Barmouth in November

Its the middle of November but yesterday in Barmouth there were people eating outdoors in the

cafes and restaurants on the harbour. The beach was scattered with people walking in the sunshine some with their dogs and hopefully their doggy bags....Ive always prefered cats myself.

Mawddach waterfall

This is the waterfall just a few yards away from "Ty Glan-Afon" in a beautiful valley above Bont Ddu near Dolgellau.Paradise found, and only an hour away from home. No parking fees, no jet lag, no baggage restrictions, no delays, no time wasted in the car, just crisp autumn frost, sunshine, log fires, fillet steak, miles of empty beaches and incredible scenery.

Welcome to Wales and the Mawddach Estuary.

Mawddach Estuary

The new Precipice walk above the Mawddach Estuary, one of the best views in Wales.We loved it so much we went up there twice.

First snow on Berwyns

There was snow on the Berwyn Mountains the day before yesterday.It was a beautiful sunny day.First I drove from Newtown to Dolanog ,onto Llanerfyl, then to Dolgellau to photograph a house and then across to Bala to do an exterior photo and then back over the Berwys (where I stopped and took this photo),down through Llangynog, Llanfyllin,Welshpool and home.

Oriel Ynys Mon

Oriel Kyffin Williams has a dynamic and changing programme of exhibitions displaying the artist`s work. This ranges from Oriel Ynys Môn’s own collection to collections borrowed from institutions and individuals.I really enjoyed a few hours here in the summer and cant wait to go back and see the current exhibition "unseen works" by Kyffin Williams.Theres a really good shop and cafe there too, great "Welsh Rarebit", the cheese was so strong it made the roof of my mouth itch. The gallery can be found in Llangefni on Anglesey.

Cwm Pennant Valley

Cwm Pennant has often been called "The most beautiful Valley in Wales" and I have to agree, its a pretty special place, particularly for those with a passion for photography and walking. I came across it while I was re-photographing "Isallt Fawr" a really lovely holiday cottage on the remote hillside. J B Priestley used to stay here and his signature, along with many others are preserved on a glass covered panel in the sitting room. Cwm Pennant is a narrow valley bordered on three sides by the mountains of the Nantlle Ridge, Y Garn, Mynydd Tal Y Mignedd, Moel Lefn and is situated south west of the main Snowdon range of mountains. Welsh poppies grow wild here and there is a magnificent abundance of bluebells adorning the valley sides in the spring, giving breathtaking views and a wonderful aroma.

A magical place.

Pennant Melangell

The church of St Melangell in the Cwm Pennant valley is situated two miles from the village of Llangynog on the edge of the Berwyn mountains. The very rural location at the end of the valley makes it a beautiful and tranquil place to visit. Described by some as "the healing valley" it was reputed to be "one step from heaven" in 18th century church register entries.A very special place indeed, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. Set in a circular churchyard, possibly once a Bronze Age burial site and ringed by ancient yew trees, which may also predate the Christian era. Also located at the site is the restored shrine of St Melangell, which is reputedly the oldest Romanesque shrine in Britain, (pictured above) dating from the early 12th century.I highly recommend a visit here any time of year...especially if you are feeling on the glum side.It will make you feel better.

Berwyns

The drive over the Berwyns from Llangynog to Bala is one of my favorite trips.The climb up out of the Tanat valley is hair raising but the views from the top of the pass are magnificent. Because the Berwyns are surrounded by slightly lower ground, there are distant views in every direction, from the Shropshire hills in the east to the heights of Snowdonia to the north west.

This road is especially thrilling when free-wheeling downhill towards llangynog!

Hen Bost,Llandrillo

"Hen Bost" The old post office in Llandrillo,what a gem.Number one at the top of my favorites list.The interior of this cottage is mega lovely,everything about it,the two log burners,the furniture,the fabulous kitchen and dining area,the slate flooring,the underfloor heating,the en-suite bedrooms, thick towels, its tasteful to the extreme in every way.It doesnt come much better than this.Visitors eat at the Tyddyn Llan restaurant in the village,which is first class,or they order freshly cooked take-away Thai food from the local shop,they climb Snowdon,they visit the Rhug farm shop down the road,they explore the Berwyn mountains which are on the doorstep,they go to Bala just a few miles away or they just stay in,which is hardly surprising.10/10 in every way.

Ty Glan Afon,Dolgellau holiday cottage

I`m really excited having booked my long weekend in this lovely stone holiday cottage in the mountains above the Mawddach Estuary.I`m booked to go in mid November 2010 for 3 nights.I came across this property recently while photographing it for the Quality Cottages website. qualitycottages.co.uk

Discovering "Ty Glan Afon" finally jolted me into starting this blog. Intended for the sole purpose of sharing my constant passion for the special places I come across while Im at work in Mid and North Wales.I will be recommending my favorite holiday cottages and other interesting places .This blog is not intended to be an advert for Quality Cottages, who are absolutely terrific, but a personal, honest and enthusiastic opinion from behind the lense of the camera on location.