Stop 1 is Llanrwst in Wales. We spent loads of time moving stuff around in the van trying to find a place for everything…..quite the challenge. After struggling to work out how to turn the microwave on 😕….power switch hidden in a cupboard 😲 , eventually we manage to heat up paella and curry from home washed down with a cold beer enjoyed in the sunshine. End our day with an visit to an eclectic mix of pubs in the village surprised by how many young welsh speaking punters we hear. According to the barmaid its now the first language for 70% of the locals.

Next stop is Anglesey. Campsite is amazing with great views of the coast and the Irish sea and only 5 mins to the lovely Traeth Lligwy beach. Enjoy the coastal walking path in the sunshine on a couple of days and our first motorhome BBQ. We meet up with Rach, Paul, Jenny and Nick on the Saturday to watch the FA Cup final. They are all enjoying a weekend away in a caravan right on the coastal path with fabulous views.

We leave Anglesey and head to Gellilydan. On the way we stop off at Plas Newydd House and gardens which are sparkling in the sunshine and perched next to the Menai Strait.

First cycle ride from the motorhome is a day cycling around Lake Trawsfynydd, which is home to a decommissioned nuclear power station. I had visions of a mainly flat cycle ride around the lake, first one in 2 years, but not to be! 1st half not too bad but 2nd half cycling hell, steep incline both up and down on very stony paths. As much pushing as cycling. Stop for a well earned pint at the pub which is handily just across from campsite.

Visit Bodnant Gardens on the way to Betws-y-Coed. Selfie time under the renowned laburnum arch and enjoy a walk along the river and through its gardens which are blooming lovely.

Campsite is right in the village, lovely and green with generous pitches and the sun is shining. Embark on one of Snowdonia’s circular hike’s the next day. Starts right in the village up a steep hill for about a 1.25 miles through a forest and up to a viewpoint over Lake Elsi. The last bit at the top was challenging as all the trees had been recently felled, hard to see the path for the debris! Walked towards Swallow Falls through lovely countryside chatting for some of the way with a Father and Daughter from Devon. Continue along the river towards Swallow Falls until we have to take to the road for the final section. The original walk was taking us around and above the falls but we decided to actually visit them through the traditional turnstile entrance and see them from the bottom. Had to have a pint across the road in order to get change,£1.50 to enter! At this point we had been walking for about 4 hrs so decided to abandon our circle and get the bus back into Betws-y-Coed instead.