the summer the patio is lovely for alfresco dining with views across the valley.

Sitting on the edge of the Aran mountains the area is a walker's paradise. The eight-mile walk with 2,635ft of ascent up Aran Fawddwy is strenuous but the views of the deep valleys from the top are spectacular and well worth the effort. The cottage rental agency, Sheepskin, which co-ordinated this visit, recommended the Red Lion in Dinas Mawddwy for decent pub grub and the food was spot on.

Wayside is close (by car) to other places of interest. Aberdfyi, the pretty harbour town with its long sandy beach is a 45-minute drive. Alternatively, you can just put the log-burner on and your feet up and listen to Aled Jones. That's the great thing about Wayside—there's something for everyone.

Amy Duff