We treated ourselves to luxury by staying in a Welsh castle near Aberystwyth. It is in fact a grand house built as a Gothic folly complete with turrets and ramparts but inside it is very deservedly a five-star boutique hotel that is sumptuously decorated and inviting. Our room had a four poster, a bathroom with a circular bath and we had tremendous views out over the beautiful Aberdovey river which was ideal for our romantic stay. The breakfast was excellent and our host was friendly and made us feel at home. Well worth staying for something special.

www.glandyficastle.co.uk
Glandyfi Castle, Gladyfi, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8SS
+44(0)1654 781238
Google map: bit.ly/13SPqhM

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Large octagonal bar, TV's all round, emphasis on sport, choices of beers, pizzas and other traditional food, spectacular views of the Aber seafront and Cambrian coastline, and from the autumn to spring thousands of Starlings swooping to their roosts below the Pier.

www.royalpier.co.uk
Royal Pier, Marine Terrace, Aberystwyth SY23 2AZ
+44(0)1970 636100
Google map: bit.ly/UmGAmM

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For forest and woodland you must explore the steep-sided valley of the river Rheidol and its tributary, the Mynach. Depending on preferance, you can take the train, a narrow gauge miner's railway, from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge and enjoy the splendour of the wooded valley. At Devil's Bridge the walk that takes you down some 400ft, steps provided, with the roar of the tumbling Mynach alongside is a must - fee payable and enter by turnstile. If you prefer to take the car you can then drive on from Devil's Bridge to Ponterwyd. At Ysbyty Cynfun park beside the chapel and take the walk, signposted, through woodlands to Parson's Bridge in the valley bottom where the power of the river has carved an enormous punchbowl in the rock. It is a spectacle!

www.devilsbridgefalls.co.uk
Devil's Bridge, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3JW
Google map: bit.ly/TcfDBD

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