Yr Hen Felin

Yr Hen Felin is a converted mill at Pen-y-Garnedd, in the hills of Powys about half an hour west of Oswestry, and it is roughly as far from a passing-trade hotel as a dog-friendly stay gets. The property is let whole and stands in its own grounds with a large lawn, which is exactly the shape of place that suits a dog: no shared entrances, no other guests, and room to throw a ball before dinner.

One well-behaved dog is welcome. Guests describe the setting as picture perfect and genuinely off the beaten track, with a village near enough for a pub and a shop, and walking straight out into the surrounding countryside. Eating outside in the garden on a warm evening comes up again and again as the highlight of the stay.

Some practical warnings matter more here than they would elsewhere. The staircases are steep, flagged more than once, and there is a drop immediately outside the front door that guests have called a hazard. Both are worth thinking through if you have an elderly dog, a puppy, or anyone in the party who is unsteady on their feet. There is also no mobile signal at the property, so settle any questions with the owner before you arrive rather than expecting to ring from the doorstep.

Two things about the surroundings. This is working farmland, with sheep and lambs in the fields, so a dog needs to be on the lead once you leave the grounds. And there are farm dogs nearby whose barking carries, which is a small thing for most dogs and a bigger one if yours is reactive.

At 4.2/5 on our paw rating, Yr Hen Felin suits one steady dog and owners who want silence, dark skies and hill walking, and who will not mind the stairs.