Visit Wales with Ease - Part 4
The place that stole my heart
Dear Friend
How are you feeling today? I hope the sun is shining over you, as it is me. There is something so soothing about allowing the warmth of sunshine to seep into your whole being. I surrender to the sun. Sunshine is life.
So here I am writing the final instalment of my “Visit Wales with Ease” series and I’m really not ready to give it up. How bizarre is that. Each day I’ve felt anxious about pressing the publish button, yet now that I’ve completed all four instalments I’m feeling a little sad.
What next Tanya? Do I have another series to research and write about? Is there a a mini writing project I can add on to this year long (August 2023 - August 2024) daily writing project?
Or do I just go back to my daily musings, focusing on the small things in life? Sure I do, what more is there to write about day to day? I’ll happily continue with my journaling advice and curated prompts. It’s not challenging writing in the slightest, its cathartic, well for me it is.
Would you like me to create another series about something that you may find interesting? Maybe I’ll return to “The Ridgeback Diaries”, the theme of my original Substack. I’ll let you into a little secret, this “Visit Wales with Ease” series has been quite hard work to write. Ironically there was no sense of ‘ease’ this week while I wrote about all four regions of Wales. Mainly because of the undue pressure I placed upon myself.
The point is I always need a new project. I’ll sit with it for a few days and let you know if somethingcrlps up. Let me know if you think of anything in particular I should write about.
Ok, so let me guide you on one last tour of Wales, to the region of West Wales, a corner of Wales I so wish I could call home. The landscape is rugged and raw, charming and cheeky and ever so rich in cultural heritage. It’s a place I crave every single day. A place of belonging, even though I’ve never lived here, I just spend long weekends at a time in other peoples beach houses, pretending they are mine. One day eh.
I’ll start with showcasing the village I’m going to eventually move to. Well that’s when I’ve managed to save enough money to buy my own cottage by the sea. Tresaith is where you’ll find me.
1. House on the Beach - Cartrefle in Tresaith
Nestled along the Ceredigion coast, Cartrefle is a beautiful seven bedroom Victorian beach house, that serves as a haven for anyone seeking relaxation and tranquility. It’s the perfect abode for aspiring writers. It’s were I run away to. For solitude. For space, peace and quiet. Just me and the Ridgebacks.
What makes it special:
- Journaling and digital detox retreats are hosted here, offering a unique opportunity to disconnect and focus on ‘yourself’. A place where the world seems to stand still. Where you can daydream from dusk til dawn, people watch and gather your thoughts.
- Its literally steps from the ocean, you’ll be mesmerised by the constant rhythm of waves, which provides a soothing backdrop for any form of creativity.
- The stunning coastal views are breathtaking, at sunset the sky turns into shades of a peach melba cocktail. Hypnotising any soul that surrenders to the view.
- This beach house has one of the most intimate settings. Allowing you to go at your own pace. Whether you read, write, rest, feast or wander, Cartrefle will capture your heart and soul.
For writers, the combination of panoramic ocean views and the serene vibes makes Cartrefle an ideal spot for deepening your writing practice or kickstarting a new project. This October I’m hosting a Digital Detox Weekend Retreat between 18th-20th, you’re very welcome to join me, single room occupancy starts from £650pp and it includes full board and refreshments.
I couldn’t choose just one venue, I had to describe literally a whole town, I love it so much. It’s has picture postcard status located at the mouth of the river Nevern in Pembrokeshire. It offers an eclectic mix of independent businesses, quirky shops and vibrant eateries.
What makes it special:
- The mix of independent businesses never fails to amaze me. There is an entrepreneurial streak that runs through the heart of this town. Lots of the most recent brands are on the verge of being trendy, all so welcoming with a real sense of pride every time their doors are opened to the public.
- Stunning beaches with sweeping dunes. This is one of my favourite stretches of coastline. It’s ideal for long contemplative walks, dog friendly with a cool, hip beach cafe serving delicious snacks and hot drinks.
- Rich local history seeps out of the seams of this rugged land.
- A really vibrant community that’s filled with jolly characters. You'll find there is always an opportunity to engage with friendly folk, all sharing unique stories and local gossip.
3. The Boy Ashore - Aberporth
This beach bar, part of the innovative Fforest family of businesses, captures the essence of Welsh coastal living.
What makes it special:
- Seasonally operated by hip youngsters, with beaming smiles and a cheery outlook. The menu always reflects the changing rhythms of coastal life.
- A stone through away from the beach allows for a seamless transition between chatting, writing and beach exploration.
