The Handbook: Volume 3 by Menai Holidays

VOLUME

I picked up the ‘phone to someone due to stay in one of our cottages on Anglesey in mid-October wanting to book dinner at The Outbuildings. During the conversation, the guest commented on The Handbook saying what a fantastic read it was and how useful it was to receive it before the start of their holiday. With much in common, we arranged to meet during her stay. We ended up getting together just before she and her husband were due to return home. I learned that his grandfather had been a GP in Beaumaris and that the family had farmed many years ago at the foot of Mynydd Parys. And as we sat down they said that they had popped into our office that morning, enjoyed a coffee whilst meeting the team and booked the same cottage for a similar time next October, having had the most amazing holiday this year. They loved the cottage and added that the service from Menai Holidays was first class. That evening, having met as ‘strangers,’ the conversation just tumbled and I do so wish that I had recorded it. Their holiday kicked off with a delicious dinner at The Loft in Beaumaris where they began chatting to a local couple on the next table as bills were being paid. It was soon discovered that they all enjoyed walking, and at one time or another had mountain walked in Snowdonia and sailed on the Menai straits. A nightcap in Llandegfan lasted until the wee small hours as the conversation ranged from sights to see and places to go to on Anglesey and further afield in North Wales, and promises were made to keep in touch.

Days were spent devouring the seascapes from the coastal paths and miles of gorgeous beaches and exploring the world-famous geology of Anglesey albeit from an amateur’s perspective. A visit to the RNLI centre in Moelfre and a chance conversation with one of the volunteers revealed shared school days in Amlwch. Storm Ophelia provided excitement in the early stages of their holiday, especially when trying to stand up along the windswept shores of Rhoscolyn where the sea was a mass of seething white. Local honey and craft beers were purchased in the Conwy Valley. Janet Bell prints and cards were bought from her gallery in Beaumaris and later, a book of wonderful landscape photographs by Glyn Davies after browsing in his Menai Bridge studio. Across the road, grocery shopping included a visit to the much-loved Swain’s butcher and deli where mutual and recently-made acquaintances were chuckled over and there was much chat about sailing the local Fife class of yacht. Coffee stops for our couple included the Pot Jam in Menai Bridge which swiftly became a favourite for its delicious scones and Eccles cakes and excellent locallysourced coffee. Its innovative interior was created by Mandy Watkins and a visit to her store, Space Like This, also in Menai Bridge, was added to their ‘to do’ list. What started as a result of shared experiences elsewhere, developed into such fun as I listened to the great time that these once ‘strangers’, Julia and Keith, and now friends, had on Anglesey; we look forward to welcoming them again next year. This is what holidaying is all about with Menai Holidays in glorious North Wales!

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO NORTH WALES YET. PAGE 22

TH EH AND BOOKNW

CONTENT

AN OPEN LETTER FROM NORTH WALES

O N YOUR BI K E! Three detailed bike routes.

P A G E 10

WA LK S

P A GE

FIND YOUR PERFECT BEACH.

52.3° N 4.3° W

44 EAT IN OR EAT OUT.

Tempting recipes and eateries

M EET THE C R AF TWO R KE R S O F N O RTH WALE S.

IN THE KNOW

Learn something new

AN OPEN LETTER FROM NORTH WALES Look over here London!

HERITAGE CRAFTS

Putting local craft workers in the limelight

INTRODUCING EXPLORE

Photo. James Darling

08 10 14 20 23 24 26 28 32 34 36 38 40 44 48 55 58 61 66 72 74 78 82 88 122 124

CONTRIBUTORS Bun, William & Jack Matthews

Owners of Menai Holidays. They all hope to share everything they love about living and working in North Wales in this third edition of The Handbook.

Sarah Lloyd - Editor

SNOWDONIA

Whether it be at home on their Anglesey dairy farm or exploring the mountains and coastline with her family, Sarah makes the most of the great outdoors.

SAND AHOY!

Henrietta Eyre - Advertising

New for 2018 - The most comprehensive guide yet to North Wales Poem by Andrew Blakemore Discover beautiful beaches

ABOUT A BUOY

Understanding buoys and markers out at sea

PARYS MOUNTAIN

The history behind this most surreal of landscapes

THE REDS ARE BACK IN TOWN

Celebrating the return of Anglesey’s Red Squirrels

A WILD WALES RETREAT Relax and reconnect

THE YEAR AHEAD What’s On

HOLIDAY READS Our holiday reading list

A DIP INTO THE WILD

Take the plunge - wild swimming in Snowdonia

EAT IN & OUT

Recipes and eateries to try

WALK THIS WAY

Three walking routes taking in coast and country

FROM PASTURE TO PLATE.. OR GLASS Meet three of North Wales’ fabulous food producers

#THEHANDBOOKNW

North Wales as shot through your smartphones

WORTH A PEAK

Discover Snowdonia’s lesser-known summits

PEDAL POWER

Three routes to tempt you out on two wheels

CROESO // WELCOME Embrace the Welsh language

LIFE ON THE LLYN Meet Daloni Metcalfe

WILDLIFE

What to look out for, where and when

GET OUT THERE

Find an activity and give it a go

COTTAGE LISTINGS

Find out about us and our cottages

RETURN TO YOUR ROOTS

Confessions of a holiday cottage owner

FINAL THOUGHT

Go do the important - the rest can wait

Menai Holidays’ Project Manager. Henrie loves the holistic lifestyle that living in North Wales allows from surfing with the children to practising yoga during her lunch hour.

Jonty Storey

Art director, illustrator and photographer. Jonty fronts design agency Cardigan Creative, is an RNLI crew member and surfer, based by the sea in Llanbedrog. It is always a pleasure to create The Handbook, and the third edition was no exception. Our huge thanks go to all those who have given their time to bring it to fruition: Alistair Brown, James Darling, Neil Mark Thomas, Eilir Adventure Photography, Bob Berry, Andrew Collier, Beetle Holloway, Andrew Blakemore, Dave Lamacraft, Nicole Pridmore, Hannah Craven, Daniela Milicova.

The Handbook #thehandbooknw

www.menaiholidays.co.uk 01248 667 040 hello@menaiholidays.co.uk Written and printed in Wales

LET THERE BE LIGHT

In The Know CROSSING THE MENAI

Visitors to Anglesey start their adventure by passing over the Menai Strait on one of two world-famous bridges.The Menai Suspension Bridge, built in 1826 by Thomas Telford, and Robert Stephenson’s Britannia Bridge, opened in 1850, are iconic structures popular with tourists.You can learn more about them by visiting the Bridges Exhibition in Menai Bridge town. Run by volunteers from the charity Menai Heritage, this extensive exhibition covers the history and design of the two bridges, with lots of original artefacts, artwork and documents. It also tells the story of shipping on the Strait, the wildlife under its surface, and the history of its people.Visitors can view films about the bridges, explore digital displays, take a quiz or even build their own bridge. The exhibition is based in the Thomas Telford Centre, across from Waitrose and just 300m from the Anglesey end of the Suspension Bridge. It is open from Easter until the end of October, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am5pm. Entrance fee is £3 per adult, with children free.

menaibridges.co.uk

If you have recently been admiring a beautiful lampshade handprinted with a traditional Welsh blanket pattern, whether it be in a local cafe, shop or home, then the chances are it was created by design-duo Dyfrig Peris and Jennie Corr.Their ecofriendly screen-printing company, Peris & Corr is run from a converted quarry workshop in the Snowdonia National Park where they have combined their backgrounds in Fine Art painting and printmaking to create a range of hand-made homewares and gifts. For a list of stockists or to buy online:

NOT READY TO FACE ITS WATERLOO

Over 200 years ago funds were being raised to build a column as a memorial to the 1st Marquess of Anglesey’s role in the Battle of Waterloo. Two centuries later and a second campaign has been launched to gather funds to help restore the now iconic Marquess of Anglesey’s column that can be seen by visitors to the Island when crossing the Britannia Bridge. Until 2012 visitors could climb the 115 steps of the internal staircase before emerging onto the viewing platform to be greeted by a panoramic view of the Menai Straits and beyond. The campaign is calling for the Column to be restored and reopened for all to enjoy.

perisandcorr.com MÔN DRESSED CRAB - CHURCH BAY As the local fishermen land their catch at Anglesey’s Church Bay, Tracey Hudson collects and cooks the crabs before carefully hand-picking the meat in the same traditional way it has been done for centuries. The edible brown crabs caught off the Anglesey coast are available fresh year round. As well as attending local food fayres, Môn Dressed Crab is available to order by telephone for collection. Tracey can arrange for delivery locally on certain days. Serve with a simple green salad, some crusty bread and a glass of chilled Chardonnay - delicious!

angleseycolumn.com

PLASTIC PLEDGE

Preserving what makes North Wales so special is vital, and trying to ensure that a spot of beachcombing turns up starfish, Mermaid’s purses and crabs rather than plastic debris is just one part of it - albeit a very big one. We can all do our little bit to help - whether it be refusing to buy single-use plastic, from soft drink bottles to plastic forks with your beachside fish and chips, or whether it be encouraging the children to do a two minute beach clean at the end of a sandy walk.

facebook.com/MonDressedCrab

#2minutebeachclean

CHIN CHIN

If patience isn’t your forte, you’ll be pleased to know that the newly opened Aber Falls Whisky Distillery has a range of small batch, handcrafted gins and liqueurs already available. Something to keep you going until the first of the whisky has matured in 2020. The Distillery is the first in North Wales since the early 1900s, and takes inspiration (and its name) from its location, just a stone’s throw from Rhaeadr Fawr. A temporary visitor centre opens this year from March 2018 with a permanent one set to open in Autumn - see the distillery, take part in a master class and enjoy a sample or two.

aberfallsdistillery.com

AN OPEN LETTER FROM NORTH WALES Written by Beetle Holloway

Dear London, I saw you in the news again yesterday. Some things never change. Forever in the limelight. Always frantic, manic, pushing yourself to the limits. Do you never get tired of it all? Perhaps it isn’t my place to say. Hustle and bustle isn’t exactly my forte. Well, unless you count the morning mingle at Llanddwyn Island: sand and sea, mountain and mist, flora and fauna, the gulls and cormorants at full chorus with the woodland birds of Newborough forest. I imagine our definitions of raucous may differ somewhat... That’s a thought. I know it’s been a while, but maybe you should come and stay. Get away from it all. Escape the pace and pressure of city life. The snarling traffic and the factory air. Swap the earplugs and the decongestants for the hum of the waves and the rejuvenating breeze. Trade the heaving junctions for the undulating lanes of northern Anglesey; the traffic wardens for fishermen; the terraced homes for sheltered coves, rustic churches and seaside cottages. We could take a step back in time on the steam-powered Welsh Highland Railway, carving through the foothills and valleys that swirl around Snowdonia. Hopping off in the mystical village of Beddgelert to hunt for the infamous Red Dragon. Wandering amongst the lichen-strewn pines and wild mushrooms above Betws-y-Coed. Crunching along gravel paths between dew-heavy and ewe-heavy pastures. All to the gurgling sound of merging streams rolling down the hillside; a crashing crescendo of waterfalls at their finale.

Swap the earplugs and the decongestants for the hum of the waves and the rejuvenating breeze.

We could take a step back in time on the steam-powered Welsh Highland Railway, carving through the foothills and valleys that swirl around Snowdonia.

Puffins, guillemots and razorbills tumble and spiral around the chalk-white South Stack; staring across the wild waters to my Celtic neighbour.

Then there’s the pubs: the sacred British establishment, loved and imitated the world over. You may have more in London, but to paraphrase Miss Hughes: always choose quality over quantity. Sea-viewing pubs are as common a sight on Anglesey as red squirrels. The nautical Kinmel Arms above Moelfre Bay. The aptly-named Tavern on the Bay on Red Wharf Bay. The resplendent terrace at The White Eagle in Rhoscolyn. Don’t even try and compare your riverside pubs to them. As, if you do, I’ll play my trump card: the Ty Coch Inn. Only accessible via a windswept headland and huddled in a crescent cove opposite Snowdonia lies the tiny coastal hamlet of Porth Dinllaen. Lapping waves purr onto the smiling beach.The saline wisps as intoxicating as the ale. The murmur of rocking boats floats in the air. Oh, and did I mention it has been named one of the best beach bars in the world? Beach bars? Wales? Yes, that’s right. I’m more than just imposing mountains, craggy coast and mesmeric forests you know.When you think of me do you just conjure images of slate-roofed homes? Rolling hills sprinkled with sheep? Well, you’d be partially right, but how about Italianate architecture? How about an explosion of colour on the Welsh cliffs? Portmeirion is a Neapolitan ice cream of a town that blends the surreal with the majestic: palm trees and giant chess; flamingos and woodland trains; dolls, statues, ships and cannons. It’s a Crayola set stacked on the Traeth Bach Estuary.

A far cry from what you’re used to, I’ll bet. The buzz of the alarm, the sleep shy smartphones. All those apps, updates and emails. We’re more into maps and cameras up here. Bounding over estuaries, bouncing over waves, I’m an amateur photographer on the hunt for the unseen; the uncaptured. The Llyn Peninsula is my current muse. A patchwork quilt of verdant farmland, she’s nestled snuggly between the watercolours of Cardigan Bay and the impressionist Irish Sea. Dotted with Iron Age forts and sedate fishing villages, she never strikes the same pose.

What was it Mr Jackson used to say: nothing soothes the soul like letting off steam? If you’re up for it, we could follow his lead? How about sailing around the picturesque promontories of Trearddur Bay or kitesurfing at blustery Rhosneigr? We could kayak the Mawddach Estuary or surf the barrels of Hell’s Mouth. Then again, we could cycle the mazy trails of Gwydir Forest or stretch the calves up Cader Idris. Or even paddle board through the Menai Strait before chipping the mountainous dunes of Royal St David’s. Or we could just eat.

The castles neither. From the opulence of Caernarfon’s chambers to the vertiginous heights of Conwy’s towers, the shimmer of Beaumaris’ moat to the arresting landscapes beneath Harlech’s battlements, North Wales isn’t a place for copycats.

There’s nothing quite like a full belly to blunt anxiety’s blow and rest assured my larder is always well stocked. Razor clams, crabs and oysters. Seasonal samphire, asparagus and wild garlic. From the hillsides to the shallows to the deep. We could play shellfish pick ‘n’ mix at the Lobster Pot in Church Bay or plunder the bountiful counters of local fare at the neighbouring Wavecrest Café. Harlech’s Hufenfa’r Castell infuses the Welsh countryside into soothing ice cream or we could indulge in the ultimate of comfort foods at Llew Glas; their tumescent white chocolate and raspberry scones will put tea time back into your daily routine.

I know you have castles too, but I doubt any of them act as lifeguard towers like the one at Criccieth. I know you have churches, but I doubt any of them are cloaked by the sea like at St Cwyfan. I know you don’t have lighthouses like mine either. Fishing boats frolic on the petulant waves around Penmon Point. Seals and porpoises dance below the castellated Point Lynas. Puffins, guillemots and razorbills tumble and spiral around the chalk-white South Stack; staring across the wild waters to my Celtic neighbour.

How about striking Victorian innovation? How about the definition of a ‘hidden gem’? Straddling one of the most northerly coves in Wales, the disused Porth Wen Brickworks beguiles as much as it fascinates. Two red-brick chimneys gaze down upon a pristine set of beehive kilns. The sprawling remains fight against the encroaching sea. Creeping ivy your only company as you steal a glimpse into the past. Sounds a million miles away, right? Well it certainly feels like it, but even someone whose life is as fast-paced as yours can’t travel a million miles in just four hours. So, London, what do you think? You may not be able to pronounce every village.You may be bemused by the colour of the squirrels.You may even have your breath stolen by a pod of bottlenose dolphins. But, hey, we’ll have fun nonetheless. I’ll even pick you up from the station…

surreal with the majestic: palm trees and giant chess; flamingos and woodland trains; dolls, statues, ships and cannons.

T U CKE D A W A Y I N T HE I R W O R KS HO P S , HO N I N G A S KI L L T HA T HA S P E R HA P S BEEN HA N D E D DOWN T HR O U GH GE N E R A T I O N S , HE R I T A GE CR A F T W O R KE R S CA N E A S I L Y B E O V E R L O O KE D . T HE Y A R E A S M U CH A P A R T O F O U R CU L T U R A L HE R I T A GE A S T HE CA S T L E S T HA T GR A CE T HE N O R T H W A L E S CO A S T O R T HE W O R KS O F A R T W E A D M I R E I N L O CA L GA L L E R I E S A N D MUSEUMS.

S E L WYN P RI T C H A RD Stonemason

HERITAGE

CRAFTS

“I can’t think of anything else I would love to do more. I just love having a hammer, a chisel, and building things”. It’s a good job because Selwyn and his team of heritage stonemasons are in constant demand. A college course in bricklaying left a young Selwyn rather disheartened, but it did introduce him to stone. “I enjoyed playing around with it and took to it like a duck to water. I find it therapeutic almost, especially given where we live. Stone is very important to our heritage.” There are three types of stone in North Wales that he works with. Granite from the quarry at Trefor on the north coast of the Llyn, Limestone from Moelfre on Anglesey and Fieldstone from Cefn Graianog on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park. “Fieldstone is found in the ground, hence the name. And then, of course there is slate either from Bethesda or Blaenau Ffestiniog”. From college, Selwyn went to learn his trade alongside a stonemason friend before setting up with business partner, Richard. That was 18 years ago, and Selwyn and his team now take on jobs across the UK, such is the demand for their skills. Selwyn thrives on delivering the highest level of workmanship possible but admits he struggles to find skilled people coming into the trade. “There has been a big change in the industry over the last decade. Young people don’t get the opportunity to learn the skills like they used too. Stonemasons are paid by the metre, so when you are learning, it’s hard for youngsters to earn a decent enough wage”. Selwyn has taken matters into his own hands and now offers apprenticeships. “I’m happy to invest in young people, to give them the time to learn their skills. It benefits my business, the trade as a whole and it’s good to look after the younger generation”.

