Five cabins in North Wales perfect for exploring Eryri (Snowdonia)

This quiet part of north Wales is perfect for a few days of restorative, relaxing outdoor stay. There’s a rocking chair on the veranda where you can sip coffee in the morning and stargaze at night, an outdoor cooking area with BBQ & wood-fired pizza oven (pizza dough mix in your welcome hamper) for al fresco meals and then, when the night draws in, the wood-burner to warm the cabin and add a rippling, homely glow.

The owners have left you a great guide to the area, which is full of waterfalls, country gardens and lovely old towns. You can even have the unique experience of canoeing across an aqueduct, at Pontcysyllte. There are walks right from the door as well as the famous hikes and expansive wilderness of Eryri to explore.

Caban Cilfa offers you relaxation or adventure in equal measure. At night you can light the wood burner and watch the stars in the unspoilt sky. Daytime, grab a good downhill bike, hit the miles of trails that cross the hillsides and, take a dip in the pond to cool off when you get back.

Glyndwr's Way, passes right through the farm and you can ramble along a section of its 135 miles. There’s a horse-riding school next door if taking on the mountain bike trails that criss-cross Beudy Banc aren’t for you. There's also beaches and mountains both nearby, and the cafes and shops of Machynlleth within reach for a more leisurely excursion. At a 25m drive, you’re perfectly positioned to hop into the national park for epic days out.

Once a bustling event cabin for the Llanfechain Horse Trials, Van Goff is now a charming masterpiece of reworked, preloved and mismatching pieces. Sunset BBQs are a must out on the spacious raised deck, overlooking the lush Welsh hills.

The vintage 1970s caravan is completely private, with all its own facilities. In fact, the only thing shared with the guests at Old Larch Yurt and Jericho Yurt is the little boat by the lake, which you're welcome to use anytime. Bodynfoel Hall is a sweeping 600-acre 19th century estate, with ancient woodlands and a wishing tree on which to hang ribbons. At a 50m drive from Eryri, it’s an easy trip down a scenic road to get to the park for adventures.

Dragon Cruck is an open, peaceful space where you can drift from the kitchen to the deck, from the fire bowl to bed. Not forgetting the pizza oven to add to the outdoor cooking experience! Step outside on to the deck to glimpse a view of the Vyrnwy Valley stretching away into the distance.

The Vyrnwy valley isn’t just great for looking at, but also for wild swimming, canoeing and picnic spots in the hills. Owner Mike is a mountain guide as well as a craftsman and can set you off on hiking routes as challenging or gentle as you like. Eryri (Snowdonia) is just an hour away, but trails straight from the door could keep you busy for days.

Sitting proudly in front of a sweeping view of the Welsh countryside, on the edge of a small coppice, Coed Ty’s got the king-size bed, the armchairs by the wood-burner, the deck and the outdoor Jacuzzi bath, you can lie, sit and soak while you gaze in wonder. At night, it’s even more spectacular, as the stars burst out into skies unspoilt by light pollution.

A multitude of attractions awaits you, from the wilds of Snowdonia National Park, to lake swimming, horse riding and biking, as well as gentler times to be found in country houses and some superb local pubs. If you’d rather stay in, then pop open a bottle and sit back to watch the light change on the hills.