Talyfan Mountain near Conwy Beaches in Wales

What a beautiful spot! We honestly hear this all the time. Here we sit, 8 cottages sleeping from 2 to 8 persons at the foot of the Talyfan Mountain just 3 miles from the Conwy beaches.

You can walk from your cottage directly up the mountain where you will encounter Welsh mountain ponies roaming on the hillside with buzzards floating overhead. Explore and you will find lots of Druid history, old slate mines and one of the oldest Churches in Britain, all without even getting in your car.

Just 3 miles away the medieval walled town of Conwy with it lovely marina is one of the few towns in Europe with its walls intact and tourism journalists have voted walking the town walls as one of the top ten free things to do in Britain. Five miles away is the Victorian town of Llandudno where strict control has been in place for a hundred years or more to stop it being spoilt by over commercialism. It also has a great shopping centre with all the major name stores.
Ten miles in the other direction you will encounter the ever popular idyllic village of Betws-y-Coed with is great forest and river walks. Lots of historic places to visit from National Trust stately homes to the Edwardian castles that Edward 1 built to surround the rebellious Welsh and, of course, the famous Bodnant Gardens.

If you are after the more active holiday, there is sea and lake fishing, over 10 local golf courses, gorge walking, canoeing, mountain climbing, tree top adventure and lots more. Our cottages at Gwern Borter Manor set in 6 acres with our own horses, pet's corner, games room, cycle hire, gym and sauna offer you a great base to explore all these great activities and attractions and an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Snowdonia National Park. We think you will have a great holiday. So come and have a break in one of Britain's great areas of natural beauty.

Hope to see you soon!


Gary Powell, Gwern Borter Manor Holiday Farm©
Gwern Borter Manor Holiday Farm is also listed in Cottage Holidays

The Enchanting Area of Appin

To explore Appin is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but, because Appin does not feature as part of the main ‘Tourist Trail’, this pleasure is limited to the select few who have made the discovery in the past – usually by accident.

Situated on the A828, midway between the two West Highland towns of Oban and Fort William, it tends to be rushed through – perhaps with a quick stop to admire the view at Stalker Café or the Creagan Inn.

Appin is a large area, covering the broad Strath of Appin, the glen of Fasnacloich, the small coastal village of Port Appin, and also Duror with it’s wooded glens and wide safe shingle beach.

The Inner Hebridean Island of Lismore can be easily reached via a short passenger crossing from Port Appin. All of these places are beautiful in themselves, featuring hills, ancient forests, and extensive loch and river views. Many outdoor pursuits, such as walking, cycling, riding, and fishing may be enjoyed, though merely finding a peaceful spot in which to sit and breathe in the fragrant fresh air is every bit as pleasurable.

Wild life abounds – numerous birds, including sea eagles and osprey, otters, deer, red squirrels, pine martins, and also butterflies and bats. There are many beautiful gardens, some open to the public, as well as a large Garden Centre. It is possible to research the local varied history of the area, and the cultural centre on Lismore Island can assist with this. Several excellent restaurants are in business within the Appin area, most featuring fresh seafood somewhere on their menu.

Accommodation providers vary from small friendly Band B’s, through self catering complexes of varying sizes, to superior hotels. All of these are extremely welcoming, and the proprietors all go out of their way to ensure an interesting stay for guests.

Once discovered, Appin is usually on the return list for visitors, who often keep to themselves the secret of this enchanting area.

Denys Mathieson, Appinhouse Apartments and Lodges ©

Appinhouse Apartments are also listed in Cottage Holidays