“Every stone is different to work with, each requiring different skills. We try to make sure that our apprentices can work with as many different types of stone as possible.” Selwyn now has 14 stonemasons in his team, with apprenticeships taking 3-4 years to complete. Recent projects include the building of three new lifeboat houses at Porth Dinllaen, Moelfre and Llandudno as well as the new sailing academy at Pwllheli: “I love the idea of building something that is there for the future, for future generations. That’s why building the new RNLI station at Morfa Nefyn where I live was so great. When I’m old and grey I can show it to my grandchildren when I take them to the beach.” “I also love restoring old buildings. That’s how I started, working on barn renovations and churches. It’s nice to see something that is a bit sad and forlorn and be able to bring it back to life again.” As his business has grown, Selwyn still makes sure he gets on site as often as possible. “The phone goes on divert, and I pick up my hammer and chisel and work alongside the lads - perfect!”

W W W .CEL T IC-HERIT A GE.CO.UK

M A R T I N A S HWOR TH Leather Specialist

Martin Ashworth spends his days surrounded by history. A wicker-framed naval officer’s case from 1802 (complete with a pouch for holding the tricorn hat), a 1942 Harley Davidson US Army motorcycle seat, a writing case from the 1920s and a 19th century Gladstone bag are just some of the items in his Anglesey workshop. Martin uses his wealth of knowledge, amassed over the past 20 years, to refurbish an enormous array of leather goods, and in many cases, pull them back from the brink of disintegration to working condition. Many of them have been lovingly used over the years or discovered in dusty (or worse still damp) attics after loitering there for decades. A broken-back was the catalyst to Martin’s craft. “I left the Royal Marine’s without a scratch, then broke my back in three places working with a horse”. Several operations later and being unable to work, Martin returned to where he grew up - the fishing village of Moelfre, on Anglesey’s east coast in 1997: “A small shed was available to rent in the village, so I took it on and started taking in bits and pieces to fix, from fishing nets to Western saddles. I first became interested in the saddles when I was posted out in America with the Marines.” His self-taught career in leather refurbishing started from there. After eight years in Moelfre, and a short spell in Marianglas, Martin then moved to a farmhouse just outside of Rhosneigr in 2006, and converted the outbuildings into the workshop he still uses today. Martin has taught himself and developed a lot of his own techniques “There has been a great deal of trial and error, and I always remember never to take anything apart that I know I can’t put back together! I mix my own pigments, beeswax, glycerine, lanolins and so on.” “No two pieces require the same treatment. It’s not until I touch the leather that I can work out what to do with it. It depends how it has been stored, what treatments have been put on it over the years, how much use it has had and so on.” “Original leather goods are very much back in fashion - Gladstone bags, vanity cases, luggage. People want to use leather goods with history, but the problem is they are getting harder to come by. Your attic, or that of your parents or grandparents, is the best place to start”.

It is the history that adds another dimension to what Martin does. “You are dealing with people’s lives, their family history”. The Harley Davidson motorbike seat is sat on his workbench: “This went through the second world war in the South Pacific. The owner has the original bike and had managed to source some panniers from the same era. He found those in Russia and they were sent straight to me too.” “I get a lot of second world war flying jackets. An American firm, Irvin initially sent over a trial lot of 50 jackets to the RAF in 1939. I’ve worked on four of the original 50 for private clients. If a flying jacket isn’t damaged, it wasn’t used.” So rare are Martin’s skills, that his commissions come from around the globe. “No-one else does refurbishment work in the UK”. Nor would it seem so abroad either. He has Western saddles sent over from America, commissions for customers of London-based gunmaker William Evans, and a delivery being flown in from Dubai by a private security firm: “A 20-piece crocodile leather and 22-carat gold desk set that will be kept in the local bank vault while I work on it one piece at a time”. This work is not for the faint-hearted. “These pieces are unique, you have to be bold. You can make more of a mess by being hesitant. I rely on my year’s of knowledge.” Has he ever been defeated? He pulls out the fragments of a small crocodile leather vanity case. “Once! It was found in the V&A, in a cellar that had been flooded for three years”.

W W W . M L W O R K S H O P . C O . UK

URI E N H UG H E S

Boat Restorer and Builder Unbeknown to Llyn-based Urien, boatbuilding was well and truly in his blood. It wasn’t until he’d enrolled in a boat building course at Pwllheli that he discovered that his greatgrandfather had built boats in the very same town. The course focussed on fibreglass boats, but 19 year-old Urien’s passion was in wood, so he relied on local people to pass on their knowledge as well as a lot of self-teaching. “Guto Jones lives nearby and is one of the last remaining traditional boat builders in the area. His knowledge of building boats and the local sailing conditions is immense.” His first commission was to restore ‘Anni’, a 150 year-old clinker built Aberdaron beach boat for the National Trust. It is ready to be sited at Porth y Swnt, the visitor centre on the tip of the Llyn at Aberdaron. He is now working on another clinker, this time by the name of ‘Orion’, with the aim of bringing this 70 year old boat back to a seaworthy state. Once finished, ‘Orion’ will join the small fleet of remaining clinkers at Porth Meudwy. “I’ll fully restore it, complete with mast, rigging and sail”. Urien has never sailed one, so it would be rather fitting for his first time to be in a boat that he himself has restored. A deeper transom sets clinkers apart from other boats, and the ability to be sailed in both directions, in order to cope with the currents and whirlpools between Aberdaron and Bardsey Island (also known as ‘Ynys Enlli’ - Island of the Tides). “If a wave hits from behind, the boat won’t capsize. ‘Anni’ was built on Bardsey, where clinkers were used to ferry sheep and provisions back and forth from the mainland.” Urien has created a number of tools that enable him to do the job of two men on his own. He also has some of his great grand-father’s saws, and even some nails from his time at the boatyard in Pwllheli: “They must be over 100 years old. It’s nice to think that the last person to have looked through them was my great grandfather.”

His thatched workshop is at Felin Uchaf, just a few miles inland from Aberdaron. This community project, set up by his father - also a carpenter, whose business crafts timberframed buildings explores ways of living through creative partnerships between students and the local environment. Urien has a steady flow of volunteers coming to lend a hand. “Some stay for as long as a year. They come from across the UK and sometimes further afield to learn traditional skills, but are often drawn to the boatbuilding. It’s great - we learn from each other.” And the future? He swings open his workshop door to reveal another clinker waiting in the wings, another veteran at the ripe old age of 130. “We’ve also been talking about building a 30-40 foot boat out of larch and oak, which would be great. Being a sailor helps me to know the boats and how they perform, and I’m friends with a number of retired boatbuilders who pop in each week to see how I’m getting on. They offer advice and are really supportive, as well as teaching me new methods, and the most efficient way of doing things.”

W W W .DA V IES HUGHES .COM

COME WITH US AND EXPLORE NORTH WALES, WE’VE MADE THIS FANTASTIC NEW RESOURCE WITH YOU IN MIND. Within Explore you will find things to do and places to go from the remotest beaches to the quietest mountains to the wildest places to swim; fantastic walks, bike rides, places to eat, where to rockpool, where to see Dolphins playing, and great events to attend. Here you will find familiar and useful information alongside the unique, and the interesting, not the run of the mill. We have been selective, to ensure quality places and people feature uppermost, places we feel confident that you will have a great experience at. We have created this with passion, with great care and attention, for you, your family, your friends, and for all of us that live here too.

Explore is brimming with current, regularly updated information written by people who have wherever possible been to the places, eaten at the café, enjoyed the activity and then written the article to ensure that you can have the best experience. ‘The devil is in the detail’ has been our mantra. Whether you are here for a short visit or return again and again, we don’t want to waste a drop of your precious time. Using Explore you can live like a local, and allow it to be your own personal guide you can trust, tailored by us for you. The concept of Explore has been in the background for many years. Last year we bit the bullet and committed to it. With the enthusiasm of those that have nurtured and built this, it is the work of many and IS SPECTACULAR. Explore is the fusion of our many individual passions for North Wales. Born out of a desire to share the wonder of the secret corners of this, our home. Through ever-expanding social media and tv channels, some would argue the world has become smaller and certainly it feels harder to have authentic experiences of travel. Explore stands as a homage to a part of the world still largely untouched by mass commercialism, where a heart of wonder and excitement still beats through this precious land, where stars still glisten in the very dark pools of our night skies. We very much hope you enjoy the fruits of our labours.....

WHERE YOU SEE THIS SIGN, SIMPLY POP THE LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER TO FIND OUT MORE OVER ON EXPLORE

Self- catering made simple!

book a cook

cottage food

Perfect for a special occasion or when you simply don’t want to cook – you are on your holidays after all! Discuss your menu with us and the meal is prepared by our chefs in your holiday cottage, served and cleared away.

Choose from our menu of delicious home-cooked meals prepared freshly by us, delivered to your holiday cottage ready for your arrival. Less time cooking – more time enjoying!

For menus, to discuss your requirements or to order, get in touch.

Morning light over Tryfan and Llyn Idwal. poemhunter.com/andrew-blakemore. Photo. Eilir Adventure Photography

t 01248 430132 e cottagefood@menaiholidays.co.uk W menaiholidays.co.uk/cooking-for-you

SNOW DONIA By Andrew Blakemore

Behold the sweeping valleys Where the heathered slopes do lie, With rugged peaks that reach Unto the ever-changing sky, Where Snowdon stands before me now As clouds begin to break, Llanberis still the morning light Now rests upon the lake. I climb the path before me That is strewn by rock and stone, As the summit shrouded by the mist Does proudly stand alone, I pause for just a moment there To look across the way, As colours of September rise To bless this holy day. The shadows lift through darkness As the sun begins to shine, And valleys dressed in violet veils Then meet the emerald pine, Its peacefulness befalls me As I breathe the mountain air, And gaze with deepest awe upon This land beyond compare.

Mickey's Beach Café, Abersoch

Barmouth, Snowdonia

SAND AHOY!

G E T T I N G A C T I VE

From long stretches of golden sand to small, hidden coves, North Wales has all sorts of beaches. Whether you are looking for long walks, shell picking, sunbathing in solitude, a beachside cafe or just somewhere for a quick dip, we can point you in the right direction.

A traditional seaside beach with lots of family attractions including a fun fair and miniature steam train. Barmouth sits on the mouth of the beautiful Mawddach Estuary making it hugely popular for fishing. There are daily boat trips from the harbour. The Mawddach is well known for its salmon and sea trout.

Barmouth, Snowdonia

Porth Ceiriad, Llyn Peninsula

BEING OFF T HE BEAT EN T RAC K

If you like being on the water, then this bay on the tip of the Llyn is for you. There’s a fantastic wave to surf, and it’s great for kayaking, bouldering, sailing as well as snorkelling and swimming - the water is crystal clear. This south-facing bay is sheltered by high cliffs which are used to access the beach, and gets the sun all day.

Traeth yr Ora, Anglesey

Rhosneigr, Anglesey

Here are some of our favourites to get you started. Three of the Best Beaches for….. B E A CH S I D E C AFE S Abersoch Main Beach, Llyn Peninsula Mickey’s Beach Cafe overlooks this sandy beach, at the far end of what is commonly known as Abersoch Main Beach. Easily overlooked when visiting Abersoch, but well worth a visit. Super-friendly service and great views across the bay.

A secret golden arc of sand, only reached by foot. It is always quiet, quite often deserted. Sit on the bench above the beach looking out for porpoises before making your way down the path onto the sand backed by fern-filled banks. Traeth yr Ora is on Anglesey’s east coast, along the footpath from nearby Lligwy Beach.

Porth Ysgaden, Llyn Peninsula

A 20 minute walk along this sandy bay takes you to Ty Coch. A stunning location where you can wriggle your toes in the sand looking out across the beautiful bay whilst enjoying your lunch.

A hidden gem near the village of Tudweiliog on the north coast of the Llyn. This beach is not well known; it won’t appear on many lists of ‘best beaches’. It is truly a hidden gem. Once you have discovered it you will return time and again to this gently shelving sandy cove flanked by rocky headlands. This picture perfect sheltered bay is perfect for swimming and fabulous for rockpooling.

Benllech Beach, Anglesey

Porth Padrig, Anglesey

Morfa Nefyn Beach, Llyn Peninsula

A large, safe stretch of sand on Anglesey’s east coast and a traditional ‘bucket and spade’ destination - with ice cream vendors, fish and chips, souvenirs and more besides. One of the best vantage points is from The Bay Cafe - great homecooked food with a view to match across the bay.

A wide expanse of sand that wraps itself around this popular seaside village, thought by many to be one of the top spots in Wales for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It’s also good for paddleboarding and surfing with the added benefit of a choice of cafes to warm up in over a mug of hot chocolate afterwards. You can also hire equipment and book lessons.

Morfa Nefyn Beach, Porth Dinllaen

A small, quiet cove near Llanbadrig church (thought to be the oldest Christian site in Wales dating back to 440AD) and the fishing village of Cemaes Bay. Also known as White Lady Bay after the quartzite pinnacle that stands in the middle of this sandy and rocky beach.

Rhosneigr, Anglesey

Find the perfect beach - whether it be for sandcastles or surfing, along with all the vital info you need - from parking and facilities to ease of access. To find out about these beaches, and many more:

About a Buoy The traffic lights and roundabouts of the seas, the entry points to marinas and ports. Buoys and marks control the way boats navigate around our shores. I’m sure you’ve seen them from afar or even passed them by on a boat trip. Quite a delight to admire bobbing in the sea with a seagull perched atop. We’ve pulled together the most commonly sighted buoys along the North Wales coast below.

North Cardinal

Continuous quick white flash (steer North)

West Cardinal

The Menai Strait is unique as the direction changes when you go past Caernarfon. You will see the two arrows pointing at each other which means the side you keep the buoys change.

Caernarfon

If you were entering the buoyage system from the Fairway buoy in the image you would keep the green markers to starboard (right) and the red markers to port (left). When you go past the town of Caernarfon they would swap around as you are now entering a new buoyage system.

East Cardinal

9 white flashes (steer West)

Dinas Dinlle

3 white flashes (steer East)

Llanddwyn Island

Danger

Newborough

Port South Cardinal

Cardinal Buoys

6+1 long white flash (steer South) To denote danger in a certain direction of the buoy and to navigate the way the buoy directs. The example below shows a rock in the middle. So when approaching the buoy you can tell by the shape of the top, the colour of the buoy or the flashing lights which side to steer clear.

Safe Water Mark

Starboard & Port Markers

These flash in their respective colours to any rhythm. They denote the outer edge of a channel. In the image the boat has the red marker to port and the green marker to starboard. This means the vessel is going into port. If they were opposite sides they would be coming out of port.

Special Marks Sometimes called a ‘Fairway buoy’ or ‘Sea Buoy’. They are typically used in safe deepwater and are used when coming into an approach channel. You will see in the illustration it is used for the start of the approach channel into Caernarfon. Single long white flash every 10 seconds.

These marks have no navigational significance.They are used as race buoys, to define swimming or water skiing zones but not to mark a hazard. They come in all sorts of shapes. But always yellow and usually with a cross on the top. If lit, it will be with a yellow light.

Starboard

Surreal. A turn of a footpath is all it takes. Your view changes from one of gently undulating Anglesey countryside looking out to the sea, to a surreal other world; more like a lunar landscape. A carpet of deep rich colours - orange, rust, red, pink and brown, laid out beneath you. Parys Mountain, close to the coastal town of Amlwch on Anglesey’s north coast, has to be seen to be believed. Even if you aren’t interested in the industrial revolution, geology or social history - of which there is much, you can’t fail to be impressed by the magnitude of this open cast mine and the landscape it has created.

H I D D E N T RE A S U R E

The mountain’s treasures were first unearthed in the Bronze age. Over 3,500 years ago, copper was being extracted to make crude weapons and domestic utensils. It is thought that the Romans then mined it for lead and copper. But it wasn’t until the 1760s and the discovery of a significant vein of copper ore, that it became a large scale enterprise. Open cast mining began, and Roland Puw, the miner who discovered the vein was rewarded with a rent-free cottage for life, as well as an annual bottle of brandy - not to be sniffed at. This discovery coincided with an increase in demand. The British Navy, under Lord Nelson, pioneered the practice of sheathing the hulls of its wooden ships in copper - to prevent corrosion, this enabled them to stay at sea longer and travel faster, as well as using copper in manufacturing cannons. By 1781 the full fleet had been coppered at huge expense. Originally the copper sheets were held in place by iron nails, but after the sinking of the HMR Royal George in Portsmouth harbour in 1780, with 900 lives lost and the rusted nails found to be at fault, hardened copper nails were then needed which further increased demand from the mine.

