I’ll never forget the drive up to Llandudno from Manchester – it’s only about an hour and a half, but wouldn’t you know it, I took a wrong turn near Colwyn Bay and ended up in a snaking queue of caravans crawling along the A55. Typical me, always relying on sat-nav but forgetting to charge my phone properly. Still, by the time I arrived in Rhos-on-Sea, the sun was peeking through the clouds over the coast, and my heart lifted. I couldn’t wait to settle in.

Pulling up to this impressively-designed three-storey dwelling, right near the stunning coastline and with Eryri National Park not far off, I knew we’d struck gold. It’s perfect for a big family get-together or mates chipping in, and bless it, dog-friendly too – my spaniel, Rufus, was in heaven. Stepping inside after parking, the welcoming boot room grabbed me first, all practical and cosy, then bam, you’re into this light and airy open-plan living space with a cracking kitchen, dining spot, and snug sitting area. It felt like a proper home-from-home straight away.

First morning, the weather was a dream – bright blue skies, not a breath of wind. We laced up our boots and headed out for a brisk walk along Rhos-on-Sea’s prom, with the Irish Sea sparkling like it does on those rare perfect days. Rufus bounded ahead, chasing waves, while we am bled along the Victorian pier, grabbing fish and chips from a takeaway that tasted even better al fresco. Feeling bold, we pushed on towards the Little Orme, that chunky headland just a couple of miles up. The hike up there was pure joy – gentle paths winding through gorse and heather, with killer views back over Colwyn Bay. We spotted seals lounging on the rocks below, and I swear, standing at the top, pint of air in my lungs, I felt ten years younger. Who needs a gym when you’ve got this on your doorstep?

But oh, British weather – it’s got a wicked sense of humour. By afternoon, the skies turned proper grey, and a drizzle started that turned into a full-on downpour. Our plan for a longer trek along the North Wales Path got shelved; instead, we hunkered down in the snug, Rufus sprawled by the heater, me nursing a cuppa and reflecting on how I’ve spent too many holidays glued to a screen back home. It was a gentle nudge – get out there more, rain or shine. Next day, it cleared just enough for a muddy stomp around Penrhyn Bay, dodging puddles and laughing at the squelch in our wellies. The bad weather paths were quieter, more intimate somehow, with the sea crashing dramatically and gulls wheeling overhead. We even found a hidden cove for a sneaky thermos of tea.

By the end of the week, those walks – sun-soaked strides and soggy slogs – had us knackered but buzzing. Llandudno’s coastline is a walker’s paradise, weather be damned. If you’re after that mix of adventure and downtime in a cracking spot like this, pack your OS map and go. I’m already plotting the return.