Day 11 – Penrhyn Castle & Aber Falls

Today didn’t quite go as originally planned. We had intended to head into the Snowdonian mountains, but our priorities shifted when we noticed Awen’s skin condition worsening. So, first thing in the morning, we visited a local vet to get him checked out. Thankfully, the vet was wonderful—gentle, thorough, and reassuring—and we left with some medication and a much more comfortable Awen.

With our mountain hike on pause, we decided to take it easy and explore some gentler sights instead. Our first stop was a lovely botanical garden, where we meandered through lush greenery, quiet pathways, and colourful floral displays. It was just what we needed—a tranquil environment for us and the dogs to recover from a stressful morning.

From there, we made our way to Penrhyn Castle, a striking neo-Norman mansion set against the dramatic backdrop of North Wales. While the dogs weren’t allowed inside, we took turns exploring the grand interiors—ornate woodwork, vast rooms, and plenty of history. The grounds, however, were open for all of us to enjoy, and Awen and Nessy got to stretch their legs among ancient trees and manicured lawns.

Later in the day, we took a refreshing walk to Aber Falls, a spectacular 37-meter waterfall tucked into a green valley. The rain held off just long enough for us to enjoy the trail and admire the force of the falls as they thundered into the pool below.

Before heading home, we made a final stop at a tiny local distillery, tucked away like a hidden gem in the hills. We couldn’t resist bringing a bottle of their small-batch whisky back to our cabin—a little liquid souvenir of an unexpectedly lovely day.

Even though our plans changed, it turned into one of those quietly beautiful days that remind you to stay flexible on the road. Sometimes detours lead to the best discoveries.Read more