The Perfect Venue for All Occasions

T H E C OP P E R K I N G

Thomas Williams, a local lawyer and businessman, helped form the Parys Mining Company in 1774 and eventually took control of the mine, resulting in new buildings, a new quay in Amlwch Port, and copper warehouses in London, Birmingham and Liverpool. He built smelting works at coal fields in South Wales and Lancaster, and became known as ‘The Copper King’, and Parys Mountain as ‘The Copper Kingdom’. Between 1785 and 1788 he invested over £61,000 in the mine. Over the next decade the mine continued to be developed, with around 1,200 people employed at its height. Williams died in 1802, and over the next five years the production of copper dropped significantly, to the point that only 120 men were employed by 1808. This was partly due to a decline in the market, but also because the more easily accessible deposits of copper had all but gone. The work had to go underground, and so production decreased and costs rose sharply. In all, around 20km of tunnels were excavated before mining ceased in the early 1900s. From the late 1700s to the early 1900s Parys Mountain was the largest copper mine in the world and Amlwch Port became one of the busiest in Wales, transporting the Copper Ore to Swansea and the North West of England for smelting.

Originally known as Mynydd Trysglwyn, the mountain was named after Robert Parys in the 1400’s. Parys was appointed by the King to collect fines and taxes from the people of Anglesey who had supported the uprising of Owain Glyndwr. The mountain was his reward.

On the quayside in Amlwch Port, the Copper Kingdom Visitor Centre.

P A RYS M OUN T A I N T O D A Y

The network of walks, and self-guided history trail around the open cast mine, take in a panoramic viewing point as well as the remains of the engine house and windmill, which was built in 1878 with the aim of reducing pumping costs as the mine shafts deepened. The views are fascinating - the size of the open cast mine alone, created by hand with the help of gunpowder is impressive, and the array of colours and sense that you have been transported to another land. This is a truly unique place to visit. For further information about Parys Mountain and Copper Kingdom Visitor Centre: www.copperkingdom.co.uk

The Outbuildings is surrounded by tranquil farmland with the spectacular backdrop of the mountains of Snowdonia. It is the perfect venue for weddings, celebrations, private dining, afternoon tea or bed & breakfast. To explore the area on foot, taking in the mountain, port and visitor centre, you can download our Parys Mountain walk here: weddIngS · eVenTS · dInIng · AfTernOOn TeA · Bed & BreAkfAST

Llangaffo, Anglesey, LL60 6nH · 01248 430132 info@theoutbuildings.co.uk · theoutbuildings.co.uk Easily accessed from the A4080 near Brynsiencyn

THE REDS ARE BACK IN TOWN At its lowest, Anglesey’s population of red squirrels stood at just 40. That was back in 1998. Twenty years on and we are delighted to report that they are now flourishing. Thanks to the vision of the indomitable Esmé Kirby (conservation campaigner and founder of The Snowdonia Society), the CLA, Lady Anglesey, project manager Dr Craig Shuttleworth, adviser to the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, and a small, and extremely passionate legion of supporters and volunteers, the gradual removal of the greys has allowed the reds to flourish. Craig initially met Mrs Kirby in 1997 when she had an idea to introduce red squirrels to the National Trust’s Plas Newydd on the Island. But in order for the plan to work, the grey squirrel population needed to be removed. It has now been three years since Anglesey declared itself a greysquirrel free zone. “We now have around 700 red squirrels across the Island, with regular sightings in new locations. The population is well established and as long as we continue to ensure that Anglesey remains free of grey squirrels, it will remain that way” explains Craig. “We have a great team of volunteers who manage a number of feeding stations in woodland across the Island, and are building up a huge bank of knowledge around feeding habits and behaviour”. It was thanks to this team of volunteers that Craig was alerted to the sighting of a grey squirrel on the west of the Island last year that has subsequently been removed. “The volunteers have been key in alerting us to suspected incidences of Squirrel Pox as well. The discovery of a red with pox symptoms last Autumn was extremely worrying”. The virus is carried by grey squirrels, and was one of the major contributing factors to the initial decline of red squirrels in the UK. It’s harmless to the grey squirrels, but could decimate the Anglesey population of reds. “Fortunately on this occasion it was a false alarm, but there is a constant need for vigilance. We are working hard to empower our volunteers, so when the project comes to an end they are able to report sightings of greys or any sick or dead reds”.

Meanwhile, the flourishing population of reds on Anglesey continues to captivate locals and visitors alike, with many visiting the Island just to try and have a sighting of these fascinating, and let’s face it, extremely appealing creatures.

FASCINAT ING FACT S: Red squirrels live in lower numbers than greys, and do not have the same damaging impact on woodland. The best time to see them is in the morning or late afternoon. Unlike ‘mad dogs and Englishmen’, they don’t tend to go out in the midday sun. If you have a sighting in your garden and you have a bird table, feel free to feed them. Peanuts and sunflower seeds are particular favourites. Squirrels are ‘patch foragers’. They will stay in the same local area covering around 2 hectares. Younger males will move off to new ground to create their own patch. The cartoon squirrel burying a pile of nuts in one place is misleading. Squirrels are scatter hoarders. By spreading seed in many hiding places, it makes it harder for others to find. If you see a squirrel burying food, you know it is resident in that area. You wouldn’t store your food in someone else’s house, would you? Masters of bluffing. Just in case they are being watched, red squirrels will sometimes pretend they are burying food, but then keep hold of it in their mouth and go and bury it somewhere else. Clever aren’t they?! Squirrels don’t bury all of their food in the ground either. They will wedge fruit and mushrooms in tree branches so that the wind will dry it out. If they hid them in the ground they would rot, and they also want to reduce the water content to increase the nutrient value. They will also forage for pieces of bone as a source of calcium from carcasses of other animals. Squirrels can have up to 2 litters in a year, giving birth to between 1 and 6 kittens at a time.

HOW Y OU CAN HEL P If you see a grey squirrel (or even if you only think you saw one and aren’t sure) please report it to the Red Squirrels Trust Wales as a matter of urgency. Likewise, if you see a dead red squirrel or one that looks unwell, perhaps even displaying lesions around its eyes or nose. For more info, or to report an issue: www.redsquirrels.info If you would like to find out more, you can download a free copy of the bi-lingual Red Squirrel in my Garden via bit.ly/lovenorthwales

A W il d W a le s Ret rea t

A W I L D W A LE S R E TR E AT OFFE R S AN O P P O R T U N ITY TO R E LAX, BE COME I N S P I R E D AND CONNE CT WIT H Y OU R S E L F , OTH E R S AND W IT H NATURE. Our philosophy here at Wild Wales is very simple. Balance. With a balanced lifestyle, clarity and peace of mind can be established creating a simple and sustainable life.

A wild wales retreat weekend combines a variety of activities to help you restore balance to your life through exercise, mindfulness, nourishing food and the great outdoors. We believe this holistic approach is the best and most realistic way of maintaining a balance. Wild Wales retreats are based at The Outbuildings which offers a perfect setting for our retreats. Hidden away in the Southwest corner of Anglesey, surrounded by tranquil farmland with spectacular views across to the mountains of Snowdonia and the Lleyn Peninsula and just a few minutes’ drive away from Llanddwyn beach. We couldn’t think of

anywhere better to come and unwind from the daily hustle and bustle of our busy modern day lives. A typical day on a Wild Wales retreat includes a morning meditation and energising yoga practice followed by a delicious breakfast. We then head out into our beautiful surroundings for a coastal or mountain adventure!! A nourishing lunch will either be a picnic or served on our arrival back to The Outbuildings. Afternoon sessions start with a topical talk followed by a restorative yoga practice. You’ll appreciate a bit of time to unwind before a wholesome three-course supper is served.

You can book onto one of your pre-planned retreats or get in touch to build a custom retreat if you have a group of 6 or more. Perfect for a memorable reunion with friends or a healthy hen weekend!

WI L D WA L E S RE T RE A TS . C O M I N S T A G RA M : @WI L D W A L E S PLANNED RETREATS FOR 2018 April 20th - 22nd September 14th - 16th

A challenging climb: Pedalcover Slateman Triathlon

THE YEAR

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU AVOID MISSING OUT ON GREAT EVENTS ACROSS NORTH WALES, WITH THE LAUNCH OF NORTH WALES’ MOST COMPREHENSIVE WHAT’S ON GUIDE. North Wales has an enormous variety of events taking place throughout the year from fabulous festivals and adrenaline-pulsing sporting challenges to wildlife walks and plenty of opportunities to get crafty. We’ve put details of them all in one place. All you have to do is pop over to Explore, and be sure never to miss out again!

FESTIVALS Hazy summer days herald the festival season. The North Wales line up kickstarts with Gottwood in June, hidden away at a country house in Anglesey. In July, Electric Wave combines surfing with a family-friendly festival at Surf Snowdonia, the Conwy Valley’s inland surf lake, while Sesiwn Fawr (Big Session) in Dolgellau is enjoying its 26th year celebrating folk and Celtic music. In September, Gorjys Secrets in the Conwy Valley condenses all the best bits of music festivals into one day and Festival No 6 is set against the Italianate backdrop of Portmeirion.

FOOD We like our food….a lot. It should come as no surprise really. We have an area that is blessed with a wealth of great produce and some very creative people making the most of it. You can find out about the produce, the producers, sample, buy and lots more besides at a host of foodie events year round. From the Caernarfon Food Festival and Pwllheli’s Llyn Land and Seafood Festival in May, the Beaumaris Food Festival in September and the Conwy Feast, taking over the whole of this medieval town, in October. You can celebrate the sea at the Menai Seafood Slam in August or the Anglesey Oyster & Shellfish Festival, now in Rhosneigr, in October.

FAMILY There is plenty of family fun to be had. From swashbuckling high jinks at the Conwy Pirate Weekend in May to coastal wildlife walks and dolphin spotting during August’s Anglesey Marine Week. Celebrate all things wood at the Woodland Festival amongst the trees at the National Trust’s Plas Newydd in September, or climb aboard one of Snowdonia’s little steam engines - spooky Halloween trains and an opportunity to ride along with Father Christmas are always popular. Harlech’s Gwyl Tân a Môr - Fire and Sea Festival in December celebrates Welsh legends with storytelling, dance and music amongst the castle walls along with late night festive shopping.

Gottwood Festival, Anglesey

FITNESS Set yourself a goal or aim to beat that PB. The North Wales landscape is the perfect playground for physical challenges. And what a great excuse to pause for a while? ‘I’m just admiring the view!’. The Anglesey Half Marathon (March), Abersoch 10k (June), and Betws Trail (November) offer great running routes combined with equally appealing scenery. If you like two wheels, then the Tour de Mon in August, with it’s flying mile on the runway of RAF Valley is unique. We have our fair share of triathlon’s as well - the Sandman, Snowman, Slateman or Abersoch Tri….to name but a few. Or just take to the water? Whether it be a nighttime SUP under the stars on a mountain lake, or a guided tour or Anglesey’s geology by kayak.

FIND OUT WHAT’S ON & WHEN We are constantly updating our events calendar on Explore, so you can see a comprehensive list of what’s on throughout North Wales - from fayres to fun days, from triathlons to talks. Hop over to Explore to find out what’s on:

If you have an event you would like to tell people about, please e-mail us with the details: explore@menaiholidays.co.uk

HOLIDAY READS A read to enrich your stay, a new discovery for the children to enjoy or a good book for your deck chair or fireside. You can’t beat a good book, especially when it is linked to North Wales.

SPACE BELOW MY FEET

Gwen Moffat (2013) Gwen broke the mould for women in the post-war era. Her discovery of rock climbing, becoming the first qualified female mountain guide and her adventures in the mountains, both in the UK and abroad are all detailed in this well written auto-biography. Moffat describes her triumphs and disappointments, her struggles to earn a living, but above all her love of the Welsh mountains.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF CLAUDIUS CRAB Emma Pickles (2017) The latest installment in the coastal series, again beautifully illustrated by Anglesey-based Susannah Garrod. “There once lived a crab far away on the coast, Who tried to fit in but was different to most….” The tale of a tiny crab with a huge heart will become a firm bedtime favourite for children of all ages.

RHOSNEIGR PEOPLE AND PLACES

T.T.M Hale (2017) A wonderful chronicle of this small seaside community. Learn about the shipwreckers of legend, ‘The Crigyll Robbers’, the foundering of the great tea clipper ‘Norman Court’ and the former owner of The Sandymount Club, Ken Rees who took part in what became known as The Great Escape.

THE MOUNTAINS OF SNOWDONIA IN ART

Peter Bishop The peaks and valleys of Snowdonia have attracted many landscape artists over the centuries. This great addition to any coffee table discusses artists inspired by the North Wales scenery, their work and, interestingly, their experiences (and challenges!) in creating them. If you love North Wales then this book is for you.

I BOUGHT A MOUNTAIN

Thomas Firbank (1940) Just one account from his fascinating life, international best seller I Bought a Mountain relays Thomas Firbank’s arrival on a hill farm in Snowdonia - with no farming experience, he writes a captivating narrative of how he succeeded against the odds.

THE MOST GLORIOUS PROSPECT

Bettina Harden (2017) A tour of the historic gardens of Wales as experienced by contemporary travellers and tourists. Covering the period from 1639 to 1900, The Most Glorious Prospect is humorous and superbly detailed, beginning with how the great gardens were first made accessible to a few before being opened up to a wider, middle-class audience. Gardens featured include our own Plas Newydd, Penrhyn Castle, Plas Tan y Bwlch and Bodnant.

KASHMIR SHAWL

Rosie Thomas (2012) Crossing from North Wales to India. The discovery of an antique shawl sets Mair Ellis on a journey through her family’s past, starting in Garndolbenmaen - a young wife struggling to cope with life in wartime Kashmir, an entanglement of family secrets and great sacrifice.

THE EARTH HUMS IN B FLAT

Mari Strachan (2010) Set in the small town of Harlech in the 1950s. Inquisitive, bookish and full of spirit, Gwenni Morgan stands apart from the other girls. She can fly in her sleep and loves playing detective, so when a neighbour mysteriously vanishes, and no one seems to be asking the right questions, Gwenni decides to conduct her own investigation. A hugely enjoyable story.

THE BROKEN BRIDGE

Philip Pullman (2017) Pullman’s family settled in North Wales when he was 11 and he completed his secondary education in Harlech. So inspirational was his English teacher, Mrs Enid Jones, that he still sends her copies of his books. The Broken Bridge is set around Cardigan Bay, a heartfelt story of a teenager’s search for her own identity in the face of heartbreaking family secrets. Visit one of our local, independent bookshops with a wide range of books in English and Welsh. Settle down for a browse, perhaps a tea or coffee, and some friendly service. Dewch i ymweld a un o’n siopau lyfrau annibynol gyda dewis eang o lyfrau Cymraeg a Saesneg. Mwynhewch pori ymysg y llyfrau, cael panad efallai, a gwasanaeth gyfeillgar.

AWEN MENAI

17 Stryd Fawr, Menai Bridge LL59 5EE arystrydfawr.com 01248 715532

PALAS PRINT

10 Stryd y Plas, Caernarfon, LL55 1RR palasprint.com 01286 674631

Walking up to Llyn Idwal

Llyn Dinas, near Beddgelert

With mountain peaks towering above, the magnificent scenery dwarfs you to a mere speck in an Ice Age lake. Swimming in freshwater feels so different. Softer and without the buoyancy benefits of saltwater. The stillness is like nothing experienced at sea - as you step off the shore into the lake it feels like you are the first to ever disturb the smooth, mirror like surface of the water. No waves, no swell, just peace. As you swim out, the only sounds are the ripples you make as you glide across the water, interrupted by the occasional bird - or are we interrupting the bird? Crystal clear water reflecting the surrounding mountains - golden yellows, greens and purples. Wild swimming is, as the name suggests, simply swimming in the wild. Outside, in natural surroundings. Whether it be the sea, lake or river. All you need is swimwear and a towel. Simple. Depending on the time of year, or personal tolerances, a wetsuit, wet shoes, swim hat, a dryrobe and a flask certainly add to the comfort.

There are thought to be about 250 lakes in Snowdonia. Everyone has their favourite spots - Cwm Idwal, the Watkin Path plunge pools, Llyn Gwynant. Wildswim.com is a good starting point for recommendations. As with any open water swimming, you need to be aware of your limitations and the conditions on the day. Don’t ever go swimming on your own, always tell someone where you are, stay in your depth or within easy reach of the shore. Other things to consider are accessibility - is the lake privately owned? Avoid reservoirs, and don’t disturb anglers. If you want to have a go but are nervous about your swimming ability, knowledge of the water, or simply want some company, then you are not alone. Chris Thorne from Snowdonia Watersports runs regular supported swims: “We love introducing people to the sport, and want them to have a great experience. You can either turn up to one of our weekend swims in Llyn Padarn throughout the year, or from April onwards we run evening swims in different locations - it might be in the bay at Rhoscolyn on Anglesey, exploring the Menai Straits or walking up to a mountain lake.” “The North Wales geography provides a unique opportunity. There aren’t many places in the UK where you can swim in the sea in the morning and up high in a remote mountain lake in the afternoon.”

All photos. James Darling

IT’S ONE THING TO GO FOR A SEASONAL DIP IN THE SEA, BUT HEADING INLAND TO GLACIAL LAKES BRINGS A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION TO SWIMMING IN NORTH WALES.

