Llwyndu Farm Hut

Yet delightful though the sky may be, it faces plenty of competition. Any pair of shepherd’s who tuck themselves away here, nestled in this traditional two-person hut with its light, airy interior and sumptuous double bed, will find a view in all directions. At low tide, swathes of yellow sand slip and slide beneath he waves, while to the rear the Rhinog Mountains, climb up and back towards the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Whatever your sport – hiking, surfing, mountain biking... erm... café-visiting, Welsh cake-eating – you’ll find something that hits the spot within a ten minute radius.

The hut itself is a perfect feat of ergonomics. At one end the double bed spreads from wall to wall, while at the other an en suite bathroom features a powerful electric shower and a proper flushing loo. The light walls and a few interior lights give a sense of space (a space that’s still warm and cosy at night), while three small windows act like portholes into the outside world. Most of the time, however, the two-part door can be left wide open, leading guests out to a seating area and firepit – just remember the marshmallows when you pack the car!

The shepherd’s hut is the only one on site, so peace and quiet, along with a certain sense of ‘exclusivity’, are guaranteed. Despite this, a short walk up the slope brings guests to Llwyndu Farmhouse, a 16th century home that now plays host to a small hotel. The food is superb – hearty fare, with ingredients all sourced locally (including plenty of seafood) – while the dining room itself is in the old hall, with a heavily oak beamed ceiling and exposed stone walls. In the evening the whole pace is lit by lamps and candles, providing a romantic and intimate ambience. The result is a chance to spend evenings in the restaurant, chatting to others, comparing hikes, walks and pubs, or taking a little personal time to wander down to the beach and watch yet another dazzling sunset. What can we say? Life is full of tough decisions.