I stayed in a cabin on a cliff in Wales and experienced every kind of weather. The Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd is a great place for a quiet break - just make sure to pack everything from sun cream to waterproofs, as the weather can change at a moment's notice.
A Summer Getaway to North Wales
Summer is here, so what better time to explore Wales' spectacular coastline? My partner and I - with our pesky pooch Pippin in tow - jumped in the car and took on the spectacular four-hour drive from our home in the Gwent Valleys all the way up to the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd for some much-needed sunshine and relaxation.
We'd booked a nice little cabin sitting on a cliff on the edge of Aberdaron, perfect for a quiet break. With Wales basking in an early summer heatwave in the days leading up to our holiday, the signs looked good for our summer getaway.
Welsh Weather Surprises
As is so often the case, the Welsh weather makes fools of us all. Fog rolled in the further north we got, and when we arrived at the cabin above Traeth Aberdaron, we could just about see the sea, but that was about it. The view was beautiful, when we could see it. There was no denying it was dramatic, and the churchyard of the nearby St Hywyn's Church was particularly atmospheric when I took Pippin out for a little explore.
But the next morning, everything changed. We awoke to find clear blue skies and a spectacular view across the bay to two islands - imaginatively named Ynys Gwylan Fawr and Ynys Gwylan-bach - or Big Seagull Island and Little Seagull Island. What better opportunity for a trip to the beach, just a few minutes' walk from our Airbnb?
Beach Adventures
It was Pippin's first visit to a proper beach - the rocky shores of South East Wales aside - and he had a great time zooming about on the sand, although he couldn't be convinced to actually join me in the sea. In true British fashion, I got sunburned almost immediately.
After a lovely day on the beach and exploring the area, we were in for another surprise the next morning, when we woke up to find the weather had turned once again, with grey skies and wind howling at an ungodly speed. While braving the weather so Pippin could do his business, I did spot a few folk out for a swim, but, even with wetsuits on, they were far braver than me, and I quickly retreated back to the cabin, where we spent a cosy day cwtched up listening to the wind and the waves. And we ended the day with that seaside essential - fish and chips.
Reflections on the Holiday
One day out and about in the sunshine, and another relaxing in our little holiday home is essentially the ideal holiday to me, so really the weather had done us a favour. Although my fancy new binoculars didn't get as much use as they might have done. The next morning we packed up and wandered around the couple of little gift shops in Aberdaron and picked up a few bits and bobs, before heading home.
As long as you pack everything from sun cream to waterproofs, the spectacular surrounds of the Llŷn Peninsula come highly recommended.
