Cwm Bach Valley (near Harlech North Wales) by Tracey Ison

Finding dog friendly accommodation that accepts more than two dogs can be a challenge. As a three-dog family (two whippets Misty and Sparky and a blind lurcher, Scout) we do struggle but in July 2018 we spent a glorious week in a 17th Century stone cottage in North Wales. Y Bwthyn is nestled amongst the hills of Cwm Bach Valley near Harlech and forms part of a working farm. For that reason, dgogs must be on a lead and under control at all times. The cottage was everything we could have hoped for and more. As you enter the property there is a useful ultility room, ideal for storing muddy boots and all manner of dog paraphernalia . A stable-type door leads into a spacious kitchen where we were welcomed by the sight of a huge Victoria sponge cake and a dozen fresh farm eggs. Bottled water was also left for us in case we did not want to drink from the tap as the water for the cottage was filtered from a spring and could sometimes be a little discoloured, something that didnt bother us at all. Stairs led off from a comfortable lounge area, with a log burner to two well proportioned bedrooms and a large bathroom.

​The thick stone walls of the cottage kept it beautifully cool throughout our stay, which happened to be one of the warmest summers for decades.The cottage had ample parking and a patio area outside with chairs and table. There was no garden as such but we did not find this a problem even with three dogs. If you want peace a nd solitude, this chocolate-box cottage is for you. The only drawback is that the access roads leading up to the cottage are very narrow, single-track roads, some of which are gated. We tended to use the non-gated road which we picked up in the centre of Harlech. As these single-track roads are vert quiet, we encountered very few cars each time we travelled and there were adequate passing points.
The cottage provided is with an excellent base to travel from. Only a ten minute drive to the dog-friendly beach at Harlech, a great place for the dogs to let off a bit of steam.
Beddgelert is another nearby place that we visit every year. After a gentle stroll along the River Glaslyn to Gelert’s grave, we stop for lunch at The Saracens Head Hotel where we always receive a warm welcome and the food is excellent. After a hearty lunch and a potter around the local craft and gift shops, we pick up a walk out of Beddgelert to the Sygun Copper Mines, a beautiful scenic walk that ends at a crystal clear lake, perfect for the dogs to stop and take a paddle in.
We genuinely feel that we have found ourselves a real hidden gem that perfectly suits our needs and have already booked for 2019
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