Our guests love Rhiw Goch Cottage for it's rustic charm and it's large mature gardens with landscaped areas and secluded glades merging into wild and ancient birch and oak woodland. The viewpoints over the valley and views of Moel Siabod are truly stunning. Set in 17 acres of craggy woodland, the 400 year old Rhiw Goch is hewn from the local slate and nestled between cliffs and rocky outcrops. Remote woodland with clean air invites in a large range of the British wildlife, a perfect place for the enthusiast. It's quiet and peaceful up here on the hillside and you're welcome to use the picnic tables and enjoy the gardens. The self-contained one bedroom cottage itself is basic but cosy and well equipped and is well placed to enjoy all the mountain walks, cycle trails and tourist attractions of Northwest Wales.

The accommodation

The cottage is detached from the main house across a courtyard. It has an internet connection in the dining room and WIFI which can be turned off if preferred. It has an adjacent parking space and patio plus table and chairs with views over the garden. We welcome couples, small groups and families with children over the age of 10 - unfortunately the gardens are not suitable for unsupervised younger children due to ponds and craggy rocks.

There is one large en suite bedroom with a kingsize bed and an adult size bunk bed (max weight on top 12 stone, 170lb, 75kg), the rest of the cottage is open plan. The kitchen is fully equipped, with fridge plus small freezer compartment, toaster, oven and hob. In the living room is a wood burner, 2 seater sofa and 2 easy chairs plus FreeSat TV and DVD player. There is a large range of condensed books on the shelves and a cupboard full of jigsaws and games. The dining room has a table for 4 people and a 2 seater sofa, with a large window overlooking the garden.

The cottage is heated by wood burner which heats 3 radiators, it will be ready laid for you to light plus enough wood for a fire every evening. There is an additional portable electric heater, and an electric bathroom heater. Basin and sink water is heated both from the wood burner and an electric heater. The shower is electric and so provides instant hot water.

Bedding, tea towels and washing-up liquid are provided but we no longer routinely provide towels, however they are available on request if you should need any. There is sanitising hand wash in the bathroom.

The location

The property itself is high up on a quiet hillside surrounded by ancient oak and birch woodland in the Lledr valley, and the combination of landscaped gardens and woodland attracts a wide variety of birds and wildlife. There are beautiful walks straight from the cottage up towards Llyn Elsi lake, along the river and through the woods on the other side of the valley. Pont-y-Pant train station is roughly ½ a mile away, the nearest village is Dolwyddelan which has a Spar shop and pub a short drive away.

The lively tourist town of Betws-y-Coed is 3 miles away with all it's cafes, restaurants and shops. Llanrwst is about 7 miles where there is good food shopping.

Our area

There are lovely walks straight from the cottage and plenty of mountains to climb within a short drive. Pen-y-Pass for walking Snowdon is a 20 minute drive and the tracks up Moel Siabod start a long walk or 5 min drive away. For mountain bikers there are woodland trails all round the valley here, the Marin trail and Penmachno trails are nearby and Coed-y-Brenin with it's fantastic trail and visitor centre is just a 30 min drive. There is a rhyolite crag called Rhiw Goch Boulders with some reputedly good climbs a short walk from the cottage. There are adventure companies in Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig if you're looking for outdoor activities and a local pony trekking centre.

Zip World Fforest is near Betws-y-Coed, Surf Snowdonia is about 12 miles away and Blaenau Ffestiniog for the Zip World attractions is about 7 miles away. You can also start your journey on the stunning Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland steam railway from Blaenau Ffestiniog. There are several fantastic castles to visit (Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris, Criccieth to name a few), Portmeirion village, Bodnant gardens, and Anglesey with it's beautiful beaches is roughly a 40 min drive.

Guest comments

"This place is an off-grid gem! The gardens and surrounding views alone make this property really special, add in the beautiful stone cottage and wood fire and it's a perfect place to escape and de-stress. It's close to Betws-y-Coed and Zip World fforest park. Peter seems a lovely guy too! Needless to say we really recommend this property if you're planning to stay in the area."

5 Stars for Accuracy, Check-in, Cleanliness, Communication, Location, Value. Thoughtful touches. Quick responses. Local tips. Nick

"Peter's place is certainly one of the top three 's we've stayed in (out of 25 or so). It sits in a unique plot tucked-away in the hills surrounded by beautiful gardens and the occasional rocky outcrop. Entirely separate as a small bungalow cottage it is spacious and comfortable in an old-fashioned way which certainly suited my wife and I. It is better than the photos portray. The kitchen is well-equipped, the wood burner wonderful and simple to use, the shower hot: perfect to come back to after a days walking or cycling. Situated 10 minutes from Betws y Coed, it is good for the main trails and sights and paths extend from its boundary. Lastly: Peter is a kindly and capable host and neighbour, ably assisted by Kerry. We will definitely be writing another review in a few months!"

5 Stars for Accuracy, Check-in, Cleanliness, Communication, Location, Value. Quick responses. Amazing amenities. Outstanding hospitality. Paul

"Peter and Kerry were great hosts, very welcoming with all needs catered for. The cottage is perfect (particularly the wood burner and dozens of games). The kitchen is also incredibly well equipped which is great for rainy days in! Gardens and views also beautiful. Thanks for your great hospitality we would certainly visit again."

5 Stars for Accuracy, Check-in, Cleanliness, Communication, Location, Value. Quick responses. Local tips. Outstanding hospitality. Amazing amenities. Sparkling clean. Thoughtful touches. John-Louis

Travel info

Getting here by car is easy, although finding just the postcode will not get you right here so we will give you exact directions.

There is a steep and narrow 1/2 mile lane to the property which is unsuitable for caravans or large campervans.

From Pont-y-Pant station it is a 20 minute uphill walk. The bus from Llandudno to Blaenau also stops on the main road near the train station.

Notes

There is an internet socket and WIFI in the cottage which you can use or turn off depending on your preference, There is no WIFI elsewhere on the property. Please note that a good mobile signal can require a short walk into the gardens depending on the provider. The main living area has a slate floor (with a rug) which can be cold underfoot and more comfortable with indoor shoes.

As a background to who we are - we run health retreats, we're cyclists & vegetarians. We uphold the off-grid ideal, and although not there yet, we have our own filtered water supply which comes from an upland stream and much of the summer's electricity is produced from solar panels. Living in a forest, we cut our own wood for part of the heating and cooking and we are getting going using permaculture principles to grow food.

About our prices

Prices are based on 2 people staying. Additional guests priced at £8 per person per night extra.

Cleaning fee £10 per stay.

Discount for 6 days or more: 21%

Discount for 21 days or more: 30%

28 days Maximum Stay

Payment by bank transfer or by card through an invoice we will send to you. You can pay the balance using the same method, or by cash on arrival.

Please note that we normally respond to enquiries and other messages within hours. If you have not received a response please check your spam or call us.