Accommodation: The Rhiw Farm House

Dates: March 2026 + (4 nights)

No of people on the trip: 11

In March eleven of us set out for North Wales, and we had a ball.

It was a combination of good organisation, good choice of location, good leaders, good company and good weather. We had all the ingredients for a very good walking holiday.

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North Wales revealed its hilliness as soon as we passed the lovely village of Rowen and approached the farmhouse, we had to hold on to our seats when Neil slowly drove us to the top of the hill in first gear. The Rhiw farm house is a very well furnished, spacious, and comfortable hostel style place from where we enjoyed the views of the Conwy valley, stunning sunrises and it had its own fireplace that Steve made sparkle in the evening.

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On the Friday we had a choice of two walks. Some of us followed Neil and Steve on a particularly challenging hike as we ascended the Drum (771m.) and Foel-fras (942m.) in the Carneddau range of Snowdonia National Park. What a great and long hike! And the reward was appropriate, the group led by Jean had returned to Rhiw earlier and welcomed us with hot drinks and especially good cakes. Thanks again.

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On Saturday we walked from Rowen along the Conwy valley and had a nice al fresco lunch at the Ty Gwyn Hotel in Rowen.

On Sunday most of us went to visit the splendid National Trust's Bodnant Garden with its collection of towering trees and plants from all over the world, and on this gloriously sunny weekend we had a great show of daffodils and magnolias in bloom. Bodnant Garden is a real gem, a spectacular 80 acres of horticultural haven. I vividly recommend a visit.

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On Monday we had a smooth drive back home with a very nice stop at the Fox restaurant near Newport in Shropshire. Another place I recommend for its good menu.

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Many thanks to Neil for organising the trip, to Steve and Jean for helping to lead, to the the cake bakers, the drivers, the photographers and …the singer!