Ploony Hill Lodge

Ploony Hill Lodge is a modern timber lodge set on a working sheep farm in the Radnorshire hills, and it was clearly built with dogs in mind. The whole plot is ringed by a stock-proof fence, so the garden, the parking and the patio all sit inside one secure boundary, and dogs can be let straight out of the patio doors without a lead. Up to two dogs can stay, and the welcome hamper that greets guests - flowers, wine, Welsh cakes - usually includes a tub of biscuits for them too.

What guests with dogs mention most is the space. The enclosed paddock is large enough for a game of ball, and the owners, who farm the land around the lodge, will point out which of their fields are free to use off the lead and which are in use by the sheep. Parties travelling with reactive dogs, greyhounds and several large dogs all report the same thing: with no shared corridors and no neighbouring lets, they had the place entirely to themselves. An outside tap and a utility room with a washing machine and dryer take care of muddy paws and wet coats.

Walks start at the gate. Bridleways and field paths run straight off the farm, there is a stream at the back, and Radnor Forest, the Fishpools walk near Bleddfa and the Water-break-its-neck waterfall are all a short drive. Llandrindod Wells, about half an hour away, has a dog-friendly pub and a lake circuit.

A few things to plan for. The last mile is an unmade farm track, and guests with low-slung cars consistently advise taking it slowly. There is no mobile signal at the lodge, though the wifi is good. And sheep graze the surrounding land, so a dog without solid recall stays on a lead outside the fenced plot. Otherwise this is about as straightforward as travelling with dogs gets, and it earns a 4.9/5 paw rating.