If you are a confident swimmer and want to set yourself a challenge, why not sign up to a wild swimming event?

LLANBERIS: The BIG Welsh Swim 14th July 2018 Ride the narrow gauge steam train to the end of Llyn Padarn and the start of your swim in the heart of the Snowdonian mountains. Swim the length of the lake either once, twice or three times. Loveswimrun.co.uk

Anglesey is the home of popular contemporary artist Janet Bell.

CAPEL CURIG: The Snowman Swim 4th August 2018 Not one but two mountain lakes. Swim either a mile or a half mile in the Llynnau Mymbyr, also known as the Capel Curig Lakes. alwaysaimhighevents.com

The first Janet Bell Gallery opened in Beaumaris in 2007. We now have a new space where we exclusively sell Janet's original paintings, prints, cards and a collection of beautiful gifts.

BARMOUTH: The Hurly Burly 29th September 2018 Harness

the incoming tide to swim 10k up the majestic Mawddach Estuary. Add an 11k run on as well if you want and celebrate at the end with fire pits, good food and company. outdoorswimmingsociety.com

WWW.JANETBELLGALLERY.COM

10% OFF

FOR MENAI HOLIDAYS TREATS CARD HOLDERS

RHOSCOLYN: Love Swim Run Holy Island 29th September

2018 An exhilarating way to explore this beautiful stretch of coastline. From South Stack lighthouse, run along cliff edges with spectacular views and swim across sandy bays - circa 3k swimming and 15k running. Loveswimrun.co.uk

Llyn Idwal

THESE ENERGY-FILLED BARS ARE PERFECT FOR THE OUTDOORS. THEY ARE EASY TO MAKE AND ARE THE PERFECT PRE- OR POST-SWIM FUEL. Pre-heat your oven to 180°C. Line a small tray-bake tin, about 18cm x 25cm with baking parchment. Put 110g of Peanut Butter (crunchy or smooth) into a pan and warm gently until softened. Add 380g of oats, 115g of runny honey, 70g of chocolate chips (milk, white or dark - whichever your prefer), 2 eggs and a good handful of raisins or almonds. Mix well. Transfer to the tin and bake for 15 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before cutting into pieces, then allow to cool fully in tin. Will keep for a few days in an airtight container, or wrap individually and freeze so you can grab one as needed. Enjoy!

Janet Bell Home is a new lifestyle store combining the best Scandi-inspired homewares and interiors, with a different range of Janet’s prints to the Gallery, in a cool Nordic colour palette. A true reflection of Janet’s Danish upbringing. ? @ M

WWW.JANETBELLHOME.COM

2 Wall Street Beaumaris Isle of Anglesey LL58 8BS

01248 811050 15 Castle Street Beaumaris Isle of Anglesey LL58 8AP

01248 810043

Catch 22 Brasserie Valley, Anglesey

A casual, family run restaurant that opened early April 2017 in Valley. Their menu focuses on using locally sourced produce to create Mediterranean dishes with a few international inspirations. Open for food and drink all day long from 10:30, 7 days a week. With the combination of friendly staff, a varied menu and relaxed decor, they have tried to create a space that is ‘a home away from home’ for customers, whether it be for a quick coffee or a three course meal. catch22brasserie.co.uk 01407 238220

Anglesey Beef Short Ribs with Celeriac Mash Ingredients Beef

4 large Anglesey beef short ribs (available from Valley Butchers) 500ml beef stock (Stock cubes are fine taste wise but when you reduce the sauce it won’t thicken the same way)

200ml full bodied red wine

Mash

1 medium celeriac, peeled and cut into 3cm pieces 6 Maris Piper potatoes, peeled, and cut into 1 cm pieces 75ml full fat milk 75g butter, melted

{EAT}

Three recipes from some of our favourite eateries in North Wales to try out at home or in your holiday cottage.

Method

(Serves 4) Pre-heat oven to 200°C. Season the ribs all over with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet or frying pan and cook the ribs until well browned. Put the ribs into a roasting tin and cover with the wine and stock. Cover the tin tightly with foil. Cook in the oven for 20mins, then turn down the heat to 150°C and cook for 2.5hrs. Remove from oven and leave to cool in the liquor for 30mins. Remove ribs and reserve, put roasting tin onto stove top on high heat, reduce sauce by 50% until beginning to thicken. (You can do above stages in advance if you wish, keep sauce and meat separate until ready to serve) For the celeriac mash, boil the potatoes and celeriac in salted water until tender. Leave to drain in colander for 10mins, then mash the potatoes and celeriac using a ricer. Add the butter and milk and mix well. Check seasoning. To serve – Put ribs back into sauce and heat through, spoon celeriac mash equally between four large bowls, top with one rib each and as much gravy as you like! Serve with fresh green vegetables.

Have you ever foraged for razor clams? If not then you have been missing out! All you need to do is go for a walk on the beach and search for little razor clam holes in the sand, pour salt down the holes and then some water and within a few seconds the razor clam will pop up...it’s as simple as that, however you do need to be quick to grab it otherwise it will bury it’s self back under. And yes the razor clams will try their best to lick you!

The Outbuildings Llangaffo, Anglesey

The Outbuildings is a luxurious pocket of food heaven surrounded by rolling fields and mountain views on Anglesey’s south west corner. Chefs Wayne and Rod make use of the wonderful produce on their doorstep. Open for dinner, indulgent afternoon tea, or why not join one of their monthly Feast Nights - fun, informal evenings with a set menu. theoutbuildings.co.uk 01248 430132

Sautéed Spring Razor Clams Ingredients 16 Foraged Razor Clams(washed) 2 Shallots (chopped) 2 Carrots (pearls) 1 Large leeks (sliced lengthways) 50g Welsh Butter Good Hand full of Wild garlic 50ml white wine 100ml double cream ½ lemon Olive Oil

Method

(Serves 2) After you have foraged the Razor clams, they will need to be soaked in cold water for four hours (this will allow the clams to clear any sand inside the shell). Sweat off the shallots in a large bottom based pan,(that has a lid) with the carrot pearls (use a small melon baller or diced carrots is fine) in olive oil Once shallots have started to soften add the razor clams, white wine & leeks. Simmer for 2 minutes then add the chopped wild garlic, place a lid on pan and allow to steam for 5 minutes. Clams should be ready once they have opened, throw the butter, juice of half a lemon and double cream in the pan and toss slightly, then serve (8 razor clams per person). * Discard foot and central dark intestine of clams before eating.

{EAT}

The Bank

Here are some more hand picked restaurants to enjoy.

Barmouth

Newly opened to great reviews. The Bank brings a contemporary venue to Barmouth serving an inventive menu of locally sourced ingredients. Born from Megan and Ryan’s long held passion to open their own restaurant they are open for dinner between 6 and 9pm and also serve Sunday lunch.There is no children’s menu and booking is advisable.

Crempogs (Pancakes) with Halen Môn Caramel Sauce, Penderyn Whisky Cream, Orange & Almonds.

thebankrestaurantbarmouth.co.uk 01341 281400

Ingredients

Method

(Serves 4) Crempogs

Stir the butter into the warmed buttermilk until melted. Slowly pour this mixture into the flour and beat well. Leave the mixture to stand for at least 30 minutes. After you have let the mixture stand, in a separate bowl combine the sugar, bicarb, salt and vinegar into the beaten egg. Pour this mixture into the flour and milk mixture and beat well to form a smooth batter. Heavily grease a frying pan, then drop the batter, a tablespoon at a time into the heated pan and cook over a moderate heat until golden brown on both sides. Keep the crempogs warm and continue this method until all the batter is used up.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and set over a low heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Turn the heat up and bubble the sauce for 2-3 mins until golden and syrupy. Leave to cool for 10 mins before serving.

Whisky Cream

Pour the cream into a large bowl, add the whisky and icing sugar. Whip until the cream just holds its shape.

Assemble the Dish

Place two of the warm pancakes on a plate. Pour over the warm Salted Caramel Sauce. Sprinkle the orange segments and almonds over Dollop of cream on top.

Salted caramel sauce 175g Soft brown sugar 300ml Double Cream 50g Butter ½ tsp Halen Môn Sea Salt

Penderyn Cream

150ml Double Cream 2 tbsp Penderyn Whisky Sprinkle of Icing Sugar

Garnish

1 Large Orange, Segmented 100g Flaked Almonds, Toasted

Crempogs

30g Butter 225ml Warm Buttermilk 140g Plain Flour 55g Caster Sugar ½ tsp Bicarb Pinch of salt ½ tbsp Vinegar 1 Egg, well beaten

Anglesey HARRYS B IST RO

Beaumaris

You’ll find both Harrys and glorious views across the straits at the historic Henllys Hall just outside of Beaumaris. One of Anglesey’s best restaurants, it’s a unique and unhurried place to enjoy traditional bistro food with a contemporary flair, award winning desserts and a specially selected wine list. For Sunday lunch it’s the place to be; very popular with visitors and Island residents. “Harrys is all about good food” 01248 812976 www.harrysbistro.com SEA SHANT Y CAFÉ

Trearddur Bay

Tucked behind the sand dunes just a short stroll from the beach, the Sea Shanty starts the day with a fantastic breakfast menu before rolling into lunches. In the evening, the candles are lit, and the lights are dimmed. See how many shells and beachside finds you can identify in the rows of glass jars, just some of the fascinating maritime decor that has been carefully sourced and displayed. The ice cream parlour is also a must visit - the hardest part is choosing which flavour! Children will love their beach-hunt goody bags, and dogs are welcome too. www.seashantycafe.co.uk 01407 728 200

Snowdonia T HE SWELLIES

Y Felinheli, nr Bangor As often the best little places are, The Swellies is tucked away and easily missed. Alongside the marina, this cosy and friendly contemporary little cafe has a refreshingly different menu. Including homemade granola atop yoghurt and fresh fruit or fantastic cooked breakfasts to kick-start the day, delicious homemade cakes for elevenses and tasty salads, sandwiches and soups for lunch. 01248670250 www.facebook.com/swellies

To find more great places to eat across Anglesey, Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula visit:

LLYN CRAFNANT CAFÉ

Trefriw, Conwy Valley

This mountain lake is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt spots in North Wales, nestled in a quiet valley high up in Snowdonia. The quaint lakeside café has a lovely garden leading down to the water’s edge and is the perfect stop-off after a walk around the lake or in the nearby hills. Serving up homecooked locally sourced food, including ploughman’s lunches, toasted sandwiches, soups and tempting cakes. Why not catch your supper as well? They have the fishing rights to the lake, so you can fish from the banks or hire a canoe. Open 20th March to 31st October. www.llyn-crafnant.co.uk 01492 640 818 P ANT DU VINEYARD CAFE

Penygroes, nr Caernarfon

A warm Welsh welcome awaits you at Pant Du Café. Situated on the south-facing slopes of the Nantlle Valley in Snowdonia, is the spectacular Pant Du Vineyard and Orchard. Indulge with delicious homemade cakes, freshly prepared lunches, speciality coffees or why not enjoy a glass of their wonderful wine or craft cider. A beautiful setting, worth a visit - relax in the new conservatory, or sit in the garden enjoying views of its surrounding. If you book in advance you can combine your visit with a tour of the vineyard and apple orchards, or attend one of their wine tasting events. Cafe open from 1st April to 23rd December. 01286 880806 / 881819 www.pantdu.co.uk

Llyn MANANA REST AURANT A N D B A R

Abersoch

A family run, family friendly Mexican restaurant and bar located in the heart of Abersoch. Now entering their 23rd year in business, owners are local brothers Leigh and Chris Hookes who have a passion for locally sourced produce and tasty, freshly prepared food with a Mexican flavour. They also make great margaritas! www.facebook.com/MananaAbersoch 01758 713144 T REMFAN HALL

Llanbedrog, Nr. Abersoch The former home of the founder of the National Library of Wales at Aberystwyth, Tremfan Hall now offers fresh local produce and fantastic views. Looking out across Cardigan Bay and just minutes from the beautiful Llanbedrog Beach, Executive Chef Nigel Skinner serves a delicious A la Carte menu coupled with a carefully selected wine list and fantastic service. Sunday lunch is also a favourite among locals, and for good reason. 01758 740169 www.tremfanhall.webs.com

Illustrations by Fred Van Deelen arty2.com

From family-friendly strolls to challenging mountain trails, North Wales has an impressive range of walks for all abilities. Here are three to whet your appetite.

Cliffs, Coves & Country Lanes MOELFRE, ANGLESEY

DURATION: 1½ hours TYPE: An easy, mostly level nature-filled walk taking in rugged

cliffs, pebble-strewn coves and a sandy bay. DISTANCE: 3 miles PARKING: Pay & Display car park by Moelfre Harbour. LL72 8HL. GRID REF: SH 512 863

From car park, head down the steps, around the back of the bay, then up the slope, along the side of the road, turning right where the road curves left, down the (signposted) footpath. Follow this path all the way to the new RNLI Station. Continue along the footpath, following the coast, past the row of fishermen’s cottages to the right. Step down onto Porth yr Ynys/Island Bay. Walk across the beach, head up onto the grassy headland crisscrossed with paths. If in doubt, head towards the memorial seat on the edge, and follow the path closest to the coast, with the sea on your right - ignoring the paths leading inland.

Keep following the coastal path as it traverses the headland and cliffs in a W/NW direction. You’ll soon pass through a kissing gate. Follow the cliffside path, where you’ll traverse grassy sections, pass pretty hedgerows, as well as more kissing gates. Porth Helaeth is a secluded bay. The footpath runs along the back of the bay, but it’s easy to get down on to if you fancy a bit of exploration. Continue along the coastal footpath to where the footpath turns SW, with a stone wall on the left, and kissing gate at the end. After passing through this you’ll find yourself heading north, past a property called ‘Moryn’, to the side of another little bay, Porth Forllwyd, You’ll soon pass a second house, ‘Cae’r Borth’, situated at the back of the bay. Follow the path along side it, with a high fence to your left - until you come out into an open field. Cross the field, heading in a N/NW direction, following the path all the way to the kissing gate on the other side. Go through the gate, and follow the path as it heads SW, with fabulous views of Porth Lligwy! There will be a fence on your left, but sheer drops and/or bushes to the right, and then a wooden walkway and steps. Once you drop back onto the footpath, keep going, heading east towards the back of the beach. Continue along the footpath to Lligwy Beach and to the car park with the beach cafe - well worth a visit. At one point there’s a little set of steps that takes you off the path onto the beach, however, if you keep going on the main path, you’ll get to the car park and cafe anyway. Head out of the car park onto the road, up to the crossroads. Turn left and continue past a small quarry to the Moelfre village sign. Follow the road into the village and back to the harbour.

The Rivals / Yr Eifl Summit Walk LLITHFAEN, LLYN PENINSULA

DURATION: 2 Âź hours TYPE: A steep circular walk to the highest point on

the Llyn, rewarding you with fabulous 360 degree views. Walking boots needed. DISTANCE: 3.35 miles PARKING: Large free car park on left, off the road to Nant Gwrtheyrn. Clearly visible by large stone memorial. GRID REF: SH 353 440 From the car park, cross the road and take the farm track that runs upwards from it keeping the mountain in front of you. Follow the track, which forms part of the Wales Coastal Path, as it bends to the left and then up and round to the right following the lower slope of the mountain. After 1km, you will see a track on your right that cuts through the heather and up towards the summit of Yr Eifl, Garn Ganol. You need to take this. The track gradually gets steeper until you reach an old ruin. From this point, it gets steeper still. The heather begins to thin and gives way to boulders. At this point, the path is no longer clearly marked. Instead you need to look out for small stone cairns piled at key points that mark the way to the summit. Keep climbing upwards following the cairns and you will eventually reach the summit 564m above sea level. You can see the whole of the Llyn stretching out below you, with Bardsey Island off the tip. The views to the north and east are towards Anglesey and the Menai Straits. You have reached the highest point on the Llyn Peninsula. Take the path that drops down from the opposite side that you have ascended. You need to keep the stone wall that cuts down from the summit on your left hand side. The remains of the Iron Age hill fort of Treâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;r Ceiri (Town of Giants) are visible on the hillside of the mountain over to your left. After 350 metres you reach the bottom of this section of the wall.You come to a stile on your left.Take the waymarked path to the right that takes you across the heathland on the lower slopes. Continue along the broad grassy and heather lined path that is waymarked. It gradually bends around to the right on a slight ascent that takes you over the brow. The views towards the end of the Llyn appear below you once more. The car park denoting the start and end of the walk can be seen in the distance. There are a number of paths running through the heather that take you back to it.

There are a couple of good spots on the right for a paddle if it is hot! There are a couple of interesting sections to negotiate - where the path is quite rocky - nothing too serious. At the path’s end it reaches the Aberglaslyn road bridge and bears left to leave the river. Follow the waymarked steps through the oak trees to the Cwm Bychan carpark. Follow the path and signs for Cwm Bychan. Follow the path through a picnic area and on through the woodland as it starts to climb. The easy to follow path gently climbs up the valley. You will soon notice the remains of the aerial cable way that was used to transport the copper ore. Ignore the path that forks off to the left and continue the gentle climb At the high point of the route you will reach a fence and a stile. Cross the stile and follow the path immediately on the left to a sign post.

