The UK beauty spot that looks more like New Zealand with snow-capped mountains and huge lakes
AS my pebble hits the water, ripples fan out, disturbing the reflected scene of snow-dusted mountain tops.
If it weren’t for my bouncing dog, Dora, and the pebbles I’d been launching for her to fetch, the lake would be almost eerily still and quiet.
With tall, broad trees and raw, jagged cliffs bordering the water, the setting reminded me of one of a lakeside beauty spot you would find in New Zealand.
Instead, I’m in Snowdonia National Park, deep in the Welsh countryside.
Bala Lake is this country’s largest freshwater lake, stretching 3.5miles in length.
And a crisp winter’s day is the perfect time to take in its beauty.
I’m the only person around that morning, it seems, bar one fellow jogger.
My family were still sleeping back at our cosy holiday home, 20 minutes up the road near the village of Llangwm in Corwen.
Dodging sheep
I can’t blame them. With a roaring log burner keeping the living room toasty and a bubbling hot tub overlooking sheep grazing in fields, Cefn Nannau was the perfect escape — and not just because it stands in solitude on a farm.
The 12-person barn conversion was recently named the best property in North Wales in Sykes Cottages’ Gems Awards and is perfectly situated to explore the North Wales’ best nature spots.
As well as six characterful bedrooms, most with ensuites, there are two living rooms and a large kitchen that is perfect for cooking up group feasts, with a long dining table at its centre.
You won’t need to venture far to gather goodies to cook, either.
The award-winning Rhug Estate Farm Shop is less than 10 minutes’ drive and is crammed full of local, artisan treats that kept me coming back for more.
You may want to keep tabs on what you’re buying, though, as costs can stack up quickly here – this lovely estate has been visited by King Charles and Queen Camilla, after all.
We stocked up on Welsh beers from local microbreweries, including a rose-flavoured IPA and chocolate mousse stout, plus homemade Scotch eggs, pies and olives from the deli counter, and eggs from the local hens.
Stay for grub at the cafe. It’s one of the best local spots for food, serving organic fry-ups for brekkie plus classic Welsh rarebits and jacket spuds for lunch.
The entire place is dog-friendly, too.
For more pub-like food, head to the Berwyn Arms, 10 minutes up the road in Corwen.
It’s a great spot for a cracking Sunday roast, which you can tuck into while enjoying sweeping views of the valley and its running river.
Eat up, because if there’s one thing North Wales is known for it’s the excellent hiking trails.
And I’m not just talking Mount Snowdon — although I hear it is the easiest of the UK’s famous three peaks to climb — but tranquil strolls through villages.
We pottered along winding paths, following slowly trickling streams and dodging shaggy sheep in their tens.
Most days, the sun only hinted at an appearance by piercing holes through the thick clouds.
But that doesn’t matter in these beautiful surroundings. Plus, you’ll be grateful for the cool weather when hiking.
There are plenty of easy and challenging trails from Betws-y-Coed, a picturesque village, home to dog-friendly cafes and pubs.
But if you prefer the coast to mountains, then head north to Colwyn Bay or west to Harlech.
Both beaches are less than an hour’s drive from the holiday home by car.
Harlech is also home to a mighty castle (entry is £30.40 for a family of four), while Colwyn has a traditional seaside feel with a long promenade and pier.
Kids can enjoy classic amusements or come face to face with tigers, chimpanzees and reptiles at the Welsh Mountain Zoo (around £52 for a family of four).
My dog Dora, however, was only interested in one thing — more pebbles to chase.
And with views like these, I had no complaints launching them into the sea for as long as my arm would allow.
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GO: SNOWDONIA
STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ self-catering at Cefn Nannau cottage is from £131.42pp, based on 12 sharing.
See sykescottages.co.uk.