Bythyn Ddol Hafod

Bythyn Ddol Hafod sits on its own at the edge of forestry near Capel Curig, with hills rising on every side, and it is built for the kind of trip where the dog is the point. The garden is large and fenced right round - guests travelling with dogs single out the perimeter security more than any other feature - so a dog can go out first thing without a lead. Up to two pets can stay.

Walking starts at the door. Guests head straight into the hills or walk into Capel Curig and on to Betws-y-Coed, with Moel Siabod directly accessible and the higher Eryri routes around twenty minutes away by car. The lane outside is quiet enough that dogs enjoy it as a walk in its own right.

The owners are a large part of why people return. Guests arrive to heaters already on in cold weather, milk, tea, coffee and Welsh cakes waiting, and a phone number that gets answered. Several parties have booked more than once and say small improvements appear each time.

It is worth being honest about what the seclusion involves. The cottage is warm once the multi-fuel stove is going, but in genuinely cold weather that stove does the heavy lifting and extra fuel may need buying, so anyone uncomfortable lighting a fire should plan around it. Guests also describe cobwebs and spiders in the corners, and the occasional mouse indoors - the price of a stone cottage backing onto woodland. A few have found the finish short of spotless and the smaller bedroom cramped for adults, and the place feels tight with four adults and two dogs. The facilities are sufficient rather than modern, and the grass is not always freshly cut.

At 4.8/5 on paw rating, Bythyn Ddol Hafod suits walkers with dogs who want seclusion, a secure garden and mountains on the doorstep, and who do not mind a wood-fired evening.