Glaslyn Gorge and Cwm Bychan BEDDGELERT, SNOWDONIA

DURATION: 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours TYPE: A scenic riverside and hill route - lots of

variety, and one that older children will enjoy too. DISTANCE: 6 miles PARKING: Pay and Display car parks in Beddgelert at LL55 4YW and LL55 4UY GRID REF: SH 588481 & 588482 (depending on car park)

Discover a host of walks, from coast to mountain, easy to challenging, even taking in country pubs or toddler-friendly trails:

Make your way to the bridge in the centre of the village.The walk starts on the south side of the river (near the Tanronnen Inn). Head along the road next to the river, sign posted for Gelert’s Grave. When you reach the footbridge take the path on the right. With the river on your left follow this until you reach the railway line. A detour along the way will take you to the site of ‘Gelert’s Grave’. At the railway line, cross the bridge over the river and then cross the railway line.The Fisherman’s path now takes you along the left bank of the Glaslyn as it enters the gorge.

The sign post shows the route to Beddgelert Sygun and Llyn Dinas - our route takes the path down hill to Llyn Dinas. The path takes you to a point where it becomes steeper but has good steps. Follow the steps down and the lake will soon be seen. The view across the lake here is fantastic. Follow the steps down to the lake shore At the lake take the well made path along the river. The path leads to a tarmac road, turn left here and follow the road towards the Sygun Copper Mine. At the entrance to the mine follow the road around to the right, you will pass a small water wheel on your left. Follow the road until you reach a bridge where it crosses the river. A kissing gate on the left here leads to a path that takes you back to Beddgelert along the left hand side of the river. Follow this all the way back to Beddgelert and a well earned drink or ice cream - or both!

“Before we started selling it, we were curious to see what the cider-making fraternity thought of our new cider. So we took a deep breath and entered our Heritage blend into the Welsh Perry and Cider Championships in South Wales. Imagine our surprise when we won a silver medal and Best Newcomer! This was all the confirmation needed that we were on to something”

D I ST Y L L FA WHISGI

T H E S P I R I T of N O R T H WA L E S

From Pasture to Plate... LIKE MANY CORNERS OF THE BRITISH ISLES, FARMERS AND FOOD PRODUCERS HAVE HARNESSED THEIR NATURAL SURROUNDINGS TO CREATE SOME FANTASTIC PRODUCE

Jaspels

So successful was their call out via social media for surplus fruit, that they were literally inundated and had over 200 donors in Autumn last year. “You don’t realise how big the Island is until you have to criss cross it in a van collecting apples from all sorts of hidden away places!” says Janet. Between them, Adrian, a biochemist and Janet who has a marketing background, look after everything - from sourcing the apples and pears, collecting the fruit, pressing, fermenting, blending, bottling, labelling and distributing their finished product to an ever-growing number of shops, cafes and restaurants throughout North Wales. That’s in addition to attending all manner of food festivals and local events! They have now moved production to a unit in Amlwch, and in Spring 2018 are opening an on-site shop and hope to sell their products on-line as well. Their three original dry cider blends, Heritage, Môn Katy and Hazy Pear have been joined by two other blends, Woodland (Medium) and Autumn Spice (Medium Sweet). Production is continuously increasing to meet demand, which is one of the reasons they moved premises, and this year they were able to produce 4 times as much as the previous first year. “We are planning on increasing production in 2018 again and adding some new varieties as well....there will always be something new and exciting going on at Jaspels, watch this space!”

ANGLESEY CRAFT CIDER Husband and wife team Adrian and Janet Percival had been holidaying on Anglesey for several years when they saw an opportunity to turn their hobby of cider making into a business and a chance to move to the Island that they had fallen in love with. The lack of an orchard, or any land on which to grow one, wasn’t going to stop them. “So many apples on the Island weren’t being picked - we would constantly see fallen fruit on country lanes and in gardens and thought we could make use of all the fruit going to waste.We put a plea up on social media asking for donations of fruit and we were delighted when the offers started to come in. Everyone was delighted to see their fallen apples go to good use, and receiving some cider the following Spring was an added bonus!” In 2016, before they moved permanently from their home in Cheshire, they had 37 apple donors on the Island and produced their first cider in a barn in one of their donor’s orchards in red squirrel woodland which became the inspiration for the logo. They then made the permanent move to Anglesey early last year and started selling the cider at local events and festivals.

WWW.JASPELS.CO.UK FOR A LIST OF STOCKISTS VISIT FACEBOOK.COM/JASPELSCIDER

Glasu

PROPER DAIRY ICE CREAM The idea to create something from the farm to give to guests at their daughter’s wedding was the start of Dylan and Annwen Jones’ growing ice cream business. Made from milk from their herd of pedigree Holstein Friesian cows, the feedback from guests was so good that they decided to look into developing the idea. Over the next two years they created their base recipe, along with five simple flavours, before launching ‘Glasu’, the first commercial ice cream venture on the Llyn Peninsula, at the Nefyn agricultural show in Spring 2014. Dylan and Annwen have been milking at Bryn Rhydd Farm at Edern on the beautiful and rugged north coast of the Llyn Peninsula since they took over from Dylan’s father, who had moved to the farm more than 60 years ago. More recently they have introduced a number of Brown Swiss cows into the herd, for their creamier milk - all the better for producing delicious ice cream. The award-winning pastures on which the cattle graze lead down to the sea, and were the inspiration behind the name ‘Glasu’ - which is the description in Welsh often given to the Spring flush of grass.

Bodior Farm

WELSH LOCAL FARM PRODUCE Anglesey used to be known as Môn, Mam Cymru or Anglesey, Mother of Wales thanks to its fertile lands, which were considered capable of providing food for the whole of Wales. The Island’s rolling pastures, heathland and coastal marshes are still providing some of the finest produce, and none more so than on the Bodior Estate at Rhoscolyn on Holy Island’s most southerly tip.

As luck would have it a shop also became available in the nearby seaside town of Pwllheli - the perfect opportunity for expanding their business further. “Having our own ice cream parlour and cafe was the obvious next step. It also means we can get feedback on our flavours and products direct from the customer which really helps us to continually develop and improve” explains Annwen, whose daughter, Elliw and son-inlaw Myrddin also support them in running the business.

The Bodior Farm Shop is tucked away in the heart of the estate, the drive to which is part of the experience. The driveway passes stone walls giving way to open pasture, woodland that is carpeted with snowdrops and then bluebells in Spring and ponds nestled in amongst the trees. Pheasants and hares can meander across your path, whilst woodpeckers and jays fly amongst the treetops. The Estate has been in the ownership of the Bulmer cider family since the early 1950s, and Farm Manager, Frank Roberts, wife Karen and son Gwyn, alongside their butcher, David Williams rear and prepare much of the shop’s produce. Frank became Farm Manager in the 80s and decided to start selling beef from his pedigree herd of Beef Shorthorns direct to the public as a means of increasing revenue. “Being a native British breed, the Shorthorn is well suited to our climate and farmland” Frank explains. “Amongst the pastures are rocky outcrops, gorse, heathland and exposed headlands that our native breeds are well suited to, and the Shorthorn is renowned for producing excellent quality meat with good marbling ensuring that it is tender and tastes fantastic”. A renovated pigsty now houses the farm shop which opened its doors five years ago. Alongside the beef, customers will find home-reared lamb, duck, pheasant and woodcock in season, and not forgetting Christmas, free-range bronze turkeys. When the sheep graze on the salt marshes running down to the Inland Sea, the stretch of water that divides Holy Island

The couple had used the food technology centre on Anglesey to develop their products, and continued to take their milk there to make their ice cream before packaging and distributing it to hotels, shops and cafes in the area. In 2016 they invested in a production unit at home, saving them a lot of miles and giving them more time to develop the brand.

from Anglesey, the resulting Salt Marsh lamb is particularly succulent and has an incredible flavour. “We usually have Salt Marsh Lamb available from July to September. The animals are grazing on grassland and marsh that is soaked by the sea, which gives the meat a unique taste. Salt Marsh Lamb has been a delicacy in France for years, but we have been a bit slower cottoning on to how good it is!”. Pork and bacon is also available, as well as Bodior Honey produced from the 15 hives dotted around the woodland. The shop is open year round and orders can be taken in advance, to be packed ready for collection. A mail-order service is also available.

WWW.BODIORFARM.CO.UK 01407 740 454

The cafe is in a prime spot in Pwllheli - perfect for locals and holiday-makers alike who, in addition to the range of over 20 ice creams, signature sundaes and milkshakes, can enjoy elevenses, lunch and afternoon tea year round. The tempting list of ice cream flavours has seasonal specials added throughout the year - fantastic Hallowe’en themed sundaes and Valentine specials are just some of the creations that mean customers keep returning to see what is new. And their most popular flavour? “Vanilla always comes out on top!”. The family also take their products to a number of shows and events throughout North Wales, and will be increasing production at the farm again this year meaning that it will be even easier to pick up a little pot of this delicious ice cream over the coming months - keep your eyes peeled!

WWW.GLASU.CO.UK 01758 720 4350

Readyabout Menai Bridge

Criccieth Makingfriends

Capel Curig, Snowdonia

T H E H A ND B OOK N W

Newborough, Anglesey

North Wales captured through a smart phone. If you would like one of your images to feature in the magazine then make sure you hashtag us.

Exploring

Strikeapose

Harlech Beach

Whataview

Borth y Gest Surfsup

Doublescoop

Daydreaminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Photo. Eilir Adventure Photography

A l i fe s t yle b o u t i q u e s e l l i n g c lo t h i n g , d e c o r a t i o n s , c a rd s , i n t e r i o r s & j ewe l le r y. Offe r i n g q u a l i t y p ro d u c t s , f ro m f a i r t r a d e t o Br i t i s h m a d e .

Bi j o u x re s t a u r a n t /c a fe i n t h e h e a r t o f Mo e l f re w i t h p i c t u re s q u e wa l le d g a rd e n , s e r v i n g u p d e l i c i o u s h o m e c o oke d fo o d & a m e n u t h a t changes with the seasons.

F i n d u s i n B e n l le c h L L 74 8 T L

F i n d u s i n Mo e l f re L L 7 2 8 H L . Te l 0 1 2 4 8 4 1 0 3 8 6

SN O WDO N I A N A T I O N A L PA R K CO V ER I N G S O M E 8 2 3 S Q U A RE M I L ES, H O M E T O WA L ES’ L A R GEST MO U N TA I N , S N O W D O N , WA L ES’ L A R GEST L A KE, L L Y N B A L A A N D S O M E E X TRA O RD I N A RY V I EWS A N D SU M M I T S. I T ’S N O T H A R D T O BE L I E V E I T’ S O N E O F T H E M O ST V I SI T ED PA R KS I N T H E U . K. It’s fantastic to welcome so many people to our mountains. But with the rise of social media, certain ‘hot spots’ get visited more and more, with a lot of the un-sung heroes not being given their chance to shine. Today, ladies and gentlemen, we are going to take you on an adventure through some of our favourite mountains and peaks, that we hope you can go and enjoy and pass along the happy memories you have on them.

63 C N ICH T HEIGHT: 689m (2,260ft) LOCATION: SH645466 BEST BITS: Sometimes known as The Welsh Matterhorn due to its sharp peak. The name comes from ‘Knight’, the old English word when the K was pronounced. The shape of the mountain is similar to a knight's helmet. Fantastic views down the Cambrian coast. WORST BITS: Not the most attractive of mountains to walk up. Can be a bit bare at the top. USEFUL HINTS AND TIPS: Be sure to head to Oriel Caffi Croesor after your walk for a warm hot chocolate or refreshing beer. BEST PARKING SPOT: In the village of Croesor there is a small car park. Photo. Eilir Adventure Photography Photo. Eilir Adventure Photography

P E N YR OL E WE N

TWTHILL

Smallest mountain in Wales! HEIGHT: 60m (197ft) LOCATION: Caernarfon SH 47866282 BEST BITS: Not a long walk - 5 minutes if you park at bottom. Great views of Caernarfon. WORST BITS: What’s not to like - 5 minute walk and great views. Unless of course you’re looking for a little more exercise! USEFUL HINTS AND TIPS: Go at sunset to get fantastic views of the sun setting across the Menai Strait. PARKING: Satnav Twthill East (LL55 1PF)

HEIGHT: 978m (3,209ft) LOCATION: SH655619 BEST BITS: Easy access to get right into the hill. Far reaching views 360 degrees WORST BITS: Can be steep on the way up so be prepared. USEFUL HINTS AND TIPS: One route takes you past Ffynnon Loer lake. If you take a fishing rod and grab a permit you may catch a trout. PARKING: LL57 3LZ next to Ogwen Cottage.

MY NY DD Y CIL GW Y N HEIGHT: 347m (1,138ft) LOCATION: SH 49763 54282 BEST BITS: Simple and easy walk that’s suitable for anyone. Closer to the action - you can see the villages, sea and mountains and Llyn Peninsula and as it’s not such a high mountain, you’re just that little bit closer to the summit. WORST BITS: Not enough of a challenge...for some! USEFUL HINTS AND TIPS: If you have time, pop down to see the old Dorothea quarry, an old derelict quarry that’s impressive to see. PARKING: Any of the small villages surrounding the village - Cilgwyn, Y Ffron or Carmel.

Y R EIFL

Discover the peaks of Snowdonia in our on-line mountain guide. Find out about walking routes, the best view, where to park and the legends and history surrounding each peak: We love where we live, so taking time to pick up litter, stick to the path and staying safe are all high priorities. Find out lots more over on Explore under ‘Loving where we live’:

HEIGHT: 561m (1,841ft) LOCATION: SH364447 BEST BITS: Three peaks for the price of one taking in Tre’r Ceiri 485m, Garn Ganol 561m, Garn For 444m. On clear days you can see as far as the Isle of Man and the Wicklow mountains in Ireland, as well as Cardigan Bay across the Llyn Peninsula. It has an Iron Age hillfort, which is one of the best examples in Europe. Granite quarried from Yr Eifl was used to make curling stones for the 2006 Winter Olympics. WORST BITS: You have to walk up three peaks! USEFUL HINTS AND TIPS: Make sure you go on a clear day and leave plenty of time to drive down to the Ty Coch pub for a nice cold drink at the end of the walk. PARKING: Llithfaen,Yr Eifl Car Park, LL53 6NU Photo. Eilir Adventure Photography

Dedicated cycle routes, quiet country lanes or challenging mountain passes. North Wales has family-friendly trails and adventurous climbs to suit all skill levels. We have researched and written over 60 cycle routes throughout Anglesey, Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula for you to enjoy, complete with downloadable GPX routes, and will continue to add to them over time.

Puffin Island

Bwrdd Arthur

Trwyn Du Black Point

Penmon Llangoed

Llanddona

B5109

Photo. Neil Mark Thomas

Red Whhrf Bay

Llanfaes

B5109

START FINISH Beaumaris

Menai Strait

Rhyd Ddu

08 A4

5 A4 9 8

08 A4 5

Beddgelert

A4 98

BIK E H I R E:

Beddgelert Bikes Conveniently situated next to the car park in Beddgelert and at the start of Lon Gwyrfai trail, Beddgelert Bikes has a huge stock of over 200 mountain bikes available for hire as well as tandems, child seats and trailer bikes. New and ex-hire bikes are available for sale, and you can have your own bike serviced or repaired in the on-site workshop. beddgelertbikes.co.uk 01766 890 434

D IS TANCE : 4.3 miles linear / 8.7 miles circular with additional routes. S TAR T/ F INIS H: Snowdonia National Park Car Parks at either

DIST ANCE: 16.6 miles ST ART /FINISH: Beaumaris Leisure Centre LL58 8AL

Terrain: Largely flat on rural lanes with only one big ascent and descent. With its castle, Victorian gaol and courthouse, as well as interesting shops and places to eat, the historic waterfront town of Beaumaris is a lovely place to start and finish your ride.

There are 3 main cycle routes in Beddgelert Forest which are classed as ‘family-friendly’ and can be accessed from the villages of Beddgelert or RhydDdu. There is a third car park mid-way along the trail - Natural Resources Wales’ Beddgelert Forest Car Park. All the trails are off-road with splendid views from various vantage points along the way.

85 A40 Coed Mawr

BE A UM A RI S C I RC UL A R , A N G L E S E Y

Beddgelert (LL55 4YW) or Rhyd-Ddu (LL54 6TN) Terrain: Off-road family-friendly trails. A mountain bike isn’t essential, but is preferable.

Beddgelert Forest Llangoed

BEDDG EL ERT FOREST OFF ROAD FAMIL Y ROUT E, SNOWDONIA

This route takes you along beautiful coastal lanes with wonderful views across the sea to the Snowdonian Mountains, both on the water’s edge and from high up. There’s a lovely spur off to explore Penmon Priory and Black Point Lighthouse - keep an eye out for porpoises and dolphins. Rejoining the circular route, you’ll travel through country lanes and rural Anglesey to get to the village of Llanddona where there are wonderful vistas across to the mountains and the sea before bringing you back to central Beaumaris.

