Apple Cottage, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen

Apple Cottage is a small, characterful village cottage on the south-western edge of Bannau Brycheiniog, and it is set up for dogs in the way that matters most day to day: a well-enclosed garden they can be let out into off the lead, and hard-wearing interiors that do not make you anxious about wet paws.

Pets are charged at £15 per pet, per stay, and up to two are allowed. Because the charge falls per stay rather than per night, a pair of dogs costs £30 for the whole trip, which is unusually reasonable for self-catering.

The owner lives next door, and that shapes the stay more than any policy does. Dog owners consistently describe being greeted on arrival, a welcome pack waiting and quick answers to anything that comes up. Return visits are common in the guest feedback, and the cottage holds a 9.2/10 guest score across 31 reviews.

The location suits walkers with dogs. The village has a shop, a chip shop and pubs within a stroll, the cottage is within driving distance of Pen y Fan and the Four Waterfalls walk, and there is a powerful hot shower waiting when you get back. Quieter lanes and open hillside start close by.

The one recurring caveat is the staircase up to the bedroom, which is steep and narrow. That is worth thinking about for an older or larger dog who sleeps upstairs with you, and for anyone unsteady on stairs themselves. Otherwise this is an easy recommendation for one or two people and a couple of dogs, and it earns a 4.6/5 paw rating.