Autumn unplugged: our favourite places to turn up, tune out & switch off. One of the advantages of living and working in this spectacularly beautiful part of rural Wales is that we don’t have to go far to get away from it all. Here are some of our favourite getaways – lesser-known locations for when you want to unplug from life’s relentless pace and get away from it all.
Rhinog Fach
Forget Snowdon, it’s too crowded. Head up spectacular Rhinog Fach instead and have the mountain to yourself. Rugged terrain and superb scenery. But it’s remote so go prepared.
Llyn Tecwyn Uchaf at Llandecwyn
Remote and atmospheric lake in the mountains. Soak up the far-reaching views along the Dwyryd estuary to Portmeirion and out to the Irish Sea. You’re flanked by the mountains of Snowdonia to the north and the Rhinogs to the South. The llyn (lake) is well stocked with trout (see here for fishing details).
Penmachno
This rural village lies just four miles south of Betws y Coed but suffers none of the latter’s crowds. Ringed by ancient forest and hills, this is an exceptionally peaceful place which has some great walks from the village into the Machno Valley. Recover from your exertions with a pint of Welsh Pride in The Eagles pub.
Porth Ysgo
Follow the Llyn Peninsula to its western tip to find this tucked-away beach at Porth Ysgo. Accessed via a long flight of steep stairs from a high cliff face. It’s a popular spot for bouldering. There’s a 30ft waterfall crashing down onto the sand.
Llyn Brenig
Another great location that tends to get overlooked is Llyn Brenig Reservoir in the Denbigh moors. Despite its remote location there are some wonderful facilities here. A lovely cafe overlooks the lake and cycle hire, boat hire and fishing can all be enjoyed. A 9 mile circular route will take you around the lake or you might prefer to head off on foot or on a mountain bike along the forest trails that head off into the surrounding moorland.