The easiest trail is the linear Lôn Gwyrfai which is approximately 4.3 miles long, running between Beddgelert and Rhyd-Ddu. The other two circular routes, Derwen and Bedwen are slightly more taxing but again, family-friendly with various viewing points and picnic table at Llyn Llewelyn - a beautiful mountain lake in the heart of the forest. On the Lôn Gwyrfai route, cyclists, if they wish, can take a detour from Point 52 to 45 where they can pick up the Derwen Trail to make their ride longer and more adventurous. All the routes are clearly marked and you can of course do as much, or as little, as the smallest legs in your group can manage.There are places to eat in the villages at either end of Lôn Gwyrfai - perfect for pre, post or half-way refreshments.

ALONG T HE WAY….

Penmon Priory - The route takes you right past this former monastery, originally founded in the 6th century. The priory, medieval church and dovecote are free to enter.

Depending on where you have parked, it is recommended that you allow for up to 4 hours for each of the trails, but, of course, this can vary due to individual fitness levels, but the secret is to take your time, be safe and enjoy the experience of the freedom of the forest in Snowdonia.

Black Point Lighthouse - There has been a lighthouse on this site since 1838 to ease the passage of ships sailing into the docks at Liverpool, with a view of Puffin Island beyond. At low tide, take a moment to explore the rock pools.

AL O NG THE W AY...

Pilot House Cafe - On Black Point with views of the lighthouse, this friendly little cafe was originally home to the lighthouse pilots and their families in the 1800s and is open all year round.

There are plenty of places for refreshments in the village of Beddgelert. From homemade ice creams, cafes and traditional pubs dotted throughout this riverside village. www.beddgelerttourism.com Cwellyn Arms, Rhyd-Ddu. A family-run traditional country inn at the foot of Snowdon. Expect to find walkers and cyclists warming themselves by the fire and enjoying some hearty pub food.

Pier House Bistro - On the waterfront in Beaumaris with fantastic views of the Straits. Perfect for fuelling up beforehand or for a relaxing meal afterwards. Download these routes, or to find many more cycle trails for all abilities throughout North Wales, go to:

C I RC UL A R S E A A N D M O UN T A I N S , L L YN P E N I N S UL A

A498 Beddgelert

Pant Glas

A487 A4085

A4 8 7 A 497 START FINISH

Tremadog A487 Porthmadog

This ride captures the enormous variety of the North Wales landscape. Seaviews and rolling farmland giving way to mountain peaks, forests and lakes. A truly magical ride. Head out from the coastal town of Criccieth, following country lanes to the North coast of the Llyn and village of Clynnog Fawr. Follow the coast for a short while before heading inland towards the peaks of Snowdonia - but don’t fear. No ‘Tour de France’ style climbs up mountain passes on this route. Travel along the spectacular Nantlle Pass before arriving at the foot of Snowdon at the village of Rhyd-Ddu. Skirt the edges of Beddgelert Forest as you wind your way down to the village, watching out for glimpses of the steam train that follows the same valley. Head back out the coast, following the Afon Glaslyn, the river that sweeps out into the bay at Porthmadog, before turning back towards Criccieth.

Rhyd Dhu

A 48 7

Terrain: Undulating road route mainly on quiet lanes, but crisscrossing some busier roads.

A4085 Penygroes

A4 98

DIST ANCE: 41 miles ST ART /FINISH: Criccieth Station, LL52 0RW

Criccieth

ALONG T HE WAY….

Idris Cafe - If you want to buy provisions to take with you, call into this bakery and cafe on Criccieth’s High Street, before setting off. Freshly made filled rolls, and a tempting array of cakes - essential fuel for the road ahead. St Bueno’s Church, Clynnog Fawr - A very large church in comparison to the village in which it sits. Originally the site of a 7th century monastery founded by Bueno. Look out for the tide dial in the churchyard dated between the 10th and 12th centuries. Beddgelert - This riverside village makes a great stop-off, just over half way. Plenty of places to find refreshment, or even cool your feet in the river. Stroll along to the legendary Gelert’s Grave if you have time.

B IKE HIRE:

Find a Cycle Route for you. To search all of our individually researched rides, download routes and find the nearest pit stop for that all important tea and cake, visit bit.ly/ explorecycling

Beics Menai Bikes Conveniently located in Caernarfon town centre, close to the majestic castle, Beics Menai Bikes not only hires bikes, but sells and repairs them too. They offer a wide range of bikes for hire including adaptive cycles, and the hire price includes helmet, emergency kit and bicycle lock - so you’re all kitted out for your biking adventures! Easy access onto the Lôn Eifion and Lôn Menai cycle routes direct from the shop. anturwaunfawr.cymru 01286 676 804

Yn y Caffi/In the cafe (un uh caffy)

The Welsh language may be ancient (it has spent the last 4,000 years evolving), but it is still very much alive and kicking.

We have all heard someone say “I walked into the pub/ shop/cafe and they all turned round and started speaking Welsh”. Er, no…..people in Wales really DO speak Welsh as their first language, just like people in Spain, France, or India; and as in any local pub world wide, when anyone walks in, the conversation usually stops for a moment to acknowledge their arrival, whether they be in England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales. So, just as you are happy to say ‘bonjour’ or ‘hola’, now’s the chance to dip your toe into this most lyrical of languages. Equip yourself with the basics and you can join in with the sgwrs (chat) too!

(un uh shop)

Helo - Hello (see, it really isn’t that difficult!) Bore da (Boh-reh dah) - Good morning Ga i……? (guy ee) - Can I have…..? …..papur newydd (papeer neh-with) - newspaper …..beint o lefrith (bynt o levrith) - pint of milk …..dorth - loaf of bread …..wyau (wee-aye) - eggs ….pethau da (peth-aye dar) - sweets Plis - please Diolch - (Dee-olch) - Thank you

Yn y pentref/In the village (un uh pen-tre)

Lle mae….. (hle my..) - Where is…. …..y traeth - the beach …..y swyddfa post (uh swith-va post) - the post office ….y llyn - the lake

Yn y Dafarn/ In the pub (un uh dav-arn)

Peint o gwrw lleol - Pint of local beer Gwin gwyn (gween gwin) - white wine Gwin coch (gween corch) - red wine Iechyd da! (Yeh-chid dah) - Cheers! Bendigedig - fantastic Paced o greision - packet of crisps Pysgod a sglodion - fish and chips Nos da (nohs dah) - Good night

All photos. James Darling

Yn y Siop/In the Shop

Prynhawn da (Prin-houn dah) - Good afternoon Panad o de - Cup of tea Darn o gacen - Piece of cake Bara Brith - Fruit Loaf Da iawn (Dah ee-aw-n) - Very good Ga i dalu’r bil plis? - Can I pay the bill please? Hwyl (who-il) - Goodbye

The Welsh Alphabet Yes, it’s different from the English one. For a start there are 29 letters. There is no K, Q,V, X or Z in Welsh. The joy of Welsh is that, unlike English, it is phonetic - just say what you see. Use this handy guide to help you pronounce peoples’ and place names:

a, b, c, ch, d, dd, e, f, ff, g, ng, h, i, j, l, ll, m, n, o, p, ph, r, rh, s, t, th, u, w, y Although some letters have two symbols, they are considered to be single letters and are pronounced: Ch - As in Scottish ‘loch’ Dd - ‘th’ in English, as in ‘this’ Ff - As as in ‘four’. The single ‘f’ is pronounced as a ‘v’. Ng - As in ‘thing’ Ll - Much easier to master than you think. Put the consonants ‘hl’ together and you’re about there. Ph - As in ‘phone’ Rh - If you trill the word ‘pray’ and roll your ‘r’. Th - As in ‘thin’

Go on, have a go!

All photos. James Darling

THIS WAS MY OVERRIDING THOUGHT AFTER A FEW HOURS SPENT IN THE WONDERFUL COMPANY OF LOCAL BUSINESS WOMAN/ FARMER’S WIFE/MUM-OF-FIVE/TV PRESENTER, DALONI METCALFE. A quiet country lane near the village of Tudweiliog on the picturesque north coast of the Llyn Peninsula winds it’s way down towards Porth Towyn beach - a beautiful sheltered stretch of sand, visited by many walking the Llyn coastal footpath or day trippers enjoying the turquoise water and soaking up the amazing views. This remote, peaceful corner of North Wales is also Daloni’s home - a hive of entrepreneurial activity. For anyone living in Wales, Daloni’s face will already be familiar. She has been presenting programmes on the Welsh television channel, S4C for almost 30 years from Heno and Prynhawn Da, coverage of the Royal Welsh Show, Ffermio and until recently, Fferm Factor - the Welsh farming equivalent of The X Factor. Daloni and husband Wil were living in Cardiff when a sudden change of circumstances meant that they had to take on the running of Wil’s family farm at Tudweiliog in 2001 almost overnight. Alongside the beef and sheep, was a campsite that had been there for decades. Opposite the farmyard, on the way down to the beach is a picture-perfect little stone shed, half enveloped by the earth around it - it was originally the farm’s potato shed, or in Welsh - Cwt Tatws: “Not only did it house potatoes, but the Rev. Howell Harris, the founder of Welsh Methodism used to preach here unofficially in the 18th century. Legend has it that when the authorities came looking for him, he used to hide in the attic of the farmhouse.” Daloni’s mother-in-law ran it as an ice cream shop until 1986, so by the time Daloni moved in, it was going to seed: “It was a shame to see it in such a sorry state, so we decided to re-open it in 2009 selling ice creams and buckets and spades.” “Over the years I have filmed all sorts of programmes, many of which were about antiques and interiors, which sparked a real interest. So it wasn’t long before I introduced a few homewares into Cwt Tatws - hand-painted mugs, enamelware and so on”. Requests from holidaymakers once they had got home, lead to an on-line shop and soon Cwt Tatws was bursting at the seams. Last year, Daloni built a modern day Cwt - a new shed, to sit alongside the old. Filled with even more fantastic homeware finds from around the globe….or just down the road, as well as a coffee shop which has become as much a community meeting place as it has an ‘en-route to the beach’ stop off.

Daloni still sources everything herself: “I meet all of my suppliers - I have to like them and their products”. Artwork from close friend Catrin Williams from just down the road is displayed next to vintage rugs from Morocco: “I source my stock from Wales, Europe and beyond! I would love to become the Welsh Anthropologie.” Chatting to her at one of the long communal tables, sitting on a sheepskin, sipping a large mug of piping hot coffee with views of their Welsh Black cattle grazing in the fields and the turquoise water beyond, Daloni is up and down - greeting beachgoers coming in for a look around, walkers coming in for refreshment from the coastal path (and delighted to find a choice of gluten free cakes!). Time-served holidaymakers being greeted like family returning to the fold or locals picking up a piece of specially-commissioned artwork that Daloni has helped arrange for them. “I absolutely love my TV work. I find it so interesting meeting all sorts of incredible people through it, and now I meet them over the counter in the shop as well. This is a very rural area, but it’s amazing to discover what so many people are doing just round the corner from me.” She clearly loves meeting all of the people who supply the shop too: “There are so many amazing craftspeople and makers out there, especially locally, many of whom have become friends.” Daloni spins around the shop enthusiastically picking up various items and telling me the story behind them - sweatshirts hand printed by “a lovely girl in Harlech”, beautiful Welsh-blanket inspired merino wool knitwear for babies from Mabli in South Wales, ceramics from Olwen Thomas. The list goes on, and her enthusiasm is infectious. It’s also lovely watching passersby peeking through the unassuming shed door in this quiet field, and the surprise on their faces when welcomed by an Aladdin’s cave of goodies, cakes and steaming coffee, and more importantly Daloni and her team’s warm welcome. In an area where job opportunities can be limited, Daloni employs one person year round, with an additional five seasonal staff. “Everyone is local, many have been with us since they were young teens”. In amongst the filming, running and developing Cwt Tatws, managing the campsite and running the farm with her husband, Daloni has also raised five children. Lili (18), has just headed off to university in Liverpool, Ifan (20) is about to spread his wings and visit New Zealand, whilst Robin (14), Nansi (9) and Wmffra (6) - named after the bachelor farm worker who was instrumental in helping Daloni and her family settle into the farm when they first arrived, are all in school locally.

Plan your own trip to the Llyn using Explore. Find a cottage, places to eat, walks, cycle routes and much more:

THE LLYN Although born and raised in the Conwy Valley, Daloni has fallen in love with the Llyn. “I wake up every day and think how lucky I am. It creeps up on you - I love it. I don’t know if it’s got something to do with living on a peninsula, but you just have to go with the flow, go with the slower pace. I really wouldn’t want to live anywhere else on earth. It’s a fantastic place to bring up children; it’s safe, it’s clean.” “I never take it for granted - whether it be the beach just across the field, or the view. As I drive home - along the road from Llithfaen or as you come through the village of Pistyll - my heart still misses a beat every time, even after all these years.” So what do you do when you have time off? “Hmm, well I don’t really have any. I devote all my spare time to the business!” Phew…..I was beginning to wonder if Daloni was perfectly spinning all of those plates in a way that makes the rest of us feel inferior. But she is only human. www.cwt-tatws.co.uk

PORTH TOWYN - A beautiful sheltered stretch of sand,

visited by many walking the coastal footpath or day trippers enjoying the turquoise water, playing amongst the wonderful rocks or soaking up the views. PORTH OER - Another great beach, also known as ‘Whistling Sands’ thanks to the sound the granules of sand make when you walk on them. One of only two beaches in Europe where the sand does this. LLYN COASTAL FOOTPATH - A 91 mile path running from Caernarfon round to Porthmadog. A great way to discover picturesque cove, spot dolphins and porpoise and enjoy the scenery. YR EIFL - Difficult to miss, this iconic mountain at the beginning of the Peninsula is made up of three peaks, with stunning views down the Llyn, across to Snowdonia, Cardigan Bay and towards Anglesey. The remnants of an Iron Age hill fort at the top of Tre’r Ceiri are worth the walk alone. To do this walk turn to page 50.

Wildlif e

G RA YL I N G BUT T E R F L Y Location: Angesey coast, Llyn coast Identification: The largest of the ‘brown’ family this is a cryptically coloured master of camouflage. Brown and orangey-yellow when in flight they almost disappear when settled as only the mottled grey, white and brown underside of the hindwing is visible.

What to look out for, where and when.

CHOUGH Location: The coast of Anglesey and Llyn and the mountains of Snowdonia.

Why are they special? Once relatively common and widespread its British population has declined by around 60% since the 1970s and they are now almost confined to the coast.

Identification: A small crow, between jackdaw and carrion crow in size. Glossy black with deep red legs and beak. Why are they special? One of North Wales’ most special birds. There are only 350 pairs of chough in the UK, and although often called the Cornish chough most of these are found in Wales north-west Wales has some of the highest numbers. They are long associated with myth and legend; King Arthur’s soul is said to have been carried by a chough after his last battle (which some say happened near a remote Llyn cove).

Behaviour: Can be seen in flight in rocky areas with short vegetation and often seen sunbathing when they align their body to the sun to regulate body temperature. When feeling threatened they flick their wings revealing their large ‘eyespot’. Where to see grayling: South Stack, Uwchmynydd (Aberdaron), Cilan

Behaviour: Easy to spot, with a distinctive ‘chee-ow’ call, they can be seen on the ground digging for insects or flying acrobatically around the coast. They are social birds and can often be seen in groups.

When to see grayling: Adults are on the wing from June through to August. Other species you might see: Chough, stonechat, linnet, adder, Common lizard, wild goat

Where to see chough: Along the north and west coasts of Anglesey e.g. Church Bay, South Stack, Rhoscolyn and the Llyn e.g.Trefor, Nant Gwytheyrn, Aberdaron, Bardsey Island, Cilan and in some mountain areas of Snowdonia e.g. Llanberis.

Where else to see grayling: Point Lynas, Carmel Head,Trefor, Rhiw.

When to see chough: Year-round but easiest to spot in spring through to autumn, especially whilst nesting April-June. Other species you might see: Peregrine, raven, stonechat, linnet, adder, common lizard, grayling butterfly.

GREY SEAL Location: Anglesey, north coast Identification: A large grey/brown seal, often blotchy, the bulls grow to 2m and have a ‘Roman nose’. Larger than the common seal which is rarely seen in north Wales. Why are they special? Globally they are one of the rarest seal species, about half of the world population is found around the coast of Britain and Ireland. Behaviour: Usually seen resting in groups on exposed low tide rocks, or singly swimming and feeding around the coast. Sand eels and cod are their favoured food. Where to see grey seals: Point Lynas, Carmel Head, Puffin Island. When to see grey seals: Year-round, but they are easiest to see in the summer and early autumn. Pups can be seen in the autumn. Other species you might see: Bottle-nosed dolphin, harbour porpoise, gannet, Manx shearwater, chough. Where else to see grey seals: Bardsey Island, and the Lleyn coast between Tudweiliog and Edern.

F E RA L G O A T Location: Beddgelert and Nant Gwynant, Snowdonia. Identification: These large goats are pretty unmistakable, especially the billy goats with their large curled horns. Nanny goats and kids can look like sheep but unlike sheep usually walk with their tails raised. Why are they special? They are related to the goats that would have roamed the hills after the last ice age. The current population is feral (originating from escaped domestic animals) and living wild. They are like the North Wales equivalent to the red deer of Scotland, and also need to have their numbers controlled as they have no natural predators. Behaviour: Usually seen clambering around on rocky hillsides or in rocky woodlands where they graze trees and shrubs. Where to see wild goats: Alongside the road from Beddgelert to Llyn Gwynant, especially in the woods and hillsides above Llyn Gwynant and on some of the paths up Snowdon from Pen y Pass. When to see wild goats: Year-round but perhaps easiest to spot in the winter when they can be seen in gardens in Beddgelert. Other species you might see: Chough, peregrine, raven, pied flycatcher, redstart. Where else to see them: The north coast of the Llyn (Yr Eifl and Nant Gwytheyrn) and the Great Orme.

