Dolgellau 5.9 miles. Set amidst the wonderful landscape of the Snowdonia National Park, boasting breath-taking views of Cadair Idris and within striking distance of the coast, is the traditional cottage of Dwynant. This charming holiday home has been designed to offer a rural escape for family and friends or a base in which to enjoy all of the outdoor adventure that this part of North Wales offers, including both coast and countryside settings. Soak up the views of the secluded valley before venturing into the agrarian-style kitchen, where a traditional AGA takes centre stage before all of the essentials you could possibly need for a self-catered stay, including a conventional electric oven and hob, a dishwasher, a fridge/freezer and microwave, as well as a spacious dining area to seat all of your loved ones. After an action-packed day, relax into your evening within the home-away-home sitting room, where you can curl up on the plush seating arrangement with an oil-fired log-effect stove filling the room with a gentle warmth during those winter evenings. Younger guests of the group will be delighted by the additional snug that this holiday accommodation plays host to, where they can tune into the TV or play some board games brought from home. As the evening draws to a close, make your way up the staircase where three well-presented bedrooms await you. Here, you will find a double bedroom with built–in storage and a spacious single bedroom. Concluding the first-floor is another double bedroom, where you can look forward to waking up each morning to pretty views of the river below and a family bathroom, complete with a shower over bath, basin and WC. If you don’t feel like cooking one evening, head into nearby Dolgellau where you will be spoilt for choice by the eateries that await you, catering to all palettes, as well as shops for picking up the essentials. For those feeling adventurous, you will find a plethora of footpaths from the doorstep of the cottage, as well as the magnificent Cadair Idris or travel further field to hike Wales’ highest mountain, Snowdon. Alternatively, the National Park has a number of outdoor opportunities for you try, including Coed y Brenin Forest Park for mountain biking and Llanfair Slate Caverns. For a coastal day out, Barmouth is less than seven miles away where the mountains meet the sea, while away sunny days on the goldens where you can see some of the most beautiful sunsets that Cardigan Bay has to offer. Alternatively, tour the hills and the historic trails through the town to independent cafes and restaurants there is plenty to see and do or head further up the coast to Harlech. Dwynant is wonderful retreat that you will be delighted with, any time of the year.

Dollar sits at the foot of the Ochil Hills on the road between Stirling and St Andrews. The town is dramatically overlooked by the remains of Castle Campbell, also known as Castle Gloom, and has superb walks up the steep glen to the castle. The early life of the village was fulfilling the needs of the castle’s owners, the lowland seat of the Duke of Argyll, until the castle was burned down in 1654 in retaliation for the Duke’s support for Cromwell. The village recovered in the 18th century with the opening of copper and lead mines in the surrounding hills and with subsequent ironworks enhancing its prosperity. With the opening of the prestigious Dollar Academy at the beginning of the 19th century, the village transformed into the attractive and prosperous town it is today. The town has a mix of shops and cafes and the drive or walk up the glen to the castle provides stunning views as the countryside opens out to the south. The popular tourist town of Stirling is 13 miles to the west with its dramatic castle and monument to William Wallace. Gleneagles and Perth are within easy reach, as is the Fife coast and St Andrews.

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