A dog’s guide to slowing down

Dog friendly stay in Mid Wales.

A review by Ted, the dog.

The car engine stopped and the first thing I noticed was the quiet.

Usually when we stop the car, there is noise. Traffic, other people, doors banging. Here, there was just the sound of a Red Kite whistling somewhere above us and the wind in the trees.

My humans told me we were going to a dog friendly cabin in Mid Wales for a few days. They promised me new smells, big walks and most importantly, a lot of time where they weren’t looking at their phones.

They definitely delivered.

Settling in

As soon as we got inside, I knew this was a good spot. The floor was cool under my paws and there were so many interesting corners to sniff. The best bit is that I wasn’t just allowed here, I was actually welcome. Jasper, the owners springer spaniel even came to introduce himself and show me the best sniffing spots!

While they unpacked the wine and the food, I went to inspect the garden. It is properly enclosed, which meant I could trot around safely without them watching me every second. I found a perfect patch of grass to lie on while they took the covers off a lit the wood-fired hot tub.

It didn’t take long for them to settle in, after a cuppa on the porch, they sat in the warm water looking out at the Welsh hills, and I lay on the grass nearby, just watching the clouds move. No rushing. No "come here, sit down". Just us, hanging out.

Adventures in the Elan Valley

The next morning, we went to the Elan Valley. If you are looking for Elan Valley accommodation, this place is perfect because you are so close to the good stuff.

The smells there are incredible. Sheep, bracken, water, stone. We walked for miles. I found a river that was perfect for a dip. The water was cold and fresh, a bit too cold for my humans, they said, but perfect for a swim on a hot summers day.

We walked until my legs felt heavy and happy. We even stopped at the Elan Valley visitor centre where I got a doggy ice cream, which was definitely the highlight of the afternoon.

Evenings by the fire

Back at the cabin, the pace slowed right down. This is what a countryside retreat for couples is really about, I think. They lit the fire pit outside and I sat as close as I dared, waiting for the sausages to cook. I might have been given a small piece of one. Maybe two.

As the sun went down, we moved inside. They lit the log burner and opened a bottle of wine. The cabin got warm and cosy. I curled up on the rug, smelling the woodsmoke and listening to them talk properly for the first time in weeks.

I was so tired from the swimming and the fresh air that I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I fell asleep to the sound of the fire crackling, dreaming of chasing squirrels in the woods.

My verdict

If your humans are looking for a romantic cabin in Mid Wales but they don’t want to leave you behind, tell them to book this place. The garden is enclosed, the walks are epic, and the sausages are excellent.

We are already planning when we can come back.

Coety Bach is a dog-friendly cabin in Mid Wales near the Elan Valley.

Best for: Couples with dogs who want to switch off.

Known for: Enclosed garden, wood-fired hot tub and dark skies.

Great base for: Exploring the Elan Valley dams and reservoirs.