PU FFIN Location: Anglesey Identification: Unmistakeable with its black and white plumage and large multi-coloured beak. Why are they special? 10% of the world’s puffins are found on the British coast. Although there are over half a million nesting pairs, they are found in a small number of places and vulnerable to changes in fish populations. Behaviour: They pair for life and nest underground in burrows, where they lay a single white egg. They fly offshore to feed on small fish, especially sandeels, and have a specially hinged beak so they can carry several fish at a time back to their young. Where to see puffins: A boat trip to Puffin Island or The Skerries, or if you don’t have sea legs but do have some patience, South Stack RSPB reserve, where they are most often seen from the steps down to the lighthouse. When to see puffins: April to June Other species you might see: Eider duck (Puffin Island) chough, gannet, peregrine, harbour porpoise, common lizard, grayling butterfly.

D A VE L A M A CR AFT

Dave Lamacraft has lived on the Llyn for 20 years, and thinks the nature of North Wales is some of the UK’s best. He currently works on lichens, mosses and fungi for the UK charity Plantlife.

B O T T L E - N O SE D DOLPH INS Location: Abersoch and Hell’s Mouth. Identification: These are large dolphins - up to 4m long - a plain blue-grey in colour and with a large sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Why are they special? The Abersoch bottle-nosed dolphins are probably part of the large population of 200-300 found in Cardigan Bay which is specially protected. Young dolphins are often seen here, sticking close by their mother’s sides. Behaviour: Well known for their acrobatic antics Where to see bottle-nosed dolphins: Try the coast path between Bwlchtocyn and Porth Ceiriad (especially just after high tide) and at Hell’s Mouth where they can be spotted from the beach and the coast path around Cilan. When to see bottle-nosed dolphins: Can be seen all year, but they are most often seen in Spring through to Autumn. Other species you might see: harbour porpoise, Risso’s dolphin, grey seal Where else to see bottle-nosed dolphins: The old coastguard lookout on the golf course at Morfa Nefyn (Llyn) and Point Lynas (Anglesey)

Where else to see puffins: Bardsey Island and the Gwylan islands near Aberdaron.

Snowdonia Watersports Thirteen years in the RAF introduced Snowdonia Watersports’ owner, Chris Thorne to the great outdoors. From setting up Llyn Adventures in Abersoch back in 2008, Chris now also runs Snowdonia Watersports on the shores of Llyn Padarn at Llanberis. This stunning ice age lake in the shadow of Snowdon is a fantastic location for paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing. Anyone can turn up and hire the equipment along with wetsuits and buoyancy aids - no experience required. Instruction is also available. If you have some experience but want to practice your skills or go somewhere new, why not join one of their supported sessions? These often head away from the lake - a supported swim in the Menai Straits or kayaking off the beautiful Llyn coastline are just some of the sessions on offer.

Photo. James Darling

There aren’t many places in the UK that rival North Wales when it comes to a natural outdoor playground. You just need to get out there….. You might be a beginner wanting to have a go at something new or have a bit of experience but just want the assurance of a qualified guide or instructor to give you the confidence to spread your wings.

During the school holidays, there is also a kid’s club with full day sessions for children up to 16 - depending on the weather on the day they might be kayaking, den building or gorge walking. A great way to get them outdoors and trying something new. If you get hooked, there is a wide range of equipment available to buy in the shop where Chris and his team are on hand to give advice. Open all year round.

facebook.com/WatersportsinSnowdonia 01286 879001

Indy Climbing Wall Located just a few minutes off the A55, within sight of the mountains of Snowdonia, the Indy Climbing Wall at Llanfairpwllgwyngyll on Anglesey is open to anyone wanting to have a go at climbing, regardless of experience or ability level. Beginners can try out all the different walls with an instructed Taster Session, or a Bouldering Wall Induction if not wanting to use the ropes walls. Or you could go a step further and sign up to a beginners course giving you all the skills required to go it on your own, ideal to do as a family or group of friends. Experienced climbers can just turn up and register for free. Owner Jon Ratcliffe has created the perfect setting for nurturing skills: “Climbing is such an incredibly rewarding activity both physically and mentally, irrelevant of age or level; we focus on providing a great quality climbing experience in a friendly, inclusive setting. We want everyone to have a fantastic time here at The Indy, whatever their ability.” Indy has an excellent team of local, highly experienced instructors combined with a fantastic range of bouldering (low level climbing above a mat), roped climbing and auto belay routes for all ages and abilities. The minimum age for children is normally seven, but children as young as five can enjoy the walls as well. Novice family groups are very welcome with each session being tailored to the individual group. This is a great, adventurous activity available year round, seven days a week regardless of the weather. There is also an on-site climbing shop, and space to sit and enjoy a brew between sessions or watch your family or friends.

indyclimbingwall.co.uk 01248 716058

B-Active Based in the beautiful coastal village of Rhoscolyn on Anglesey’s Holy Island, B-Active’s Andy Short wants his customers to enjoy the features of this extraordinary stretch of coastline as much as the activity: “I love to give my customers a sense of place, to share the area’s fascinating history, geology, wildlife and personal stories, as well as giving them a great experience out on the water”. Rhoscolyn is the perfect base for watersports, with it’s sheltered bay offering a safe haven for beginners, even on the more inclement days, with some great opportunities for exploring within easy reach - a paddle out to look for seals at the Rhoscolyn beacon is always popular.

Andy is a Geomôn accredited geology guide, one of only a handful on the Island, and being out on the water gives you the perfect vantage point to admire the cliffs and rocky outcrops that are over 500 million years old - some of the oldest rocks in the British Isles. Family groups (accompanied children need to be a minimum of 8 years old) can choose from coasteering or kayaking, or a mixture of both. The more experienced can enjoy guided paddles, whether they prefer kayaking or sea kayaking. Andy also offers guided walks around the Rhoscolyn coastline, along to South Stack or round Holyhead Mountain. All activities are tailored to you or your group’s needs.

b-active-rhoscolyn.co.uk 07833 424046

EXPLORE MOUNTAIN LAKES

HIDDEN COVES OR DISCOVER THE MENAI STRAITS

Beginner intro sessions, safaris and guided paddles. Private sessions also available. Families, groups, individuals - everyone welcome.

SUP SPECIALISTS PROVIDING TRULY

MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

RibRide The original and best adventure boat tour provider RibRide, based at Menai Bridge in Anglesey, can take you on a trip to a magical marine environment.

All equipment provided - the latest paddleboards, high quality wetsuits, spray jackets and buoyancy aids, changing robes and the all important ‘panad’ (cup of tea) and homemade cake.

WWW.PSYCHEDPADDLEBOARDING.COM CALL 01248 440 831

FIND US AT

“Adventure is the beating heart of our business and we are set to make hearts beat even faster in 2018 with the launch of our new super-fast RIB. Experience the heart-pounding ride of your life!” says Skipper Phil. RibRide can also take you to see the bridges over the Menai, sharing local history with a few choice stories. Scheduled adventure tours on the Strait from Menai Bridge run all year - perfect for blowing the cobwebs away in the autumn and winter months. “There is so much to see and experience around the coast of Anglesey year round. It is also one of the most challenging stretches of water in the UK, with up to 7.5 metres of water surging through the Menai Strait every 6 hours,” says Skipper Tom. South Stack, the high cliffs of Gogarth and the Skerries can be reached by the Explorer RibRide, based in Holyhead during the summer months. This ocean-going RIB was once owned by Bear Grylls and is perfect for the demanding high seas to the north of Anglesey. “The Skerries is a unique group of remote and rocky islands, inhabited by thousands of visiting sea birds in summer. It is North Wales’ most important breeding ground for Puffins; they arrive in March and April, and leave in early August. We often pause in the lagoon to watch the Pufflings emerge from their burrows.” says Skipper Charles. New for 2018, you can now charter the Explorer RibRide for a bespoke friends and family tour. Whether it be SUP or surfing, hiking or horseriding, find an activity provider here:

ribride.co.uk 0333 1234 303

Kayaking, cycling, walking and camping. Anglesey’s only independent outdoor retailer has everything you need for your next expedition.

Equipping you to have a great time in the outdoors.

Kayak hire | Bike repairs | Great advice & friendly service Unit 10a, Penrhos Industrial Estate, Holyhead LL65 2UQ Tel 01407 740 963 www.summittosea.co.uk

a little bit about us

In the simplest of terms, we are a holiday cottage letting agency. In reality, we are so much more...

our properties at a glance

The following pages give you a snapshot of our ever-growing portfolio. For full details of all our properties please visit our website or give us a call. menaiholidays.co.uk +44 (0)1248 667040

property accepts pets

amolca

Barn owl

mynydd eilian, anglesey

Benllech, anglesey

Beudy penrhos

Boathouse cadnant gate

Bwthyn Bach

caernarfon, snoWdonia

menai Bridge, anglesey

nefyn, llyn peninsula

Bwthyn llysifon

cabbage patch

chauntry crow’s nest

Benllech, anglesey

rhoscolyn, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

clynnog cottage

cornmill – cornmill courtyard

cornmill – the old cornmill

neWBorough, anglesey

porthmadog, llyn peninsula

properties sleeping 2 The Menai team

We’re a small & passionate team...

who live in & love North Wales.

We’re happy to offer some friendly (and expert) advice on all sorts...

beaches to visit

places to eat

& walks to walk!

We have everything from historic houses to modern apartments and something for every occasion, be it a wonderful wedding or a relaxing getaway.

With four offices in Brynsiencyn, Pwllheli, trearddur Bay and Barmouth From small beginnings...

hello!

we now have a great selection of over 400 properties.

and we only choose properties that we’d stay in ourselves! parties Weddings

Finally, we can go the extra mile and provide you with some extra help to make your holiday that bit more special!

families couples groups and many more

Book a Cook

Phone us

visit us

+44 (0)1248 667040

menaiholidays.co.uk

please feel free to pop in & say

Cottage food

aCtivity Planning

Join us

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

draig Bach

harlech 1 – Branwen

harlech 2 – Bendigeidfran

plas tirion

swallow cottage

the little coach house

penmachno, snoWdonia

harlech, snoWdonia

pWllheli, llyn peninsula

talWrn, anglesey

dolBenmaen, llyn peninsula

harlech 3 – efnisien

harlech 4 – gwern

harlech 5 – matholwch

the pigsty

ty hydref

tyn towyn – Bwthyn carreg

harlech, snoWdonia

elim, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

hedd

hen gilfach stable

little hawthorn

tyn towyn – Bwthyn haf

tyn towyn – ty gwyrdd golau

tyn towyn – ty melyn

harlech, snoWdonia

church Bay, anglesey

menai Bridge, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

little house

llo Bach Bach

menai gardens

ty’n y coed cabin

West mouse View

y garreg fawr

llandecWyn, snoWdonia

llangernyW, conWy Valley

penmon, anglesey

dyffryn ardudWy, snoWdonia

church Bay, anglesey

y fron, snoWdonia

pant y crintach

plas Bach

plas madoc lodge

y stabl

carreglefn, anglesey

rhoscolyn, anglesey

conWy Valley, snoWdonia

criccieth, llyn peninsula

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

properties sleeping 3

cyndal Bach rhoscolyn, anglesey

rhytty Bach

three gates

ty’n y coed cottage

ty croes, anglesey

llangoed, anglesey

dyffryn ardudWy, snoWdonia

Betws inn – the grooms Quarters

Blue cottage

Bro dawel

Beaumaris, anglesey

BetWs garmon, snoWdonia

properties sleeping 4

18 tai newydd

14 rose hill

Bryn eira tack room

Bryn ffynnon

Bwthyn llechen

Beaumaris, anglesey

llanfairpWll, anglesey

Benllech, anglesey

porthmadog, llyn peninsula

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

31 castle Bakery

Bwthyn nain

Bwthyn serw

Bwthyn sian

criccieth, llyn peninsula

harlech, snoWdonia

criccieth, llyn peninsula

llangaffo, anglesey

aber Wharf

amelie cottage

ar lan y mor

Bwthyn siwan

Bwthyn ty’n y coed

cae mawr

porthmadog, llyn peninsula

Beaumaris, anglesey

menai Bridge, anglesey

llangaffo, anglesey

BryngWran, anglesey

Bodorgan, anglesey

awelon

Barras cottage

Bed on the edge

cae person

carw

aBersoch, llyn peninsula

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

llangoed, anglesey

penmachno, snoWdonia

see all these and our newest additions on our website menaiholidays.co.uk

rhosneigr, anglesey

3 the coach house – penthouse apartment

29 castle Bakery

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

ceris lodge

coach house

corn farm cottage

glan dwr Bach

gorffwysfa

Kite cottage

Bangor, snoWdonia

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

llaneilian, anglesey

glyn garth, anglesey

four mile Bridge, anglesey

malltraeth, anglesey

cosy Barn

cuckooland

cwm glas Bach

llain Wen

llan cottage

llo Bach

llangaffo, anglesey

Borth y gest, llyn peninsula

nant peris, snoWdonia

moelfre, anglesey

eglWysBach, snoWdonia

conWy Valley, snoWdonia

cysgod y capel

dairy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Borthwen

disgwylfa

llynon lodge

maes y cregyn

maes y gwyddau

Benllech, anglesey

church Bay, anglesey

moelfre, anglesey

llanddeusant, anglesey

moelfre, anglesey

rhoscolyn, anglesey

dolwaen

driftwood

erw ddu

min y don

moel y don

nine Bay View

maentWrog, snoWdonia

Benllech, anglesey

Bangor, snoWdonia

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

Benllech, anglesey

estuary cottage

farm cottage

garden cottage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rhoscolyn

pantlleni

partridge cottage

moelfre, anglesey

cemaes Bay, anglesey

rhoscolyn, anglesey

nant gWynant, snoWdonia

menai Bridge, anglesey

see all these and our newest additions on our website menaiholidays.co.uk

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

pedlar’s pack

penrallt – llanfaethlu

penrhos cottage

the Beach pad

the coach house – Beaumaris

the crows nest

moelfre, anglesey

llanfaethlu, anglesey

moelfre, anglesey

Benllech, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

penthouse cadnant moorings

plas mor

porth y llechen

the gig house

the honey pot

trefor newydd

menai Bridge, anglesey

Borth y gest, llyn peninsula

y felinheli, snoWdonia

aBererch, llyn peninsula

dolBenmaen, llyn peninsula

menai Bridge, anglesey

Quayside

rallt goch Bach

sandy toes

Beaumaris, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

trehafod

tri raglan Bach

ty capel seion

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

llanddeiniolen, snoWdonia

sea pebbles

skerries

tan twr farm cottage

tyddyn ddeugoed

ty hir

church Bay, anglesey

neWBorough, anglesey

llanrug, snoWdonia

ty glyn

trearddur Bay, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

llangoed, anglesey

teal cottage

the Bay

menai Bridge, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

see all these and our newest additions on our website menaiholidays.co.uk

tyn towyn – the stables

tyn towyn – ty glas

tyn towyn – ty glas golau

trearddur Bay, anglesey

y felinheli, snoWdonia

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

tyn towyn – ty oren

tyn y mynydd

Vine tree Barn

Buck cottage

cartrefle’r enfys

foel stable cottage

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Bull Bay, anglesey

pentre BerW, anglesey

pentraeth, anglesey

moelfre, anglesey

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

Vista marina – penthouse

Windygates

y Berllan

garden cottage – ty’r ardd

glasfryn

heatherbank

criccieth, llyn peninsula

rhosneigr, anglesey

neWBorough, anglesey

menai Bridge, anglesey

llanddona, anglesey

Bull Bay, anglesey

y Beudy

y Bwthyn

ysbryd y mynydd

hen felin

hirfron

little Bakehouse

trearddur Bay, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

south stacK, anglesey

Bodedern, anglesey

llanBeris, snoWdonia

criccieth, llyn peninsula

17 Victoria terrace

aber

mor edrin

morfa lodge

pen pont

nantlle, snoWdonia

moelfre, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

porthmadog, llyn peninsula

Benllech, anglesey

ael y Bryn

Bron y foel Bach

Bryn dedwydd

seashells

silva

cemaes Bay, anglesey

porthmadog, llyn peninsula

pWllheli, llyn peninsula

rhosneigr, anglesey

llangoed, anglesey

see all these and our newest additions on our website menaiholidays.co.uk

properties sleeping 5

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

siop uchaf

tegfryn cottage

the old dairy

12 Victoria terrace

awel mon

Bay cottage

aBerffraW, anglesey

marianglas, anglesey

llanddona, anglesey

nantlle, snoWdonia

marianglas, anglesey

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

ty capel rhoscolyn

ty coch

ty coch maentwrog

Bay View

criccieth, llyn peninsula

maentWrog, snoWdonia

Benllech, anglesey

Betws inn (group) BetWs garmon, snoWdonia

Borth arian

rhoscolyn, anglesey

ty felin

tyn towyn – ty coch

tyn towyn – ty gwyrdd

Briton’s hill

Bronallt

Bryn deryn

llangoed, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

y felinheli, snoWdonia

criccieth, llyn peninsula

tyn towyn – ty piws

Wernas

Bwthyn y mor

camlan

can y gwynt

trearddur Bay, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

Borth y gest, llyn peninsula

Beaumaris, anglesey

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

1 y Bonc

2 coastguard cottages

3 Vista marina

capel seion – coron

capel tabernacl

rhosneigr, anglesey

penmon, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

aBerffraW, anglesey

nefyn, llyn peninsula

see all these and our newest additions on our website menaiholidays.co.uk

properties sleeping 6

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

rhoscolyn, anglesey

captain’s rest

carreg Wen

cennin

gwel y mor

gwyndy Bach

gwynfa

criccieth, llyn peninsula

pWllheli, llyn peninsula

criccieth, llyn peninsula

moelfre, anglesey

Beddgelert, snoWdonia

marianglas, anglesey

charter cottage

chauntry house

coed Bolyn lodge

hafod, llangoed

hafod – pontllyfni

hapus yurt

moelfre, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

Bethel, snoWdonia

llangoed, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

aBergele, conWy

craig y don

cyfyng

dinas noddfa

hendre

hen tyn y mynydd

hilltop 1

Bull Bay, anglesey

penmachno, snoWdonia

nant gWynant, snoWdonia

caernarfon, snoWdonia

moelfre, anglesey

caergeiliog, anglesey

druid house

flip flops

garnedd llwyd

isfryn

limefield, morfa nefyn

llys Bach – y ffor

Beaumaris, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

llanfair, snoWdonia

pentraeth, anglesey

nefyn, llyn peninsula

pWllheli, llyn peninsula

glan y mor

grug y mynydd

gwelfor

llys mawr – y ffor

machlud ynys

rhosneigr, anglesey

llanfair, snoWdonia

Benllech, anglesey

pWllheli, llyn peninsula

y felinheli, snoWdonia

see all these and our newest additions on our website menaiholidays.co.uk

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

marian farm

marinus

menai cottage

pentreheulyn

pen y Bont

perth hwfa

llangoed, anglesey

Bull Bay, anglesey

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

carreglefn, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

neWBorough, anglesey

mermaid cottage

mon a menai

morfin

plas esgob

plas madog isa

plas uchaf

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

criccieth, llyn peninsula

rhoscolyn, anglesey

conWy Valley, snoWdonia

rhoscolyn, anglesey

mountain View

mulberry cottage

mynydd parys

menai Bridge, anglesey

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

point lynas lighthouse east Keeperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cottage

