I’ll never forget the drive up to our holiday cottage in North Wales – a proper comedy of errors to start with. We’d set off from Cheshire full of beans, me navigating on my phone while my mate Dave drove our battered old estate car. But wouldn’t you know it, about halfway through the Conway Valley, we missed a turning and ended up on some winding single-track lane that seemed to go on forever. Sheep everywhere, staring at us like we were aliens, and Dave muttering about his sat-nav being possessed. We laughed it off, though – that little mishap turned what could’ve been a dull motorway slog into an impromptu adventure, with stunning glimpses of the valley unfolding before us. By the time we crested the hill above Eglwysbach village, hearts racing a bit from the anticipation, the cottage came into view. Set high up with those unbeatable views, it was a cosy stone number that just screamed “relax here and forget the world”. First impressions? Blimey, it was perfect – welcoming, with a cracking little garden that felt like our own private perch.

From there, the real magic kicked in: stumbling on hidden gems purely by accident, the kind of off-the-beaten-track spots you’d never find on a glossy brochure. We’d pop down to Eglwysbach’s well-known pub for a pint and a natter with locals – proper characters who’d tip us off about secret paths we’d have missed otherwise. One morning, fancying a gentle stroll, we took a wrong turn from the village and ended up on a tucked-away trail snaking along the river. It was pure bliss – babbling water, herons darting about, and not a soul in sight. We felt like explorers, getting gloriously lost in the best way, only to pop out at a forgotten picnic spot with views that stopped us in our tracks.

Keen for more, we hopped in the car for the short hop to Conway – that World Heritage gem with its mighty castle and ancient town walls – but instead of the tourist crush, we veered off down a side lane (Dave’s navigation skills again!) and discovered a cluster of independent shops tucked in a quiet corner. Tiny delis with Welsh cheeses that melted in your mouth, and a harbour café where fishermen swapped yarns over fresh crab sandwiches. No queues, just us and the salty sea air.

The off-piste theme continued with bikes from the cottage – we pedalled up forgotten tracks leading to breath-taking viewpoints over the valley, getting mud-splattered and loving every minute. One afternoon, aiming for the RSPB Reserve for some wildlife spotting, we took a detour and found a serene riverbank perfect for a bit of casual fishing. Peaceful doesn’t cover it – otters playing, kingfishers flashing by. We even chanced upon a hidden café near the Welsh Food Centre, where the homemade bara brith was so good we went back twice.

Reflecting on it now, sat in that cottage with a cuppa as the sun dipped behind the hills, I realised how getting lost had been the highlight. In our rush-rush lives back home, we rarely wander without a plan, but up here, those accidental finds – the wildflower meadows near Bodnant Gardens’ back paths, Britain’s Smallest House glimpsed down a no-signs alley – made the trip unforgettable. North Wales has this knack for rewarding the wanderers. If you’re after proper hidden treasures, pack your boots, embrace the wrong turns, and let the valley work its quiet wonders. We’re already plotting a return.