I’ll never forget the drive up to our holiday spot in North Wales – well, the bit where we took a wrong turn near Welshpool and ended up arguing with the satnav for half an hour. “Recalculating,” it kept chirping, while I gripped the wheel, promising myself I’d never mock my husband’s sense of direction again. Spoiler: I did, later. But as we finally wound down those narrow lanes, the anticipation built – I could already picture cosy evenings after a day’s ramble, pint in hand.

Pulling up to this gorgeous converted cow shed, my first impressions were spot on. Perched on a small holding just four miles northwest of Bridgnorth, it’s got these breathtaking views over Shropshire’s Hills that make you gasp. Blending that proper rural vibe with sleek, warming interiors, it felt like the perfect bolt-hole for us lot who love a countryside getaway without being cut off from a bit of civilisation.

Day one dawned bright, so we laced up our boots for a hike straight from the door into the Shropshire Hills AONB. The paths were lush and inviting, sheep eyeing us suspiciously as we climbed gentle slopes with those epic hill vistas unfolding. We chatted nonsense, laughed at my daft selfies with the scenery, and felt properly alive. By afternoon, we’d wandered a good five miles, spotting buzzards overhead – pure bliss.

But oh, British weather, you cheeky devil. Next morning, the sky turned moody, spitting rain like it had a personal grudge. Our plan for a longer trek to the hills’ higher ridges? Scrapped. Instead, we adapted with a shorter loop closer to the holding, dodging puddles and giggling as we sheltered under a massive oak. It was one of those moments that had me reflecting – why do I always pack for sunshine when I know Wales? That gentle self-nudge: next time, more layers, less optimism.

The rain eased by lunch, so we pushed on to a nearby trail with views dipping towards Bridgnorth. Muddy going underfoot, but the fresh, earthy smell after the downpour was magic. We sloshed through, my socks squelching in protest, and rewarded ourselves with tea from the flask, watching mist roll off the hills. It wasn’t the epic sunny hike we’d dreamed of, but there’s something character-building about it – teaches you to roll with the squalls.

Last day, blue skies returned, and we nailed a cracking walk skirting the AONB’s edge, about four miles out and back. The weather had flipped again, sun warming our faces as we descended with aching but happy legs. Back at the shed, collapsing into those plush chairs with hill views for company, I thought how these hikes – good days and soggy ones – made the trip. North Wales (or thereabouts) has that knack for keeping you on your toes, weather whims and all. If you’re after walks that shift with the clouds, this is your spot. We’re already plotting a return – with better maps.