Garreg Ddu, Blaenau Ffestiniog

Garreg Ddu is a slate-walled cottage in the middle of Blaenau Ffestiniog, and it is set up for dogs to a standard most self-catering places never reach. Guests travelling with dogs arrive to a welcome bag for the dog alongside the one for the humans, holding treats, waste bags, bowls and towels, plus washable throws and sofa covers so the dog can settle on the furniture, and a stair gate if one is needed. The owner also leaves a book of suggested dog walks across Eryri, which repeat visitors rate as one of the more useful things in the house.

The enclosed garden is the feature that comes up most often. It is small but genuinely secure, which matters to owners of larger dogs that can clear a low fence, and it means the dog can go out without being on a lead. Inside, the cottage runs to a wood burner, an electric blanket on the bed and a kitchen guests describe as fully stocked. The welcome tray of local bread, milk, eggs, cake and a bottle of something cold is a consistent theme, as is the owner's habit of sending recommendations and route suggestions before arrival.

Blaenau Ffestiniog puts you in the heart of the national park with shops, a supermarket, pubs and takeaways within a few minutes' walk, and a cinema directly opposite. The old slate quarry workings are about ten minutes on foot, and Harlech's dog-friendly beach is a 20 to 25 minute drive. A parking permit left in the cottage covers several council car parks locally, which takes a real cost out of a week of days out.

Two caveats are worth knowing. Parking at the cottage is on-street in a tight cul-de-sac on a first-come basis, so returning late from a day out can mean parking further away. And there is no green space immediately outside the house, so the first and last comfort break of the day means a short walk rather than opening the back door. Neither is a dealbreaker, and with a 4.9/5 paw rating Garreg Ddu suits dog owners who want a properly equipped base for hill walking rather than a garden to lounge in.