Paws, Leaves, and Adventures: Our Autumn Road Trip to North Wales (Nov '24)

Irene Anthi
Dec 29, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Dec 31, 2024

This blog post marks a special milestone—my first road trip to North Wales with Aris, my six-month-old golden retriever. From chasing waterfalls to crunching through autumn leaves, it was an adventure filled with new experiences. Traveling with a puppy brought its own unique challenges and joys, but it made every moment even more memorable. Here’s a glimpse into our autumnal escape!

P.S At the end of this blog, you'll find a song I recommend playing as you read—it perfectly captures the mood of our adventure.

The Journey Begins

The drive to North Wales takes about four and a half hours, but honestly, it never feels that long with all the mountains, forests, lakes, and beaches along the way. This part of Wales has a special place in my heart because it’s where someone very special to me comes from.

I was a bit nervous about taking Aris on such a long drive—he wasn’t exactly a fan of car rides at the time. But to my surprise, he handled it like a champ! However, we made sure to stop halfway at the Clywedog Reservoir (one of my favorite spots) to stretch our legs, give him a break, and take in the views.

Exploring North Wales

Day 1: Beach Days Begin

After a restful first day and Aris meeting his grandparents, we started day two with a visit to Llanbedrog Beach. The crisp November air was refreshing, and Aris loved every second of it—especially the attention from his grandparents! Watching his grandma try to walk him was both hilarious and heartwarming.

Aris blending in perfectly with the autumn vibes 🍁🍂. His curious eyes and that pop of red made this moment even more special!

After exploring the beach, we headed up to The Plas, a beautiful art gallery and café overlooking Llanbedrog Beach. It was the perfect way to end the day, enjoying some tea and cake (or as it’s called in Welsh, “panad a chacen”) while taking in the stunning views.

Day 3: Quarry Beach and Sunset Magic

On day three, we set out to explore another stunning spot—a small quarry beach near Llanbedrog. Aris was in his element, dashing along the shoreline and playing fetch, while I soaked in the peaceful surroundings. As the day went on, the sun began to set, and we were treated to one of the most breathtaking sunsets. Watching the sky shift through shades of orange and pink made the perfect backdrop for a quiet moment with Aris.

Later in the evening, we stopped by Two Islands in Abersoch for a quick coffee and some ice cream (because who says no to ice cream?). Although we didn’t make it to Abersoch Beach that day, it was already penciled in as a must-visit for the next one!

Day 4: Abersoch Beach and Coastal Charm

Day four was all about exploring Abersoch Beach. This beach never fails to amaze me with its soft sands, colorful beach huts, and the relaxed, dog-friendly vibe of the village. Aris was thrilled to be back on the sand, sniffing everything in sight and chasing the waves.

We spent most of the day wandering along the coastline, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and perfect weather. As the day drew to a close, we were lucky enough to catch yet another gorgeous sunset—there’s something about the sunsets here that feels almost magical.

Abersoch has such a charm to it, with its little shops, welcoming cafés, and picturesque streets. It’s one of those places that keeps pulling me back, and I can’t wait to return again soon.

Day 5: A Scenic Walk Around Llyn Padran

Day five was a slower-paced day, perfect for soaking up the beauty of North Wales—but first, we had to wake up Aris. As you can see, he wasn’t exactly in a rush to get going, happily soaking up the morning sun and looking completely relaxed. His lazy morning vibes made me smile and set the tone for a peaceful day ahead.

Once we finally got moving, we drove out to Llyn Padran, a stunning lake surrounded by peaceful scenery. The sunny November weather made everything feel extra vibrant, and the reflections on the calm water were just magical—I couldn’t help but pause for a few photos.

Aris absolutely loved the 7-mile walk around the lake, stopping every few steps to investigate new smells. The trail was serene, with only the sounds of rustling leaves and the occasional bird call.

The best part of the day for me was catching the full moon rising as we wrapped up our walk. It was such a serene moment, and I even managed a surprisingly nice moon shot.

By the time we got back, all of us were happily exhausted. It was the kind of day that reminds you how incredible it feels to just slow down and enjoy the world around you.

Day 6: Betws-y-Coed and The Ugly House

Our final day of the trip was all about exploring another one of my favourite areas—Bettws-y-Coed, at the heart of Snowdonia National Park. The drive there was a little winding, and poor Aris wasn’t thrilled about the mountain roads, but he perked up quickly once we arrived.

We started the day with a visit to The Ugly House, a charming little tea house nestled in the forest. The quirky name doesn’t do it justice—it’s a cozy spot with delicious home made food. We enjoyed a relaxing lunch there, and Aris made sure to charm everyone who walked by.

Afterwards, we set off on a forest walk that led to some stunning waterfalls. Aris was completely fascinated by the rushing water, sniffing everything in sight and wagging his tail like crazy. It was the perfect way to wrap up our time in North Wales—surrounded by nature, fresh air, and the sound of cascading water.