I’ll never forget the drive up to Llanrwst – we’d set off from Cheshire full of beans, singing along to the radio, only for the sat-nav to chuck a wobbly just as we hit the twisty Conway Valley roads. It rerouted us down some narrow lane that felt more like a sheep track, and there we were, inching past a farmer giving us the side-eye while his flock scattered like confetti. A proper faff, but by the time we pulled into the parking spot near the station, we were buzzing with that holiday anticipation – you know, the kind where you imagine cosy evenings and epic walks ahead.

Stepping into this neat ground-floor apartment was an instant mood-lifter. Tucked away in the heart of the market town, it’s got this stylish, relaxed vibe perfect for a family or mates, with an open-plan living space that just pulls you in. The seating’s spot-on for flopping down, Smart TV for rainy afternoons, and the kitchen’s kitted out with all the essentials – oven, hob, microwave, the lot – so rustling up a fry-up or pasta was a doddle. That dining table became our command centre for plotting the day’s wanders, and with the shared hot tub out back, we were sorted for unwinding too. Even brought our two daft dogs, who took to it like pros.

But the real magic? Getting properly lost in the best possible way. Llanrwst’s got that unassuming charm – you wander off the high street, and suddenly you’re stumbling on hidden gems you’d never find on a map. First morning, we aimed for a quick jaunt towards Eryri National Park but took a wrong turn past the old Gwydir Chapel. Instead of backtracking, we followed a footpath that led to this tucked-away waterfall, just a splash of water tumbling over mossy rocks into a crystal pool. No crowds, no signs – just us, the dogs splashing about, and a picnic of cheese sarnies that tasted like heaven. I sat there thinking, why do we always chase the big views when these secret spots hit harder?

Next day, we “accidentally” veered off towards the River Conway, ending up at a wild swimming hole locals must use – shallow enough for a paddle, deep enough for a dip, fringed by ferns and overlooked by nothing but buzzards. Got chatting to a bloke fly-fishing who tipped us off about a forgotten picnic spot by the old railway bridge, half a mile upstream. Proper off-the-beaten-track, with views across the valley that made you forget the world. We got so carried away, the dogs ended up caked in mud, and I was laughing at myself – me, the one who hates getting lost, turning it into the highlight.

Evenings back at the apartment were bliss, hot tub bubbling while we swapped tales of our detours. There’s something about Conway Valley that rewards the wanderers – those little discoveries, like the wildflower meadow we tripped over near the park’s edge or the ancient oak grove that felt like stepping into a fairy tale. It made me reflect: holidays aren’t about ticking boxes; they’re about those serendipitous moments when you let the path lead you. If you’re after a base to uncover North Wales’ secrets, this spot’s a gem. We’re already plotting a return.