relaxing. peaceful. easy

On a fairly sunny, lockdown Sunday morning, my sister and I wanted to get out of the house for our daily exercise and some fresh air. There is only so many times you can walk around the same block, every single day, until it just becomes plain boring. My mum suggested Hope Mountain as she was a regular when she was young. She used to hike up with her jam butties and spend the day up there. Lucky for us, the mountain is literally on our doorstep with it being just a 5-10 minute drive away. 

I had to get the address up on my google maps, it sounds crazy with it being so close to home, but I just had no idea how to get up there. I haven’t been driving long and I have never had to drive up steep hills to get anywhere before, so at some points I had to hold on tight to the wheel and try to not look down. On the way up, we passed a few hikers which I’m guessing are the locals from surrounding villages heading on up to Hope Mountain too. After following google maps through tight country lanes, the destination was on my left. I parked up on the side of the road where others parked too.

Just near the car park, we spotted a small gate so we headed on through and followed the path that took us pass grazing animals minding their own business. I thought it was great you could get up close to the lovely animals, I was pretty chuffed and I think it is a lovely attribute to the walk. It was quiet up here, but we did pass two professional walkers who were ready and kitted out, whereas me and my sister, not quite so. We got caught in heavy rain, so did have to cut our walk short which was disappointing, we will be more prepared next time.

Waun Y Llyn has always been a destination that has drawn people, to walk up and explore. 100s of years ago a walk up Hope mountain was part of a spa retreat for those people who seek nature and relaxation all in one. The area has plenty of wildlife, full of bushes growing bilberry. If you are visiting in August time, make sure to bring along a bag or a bucket and pick your own bilberry which I’m sure will make some lovely muffins.

The area has plenty of wildlife

I captured some amazing photographs of the beautiful views of Wales and the surrounding areas of the countryside that I will make sure to post on my Instagram! I have to return back to Hope mountain because there is still so much I didn’t see!

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Day 1: County walk, pub grub, historic buildings and back to the shepherds hut for a blinding night of passion.

Some people say it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey, but today the destination is equally as delightful as the journey. We head to an old shooting lodge, turned pub – The Leyland Arms about a 4 mile (1.5 hours) walk away in the village of

The Leyland is a proper country pub, the walls are full of photos for local people usually while on the local shoot. In late summer/autumn you may have to dodge a few pheasants on the home stretch down to the, as there still a very active local shoot in the winter.

The bar is small, but the pub is comprised of lots of rooms, so you can find a nook to make your own. The food is simple homemade pub grub, perfect to refuel after a long walk.

Rug Chapel

It’s hidden just of A494 is Rug Chapel, once the private family Chapel of the local noble family the Newborough’s. This small and plain building gives little hint of the riches within. Ornately decorated this small chapel is a must see. Every inch of the ceiling is decorated, not quite Wales’ answer to the sistine chapel, but still very impressive and beautiful.

Expect scaly dragons, serpents and other strange whimsical monsters this chapel has them all.

Opening times: From April to October. Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm

Rug Estate still exists and we continue up the road to their Bistro. Where they serve food grown on their estate as well as other local artisan foods. We opted for their own reared Bison Burgers!

Day 2: Steam Train to Llangollen

We jump on the the train, catch it at the centre of Corwen and buy a return ticket. It follows the River Dee towards Llangollen, stopping off at the small villages along the way. This is quite fascinating in itself as it includes ‘Glyndyfrdwy’ where Owain (Baron of Glyndyfrdwy) proclaimed himself “Prince of Wales” beginning his rebellion against English Rule. I promise you the locals are much more friendly these days.

Lunch Time

We go straight to the food and depending on the weather its usually The Corn Mill, for an outside table on its veranda watching the canoeists. Food is a good pub grub standard and the location is lovely.

Castell Dinas Bran is the walk we heading for to burn off lunch. Its a 13th Century Castel in a hill, it’s pretty special. Head out of the town to the base of the mountain, Castell Dinas Bran (translates to Crow City Castle). This walk is not for the faint-hearted. It gets very steep, so make sure you have suitable footwear, but the view is more breath-taking than the climb! This is a must do in my book.

When we descend and before the train trip home we grab a cheeky local ale in the pub.

Evening meal

Old Wives’ Tales restaurant it has been in the town for years run by a man and wife team. It’s the taste of Portugal, it’s lovely and rustic.

About Staying in the Shepherds Hut

Perfect just for two, Cwt Bach sits in a secluded spot in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ideal for a few days away from the hustle and bustle.

Staying in a shepherd hut is about getting back to basics, although it is definitely more glamorous than camping. It is still about escaping technology and taking some time to really connect with nature.

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