point lynas lighthouse West Keeperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cottage

railway cottage

rhoscolyn, anglesey

llaneilian, anglesey

harlech, snoWdonia

oyster cottage

paradwys

pennant

rhianfa cottage

rhos Wen

rhyd y Bont Bach

Beaumaris, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

Beaumaris, anglesey

llanfair, snoWdonia

rhoscolyn, anglesey

penrallt

pentir

sail loft

saron

penmon, anglesey

see all these and our newest additions on our website menaiholidays.co.uk

ronwyn

llanfairpWll, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

y felinheli, snoWdonia

cWmystradllyn, snoWdonia

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

seibiant

seiriol View

st agnes

towyn lodge

Beaumaris, anglesey

moelfre, anglesey

Borth y gest, llyn peninsula

trearddur Bay, anglesey

stabl

swn y gwynt

tai ffolt

pencaeneWydd, llyn peninsula

criccieth, llyn peninsula

nefyn, llyn peninsula

tai glo

tan twr â&#x20AC;&#x201C; chellow cottage

Beaumaris, anglesey

neWBorough, anglesey

the moorings menai Bridge, anglesey

trearddur Views

trefwri

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

ty Bryn

ty capel Bryntwrog

ty daniel

morfa nefyn, llyn peninsula

BryntWrog, anglesey

menai Bridge, anglesey

the ark

tyddyn parthle

tyddyn serri

ty mawr

Beaumaris, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

rhosneigr, anglesey

llandegfan, anglesey

the nook

the old Barn

ty mawr â&#x20AC;&#x201C; porthmadog

tymynydd cottage

ty ynys

morfa nefyn, llyn peninsula

conWy Valley, snoWdonia

porthmadog, llyn peninsula

rhoscolyn, anglesey

the old lifeboat house

the old mill

the old Water mill

Victoria house

ysgol Jones Bach

penmon, anglesey

menai Bridge, anglesey

neWBorough, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

see all these and our newest additions on our website menaiholidays.co.uk

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

2 gwydir cottages

arkoo

llanrWst, conWy Valley

rhosneigr, anglesey

Big house

Boathouse & mooring

llandecWyn, snoWdonia

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

Brig y don

Bryn y mor, Borth y gest porthmadog, llyn peninsula

properties sleeping 7

tegfryn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rhosneigr

ty ardwyn

Barmouth, snoWdonia

rhosneigr, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

properties sleeping 8

taliesin

ty siam

y Bwthyn llangybi

menai Bridge, anglesey

neWBorough, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

capel Bach

church cottage

1 pen y parc

2 the Quay

angorfa

BryntWnog, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

fron fawr

gorse hill

haul a gwynt

annedd Wen

Bath cottage

Bodhyfryd

nefyn, llyn peninsula

criccieth, llyn peninsula

rhosneigr, anglesey

caernarfon, snoWdonia

conWy Valley, snoWdonia

hen dy goits

melin y coed

pen y Bont Bach

Bron castell

Bryn mel garden house

cae gallt

Bodorgan, anglesey

menai Bridge, anglesey

pentraeth, anglesey

harlech, snoWdonia

menai Bridge, anglesey

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

cae llyn

cae’r dyni

capel seion – cribinau

hilltop 2

lamare

limpets lodge

rhoscolyn, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

aBerffraW, anglesey

caergeiliog, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

capel seion – cwyfan

cefn isaf

cerrig

lligwy Beach cottage

llwyn Bedw

maelgwyn

aBerffraW, anglesey

porthmadog, llyn peninsula

rhoscolyn, anglesey

lligWy, anglesey

nant peris, snoWdonia

criccieth, llyn peninsula

cowrie cottage

curragho

dolwaenydd

min y mor

moorside

old Barns

rhosneigr, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

llanfairpWll, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

pentre BerW, anglesey

druidsmoor

ffynnon Wen

glan dwr

pebbles

penrhos llanfachraeth

penrhyn farm

trearddur Bay, anglesey

llanBeris, snoWdonia

Beaumaris, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

llanfachraeth, anglesey

lligWy, anglesey

glan traeth

goleufryn

hafod

perthi

plas cefn mawr

rhyd angharad Barns

rhosneigr, anglesey

glanrafon, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

morfa nefyn, llyn peninsula

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

church Bay, anglesey

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

tirwyddan

tri raglan mawr

ty arwen

chapel house

dunes – rhosneigr

tyddyn morthwyl

criccieth, llyn peninsula

Beaumaris, anglesey

lligWy, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

ty Bychan

ty canol

ty llwyd

Vaenor

trearddur Bay, anglesey

neWBorough, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

ty’n cae

tyn lon

ty nant

aelfor

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

moelfre, anglesey

south stacK, anglesey

harlech, snoWdonia

properties sleeping 10

Beach house – dryll y gro church Bay, anglesey

4 the Quay red Wharf Bay, anglesey

Betws inn & the grooms Quarters (group) BetWs garmon, snoWdonia

Warren farmhouse

Waterside

Western heights

Bryn dale

Bryn eira stables

Bryn mor

caernarfon, snoWdonia

menai Bridge, anglesey

llanfaethlu, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

llanfairpWll, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

Bryn tegid

dol fraint

glyn afon

Beaumaris, anglesey

star, anglesey

Brynsiencyn, anglesey

see all these and our newest additions on our website menaiholidays.co.uk

West View rhosneigr, anglesey

properties sleeping 9

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

gorphwysfa

gull house

harlech apartments

cemaes Bay, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

harlech, snoWdonia

hen gilfach

manadwyn

church Bay, anglesey

menai Bridge, anglesey

pant yr hyman rhoscolyn, anglesey

pencraig

pengolwg

trearddur Bay, anglesey

criccieth, llyn peninsula

min y mor trearddur Bay

capel ogwen

clynnog house

dragonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s den

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Bangor, snoWdonia

neWBorough, anglesey

Benllech, anglesey

penmynydd

plas

felin

highground

rhoscolyn, anglesey

llanfairpWll, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

hillside

trearddur Bay, anglesey

the outbuildings

ty glan y mor

Warrenside

home farm

islwyn

llangaffo, anglesey

llanfaethlu, anglesey

rhosneigr, anglesey

tarpoley, cheshire

rhosneigr, anglesey

derwas

oonavara

rockside

the gables

the hideaway

dolWaen, conWy county

rhosneigr, anglesey

trearddur Bay, anglesey

Beaumaris, anglesey

properties sleeping 11

(group)

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

properties sleeping 12

red Wharf Bay, anglesey

pen lon rhosneigr, anglesey

properties sleeping 13+

Bryn eira

(Group) llanfairpWll, anGlesey

nant y Gorlan denBiGh, snoWdonia

ynys Castell Menai BridGe, anGlesey

let your holiday cottage

Thinking of letting your holiday cottage? Want to create income from the weeks you don’t use? Cae’r Borth Moelfre, anGlesey

ewyn Gwyn

rhosneiGr, anGlesey

Family run business

hilltop

(Group) CaerGeilioG, anGlesey

Wern Barn

(Group) Menai BridGe, anGlesey

Tan y Coed BeauMaris, anGlesey

In-house maintenance team

LocaL knowLedGe We know the area inside out

Local agency with regional offices in Anglesey, Snowdonia and Llyn Peninsula plas Cottages

(Group) rhosColyn, anGlesey

Tyn Towyn

(Group) Trearddur Bay, anGlesey

Great personal service – speak to someone who knows you & your house...

eMerGenCy phone for oWners & GuesTs, availaBle 24/7

Competitive rates of commission

No restrictions on owner usage (after all it’s your cottage!)

In-house photography service (video & drone available too)

market knowLedGe We know what our customers want

In-house maintenance team available

Full managemenT available – please ask

e-mail us for a copy of our owner’s Guide, or call for an initial chat or to arrange a viewing hello@menaiholidays.co.uk / +44 (0)1248 667040 30

Menai Holidays

+44 (0)1248 667040 / www.menaiholidays.co.uk

Return to your Roots

LETTING “When the time came to let it, it was obvious that we would go with Menai Holidays. Our first year has been fantastic, and people are still coming right into November. It has let far better than we expected. I now can’t wait for our second year, and hopefully to see some names from the guestbook returning - then I really will know I’ve got it right!”

CONFESSIONS OF A HOLIDAY COTTAGE OWNER

Gillie and Ian enjoy walking round the Anglesey coastline with their border collie, Bertie, but Gillie’s other passion is portraiture “I have been so busy with the move and managing Amelie Cottage that I haven’t drawn for over a year - so I think I need to make some time for that now!”

Gillie does all the changeovers herself: “I love doing them! It’s a cottage I would happily live in myself, and the previous owners had looked after it so lovingly, it’s great to be able to continue that. The first thing I do when I walk in the door is open the guest book - it’s wonderful to read guests’ comments. And then, when the changeover is done, I always look back as I walk out the door - I want it to look as it did when it was ready for its very first guests”. “I also keep a problem book by the guest book, so if there is anything wrong, or something they feel I can do to improve things, guests have a place to make a note of it. I always write a reply so future guests can see the dialogue - I think it helps to add personality to the cottage and to show guests that we care”.

There are a host of reasons why you might become a holiday cottage owner. For Gillie Taverner it was a longing to return to her Welsh roots and a good dose of serendipity that lead to her becoming the proud owner of Amelie Cottage in Beaumaris. Gillie, and partner Ian, were living in Devon, and had holidayed in North Wales many times. “I am from Wales originally, and always loved returning. Funnily enough, we regularly booked through Menai Holidays - we loved the gorgeous, unusual, quirky cottages that were always of a great quality backed up by great customer service. We loved the area, loved the cottages.” “Whenever we were here, we would always make a bee-line for Red Wharf Bay. We found one particular cottage just a stone’s throw from the shore, and booked it again a number of times. Then it was purely by chance - a storm had woken Ian one night, so he had gone on-line and happened to see that the owner had put it on the market. We jumped in the car to view it the next morning….and that was that!” It took a while to put everything else in order, but by the autumn of 2016, Ian and Gillie moved in full-time. With three acres of land, Ian was busy setting up the small holding and running his Devon business. Gillie’s thoughts

turned to what she would now do. She liked the thought of her own business, but what might that be? “We have always loved travelling, and have stayed in a lot of different properties. It’s something that I felt confident about - I know what I like and don’t like. So why not invest in a holiday cottage of our own?”. In another serendipitous moment, Gillie saw a terraced cottage come on the market in the nearby seaside town of Beaumaris. “As soon as I saw it I knew! The garden was the first thing that caught my eye. It was contained, private and safe - all the things I looked for when holidaying with our dogs, or with young children. The location was great as well - you can walk out the door to the castle, to the shops, cafes and restaurants or to the waterfront.” “It had been a holiday cottage previously and the owners had looked after it beautifully - it all felt right”. Gillie bought Amelie Cottage in January 2017 and had it ready for guests in the spring. “Fortunately, it only needed a few cosmetic tweaks for me to put my stamp on it”. Gillie sourced much of the furniture locally. “There are some great local shops where you can find some really interesting bits and pieces. I really wanted to buy locally as well, to be part of the community, get to know the local shop owners. I buy soaps made in the town from Cole & Co, the milk on the welcome tray is from a local dairy farm. I think it’s the little finishing touches that make such a difference”.

Gillie and Ian always travel with their dog, so naturally they wanted to make Amelie dog-friendly too: “I put a child-gate at the bottom of the stairs, partly for children, but also so dogs weren’t able to go up. I have dog bowls, and an old towel kept especially for rubbing dogs down after coastal walks or trips to the beach. I have also put a dog washing up kit in the kitchen, so that guests can wash dog bowls up easily. So far, I have only had good experiences of owners coming with their pets.” So is there any advice that Gillie would pass on to first time holiday cottage owners? “Things will go wrong, mistakes happen, but it’s how you deal with them that’s important. It’s the difference between turning a tricky situation into a positive outcome”. “Also, picking the right agency was important for us. Fortunately we already knew of one! Having the team at Menai Holidays on the end of the phone, or even better, the ability to pop into the office when I had a question, was hugely valuable. They were also able to advise me on whether I was offering enough, or even too much, for my guests. Having that support has been great.” So is this the start of something bigger? “I enjoy looking after one cottage really well, and not having to rely on others in order to do so. I do love the idea of another, providing I could have it on a different changeover day so I could keep the personal touch. I just love the joy of doing it, it gives me a huge amount of satisfaction.”

AMELIE COTTAGE, BEAUMARIS SLEEPS UP TO 4 GUESTS. - FOR FULL DETAILS GO TO WWW.MENAIHOLIDAYS.CO.UK

123

THE IMPORTANT THINGS Stood with my feet firmly planted on the ground, I exhale a deep breath and think proudly to myself ‘I did it - I made it to the top!’. My reward: a timeless view - skies with endless floating clouds above and rolling valleys below. In the distance blues and greens reflect off the watery landscape of the Sea. In one direction a rocky peninsula and in the other I am met with a lone island proudly and prominently staring back at me. It is here on top of this mountain in Snowdonia I truly understand that feeling of being ‘on top of the world’ and it is a moment I know will stay with me always. I like to think I’m a keen adventurer but lately I seem to spend more time daydreaming about exploring than actually doing it. Alastair Humphreys (a chap I follow on social media) is the opposite, he actually takes these dreams and transports them into his own reality. He’s done some pretty incredible and wild things in his lifetime from leading expeditions in Greenland to cycling around the world and even rowing across the Atlantic. Recently Alastair made a short video that really stuck with me, entitled ‘Urgent Versus Important’. Watching it took me back to that perfect day in Snowdonia and reminded me of that exhilarating feeling of reaching the top and I knew I wanted to chase and experience that rush over and over again. In daily life I have so many ‘urgent’ things thrown at me and I have no time for the important. ‘I must get this done….We must go to that event…. ’, the list goes on. Yes all of these things on the surface may appear ‘urgent’ in our day to day lives, but by allowing them to control us and our choices we are allowing them to keep us from what’s actually important. Important to me is being at the top of that mountain with the blue skies, rolling valleys, Sea in the background with good friends - people who matter. Just Living. But, and this is a big but, we’ve got to make the time for it and cut out the ‘urgent’. In a life where we feel we have no time to fit anything in, I challenge you to stop making excuses and to take your life into your own hands. Make time for yourself and what’s truly important to you. Whether it’s finishing that book you started writing many moons ago, or kayaking to that island with that old friend you hardly see anymore or it could even be as simple as going for that family teddy bear picnic you’ve always promised you’ll go on! If you can, just take a moment and think over your plans in the next few months and ask yourself - Do your plans include doing what’s really important to you? If they don’t then I implore you to make some and if you feel so inclined, stay in one of our cottages and have a walk up that mountain - I was at the top of Y Garn by the way. Go do the important. Go and Explore North Wales!

THEHANDBOOKNW