I’ll never forget the drive down to Merthyr Tydfil last month – what should’ve been a straightforward two hours from Cardiff turned into a comedy of errors when I took a wrong turn near Pontypridd and ended up in a queue of traffic behind a sheep farmer’s lorry. Honestly, I was half-expecting the sheep to start directing me myself! But by the time I pulled up outside this cracking little studio apartment smack in the centre of town, my stress had melted away. From the off, it felt like a proper gem – bright, airy, and right on the High Street, with everything you could need for a self-catering jaunt. The open-plan setup was spot on: a cosy living area with telly and WiFi to sort your plans, and a kitchen kitted out with oven, hob, microwave, the lot. Perfect for a solo wanderer like me, or anyone wanting a comfy base without the faff.

I’d been buzzing about the hikes in the Brecon Beacons – they’re just a short hop away, and with the place being pet-friendly, I half-wished I’d brought the dog along. First morning, the sun was cracking the flags, so I laced up my boots and headed out for the Taff Trail. It’s a belter of a walk, following the River Taff right from town, past Cyfarthfa Park with its massive castle looming like something out of a storybook. The paths are gentle at first, weaving through woods and open fields, and I was grinning ear to ear as buzzards circled overhead. Proper fresh air therapy, that – made me reflect on how I’ve been stuck indoors too much lately, tapping away at emails. Needed this more than I realised.

But oh, the Welsh weather – it’s got a mind of its own! Come afternoon, the sky turned from blue to battleship grey faster than you can say “wellies”. I’d planned a longer trek up to Vaynor, aiming for those cracking views over the reservoirs, but the heavens opened. Sheets of rain hammered down, turning the trails into muddy slip-and-slides. I hunkered down under a tree for a bit, laughing at myself as I turned into a drowned rat, then scarpered back towards town. No bother though – ducked into a chippy on the High Street for a steaming bag of cod and chips, then warmed up in the apartment with a brew and some Netflix. That’s the joy of staying central like this; adventures on your doorstep, and a dry haven waiting.

Next day, it cleared up just enough for a stomp around the park itself – Cyfarthfa’s got these winding paths that take you up to viewpoints without too much graft. Spotted herons by the lake and even a few daring cyclists bombing down the slopes. The weather flipped again by evening, mind – a sneaky drizzle that had me improvising with a pub crawl instead, sampling a pint at the local. Lightened my mood no end, and I got chatting to folks about their own Beacons tales. Funny how a bit of rain forces you to pivot; made the whole trip feel more real, less scripted.

All in all, it was a tonic. Those hikes, even abbreviated by the elements, reminded me to embrace the unpredictability – just like life back home. If you’re after a spot for walking South Wales with weather as your cheeky sidekick, this kind of stay hits the mark. Can’t wait to go back when the dog’s invited.