- Owned by Welsh entrepreneur James Lynch and his dear wife Sian. They are business champions with style and street cred, and I so wish I could say I was related to them, the fact that we share the same surname is good enough for me.
- Connection to other Fforest properties including the stunning Albion Hotel in cardigan and their quirky Pizza Tipi. Honestly you really need to visit these extraordinary venues, their pizzas are off the scale delicious.
For writers, Boy Ashore and the wider Fforest enterprise offers rich material for travel writing and would actually make for a cool contemporary novel.
4. Melin Tregwynt - Castlemorris
This working mill provides a unique glimpse into traditional Welsh craftsmanship. It’s well hidden, but not too far from the coastline. It’s quite an adventure finding it, but isn’t that what traveling to somewhere new, is all about?!
What makes it special:
- Living history of the mill is pretty cool, as its been in operation since the 17th century.
- The beautiful textiles are super lush, beware, you’ll be tempted to buy at least one of their renowned Welsh blankets or throws, perfect for cuddling up with on the sofa or as a picnic blanket while you watch the sun set.
- Their on site cafe and shop, is a little haven of activity and quite a lovely spot to sit and journal over a coffee and a large slice of lemon drizzle.
- Its rural setting offers a peaceful environment. Take a walk around the mill, mooch about and let the path take your to the sea, let the time pass you by and your creative juices flow.
For the writers, Melin Tregwynt provides rich material for exploring these old traditions, Welsh culture, local heritage and the simple things in life.
5. Solva and St David's
Call me weird, but I had to highlight these two charming towns that offer distinct flavours of West Wales life.
Solva is a picturesque harbour, with a vibrant art scene, complimented by a nice mix of galleries, craft shops, bars and restaurants. It bright. It’s bold and the light captivates you from dusk until dawn. You’re never far from the coastal path, perfect for combining writing with scenic walks.
St David’s, the smallest city in Britain, offers a very urban-rural blend of activity. St David’s Cathedral is magnificent, rich in history and of spiritual significance. There is certainly a bustling atmosphere here, during all seasons, I’m yet to find it ghostly, even in the darkest winter months.
For writers, these towns offer diverse settings, from quaint cafes to grand, historic sites. There’s something for everyone here.
If you’re in need of accommodation, I highly recommend Sea & Slate owned and run my my dear friends Spot & Charlie.
I have my heart set on one particular self catering cottage in West Wales called Rocket House overlooking Poppet Sands. It is my dream coastal abode, stylish, cool, and unassuming, with mesmerising views of the estuary. It literally takes my breath away, plus, it has its very own writing shed in the garden!!
Here are some writing opportunity ideas I’ve curated for myself in the past, help yourself…
- Use the changing seasons at The Boy Ashore as a metaphor in your writing
- Create a character sketch based on the artisans at Melin Tregwynt.
- Write a series of Haikus inspired by the coastal views of Tresaith
- Craft a short story set in the bustling harbour of Solva
And there it ends. In magical West Wales, place that has always captivated me with its blend of natural beauty and vibrant local culture. I crave it and I think once you’ve been it will captivate you also. Whether you’re seeking solitude for focused writing or ready to venture across stunning landscapes for descriptive prose, West Wales will look after your creative soul.
As I conclude this journey through Wales, I hope this four part series has inspired you to explore my beautiful country.
I’m curious about what you enjoyed the most?
Did this series ignite your wanderlust at all?
What aspects of the series resonated with you the most?
Your feedback is invaluable to me, especially in shaping my future content. Maybe just maybe, I’ll create another series, about what, I’m not quite sure yet.
Diolch yn far (thank you very much) for joining me, I dearly hope my writing has stirred your imagination and perhaps even inspired your next piece of writing. Remember, in Wales, every castle, every coastline and every cosy cafe, holds the promise of a story waiting to be told. And I can’t wait to read yours.
Until the next time
Take care and stay safe xx
If you enjoyed ‘with ease’ and would like to support my work, be offered first refusal to book onto my writing & wellbeing retreats with best selling authors, receive discounts towards my therapeutic journaling workshops, please buy me the equivalent of one cup of coffee, by becoming a paid subscriber. Thank you so much.
I have particularly loved reading this part of your love letter to Wales. The West has my heart too, and so many of the places you’ve shared are also places I feel passionate about. Thank you!
I have enjoyed every one of this series. I love the way you have laid it out, with suggestions and what’s good for writers. You passion for Wales shines through. A new project - a full writers guide to Wales would be brilliant.❤️