Romantic Weekend in Snowdonia

Gentlemen of the UK, your love lives are in crisis. According to a recent study by women’s magazine Cosmopolitan, almost 40 per cent of women surveyed claimed that their other half is ‘not very often’ or ‘never’ romantic, despite 75 per cent of men thinking otherwise!

Sometimes, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what the special lady in your life requires by way of a romantic weekend, and even more so to surprise her with a gesture of your love. Perhaps, then, it is worth taking a walk on the Welsh side this year and celebrating ‘Dydd Santes Dwynen’, or the Welsh equivalent of Valentine’s Day, on the 25th of January.

Santes Dwynen

Dwynen is the Welsh saint of love and, as is the case in many such examples, her tale is deeply rooted in folk tales and Celtic stories. She was the daughter of the king Brychan Brycheiniog and one of 24 siblings. The children were renowned for their good looks but one was more beautiful than the rest, Dwynwen.

During a banquet at court Dwynwen and a young prince, Maelon Drafodrill, met and fell head over heels in love. The following day Maelon rushed to ask Brychan for his daughters hand in marriage. But the king refused, roaring angrily that Dwynwen was betrothed to another, more suitable prince. Maelon left the court in disgust without saying goodbye to Dwynwen.

Heartbroken, Dwynwen fled to the forest where she prayed to God, asking him to rid her of her love for Maelon. When she eventually fell asleep Dwynwen had the strangest dream. Maelon was walking towards her through the treen when an angel, sent by God, came down from heaven and turned the young prince to ice. The angel then turned to Dwynwen to offer her three wishes.

Her first wish was that Maelon would be restored to life. Secondly for God to meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers, and finally that she should never marry and instead devote her life to the service of God.

The following day when she awoke, Dwynwen began her journey to North Wales. She settled on the quiet island of Llanddwyn and devoted the rest of her life to God.

Take Inspiration!
Therefore, hapless romantics of the UK, visiting Wales on the 25th of January and recounting this tale to your beloved may just be the key to success in the schmoozing stakes. Not only is it a fable of devotion simply oozing with lovey-dovey feelings, but it also gives you the ideal opportunity to explore a little more of the beautiful Welsh countryside.

Option 1

Accomodation: Ty Newydd

Hiring an adorable one bedroom country cottage for the weekend just south of Bala in North Wales, is the perfect opportunity to bag some of the ‘alone time’ your other half craves whilst also getting bonus points on the romantic front with the inclusion of a real fire (think of the snuggles!)

Eating Out: Tyddyn Llan

Capitalising on the romantic boyfriend angle by booking in to the Michelin Star Tyddyn Llan restaurant is also recommended, it is considered one of Wales’ finest restaurants, with a string of accolades only building upon the quality and elegance afforded by its location on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. Sunday lunch here is particularly recommended, as the locally sourced meat selections and mouth-watering scents emanating from the kitchen are enough to put anyone in a warm, fuzzy mood!

Walk: Aran Fawddwy

Walking off the calories from a sumptuous lunch on a leisurely climb up Aran Fawddwy is the perfect activity for a relaxing day. Once again, the stunning views and peaceful setting are useful for those looking to inject a little romance into their lives, with the summit perhaps even providing the perfect location for a proposal?

Relax: Lake Vyrnwy Hotel

The perfect end to a perfect day comes in the form of a spa package at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, especially if your dearly beloved happens to be feeling the effects of your earlier walk!

Option 2

Accommodation: Dolydd

This beautiful stone cottage in Maentwrog provides some truly luxurious accommodation. There’s a log fire and exposed beams of the lounge, the bedroom is dreamily romantic and the bathroom comes complete with underfloor heating.

Eating out

Just a short drive away the pretty little town of Betws-Y-Coed has a handful of nice restaurants. One of the nicest I think is Bistro Betws Y Coed. A mix of both modern and traditional welsh food.

Walk: The woods around Llyn Mair

The woods around Llyn Mair, just a short walk from your front door, is naturally the perfect setting for you to recount the tail of Santes Dwynwen. Here’s a map to help you find your around. [Llyn Mair]

Relax: Portmeirion Spa

I doubt there’s a better location for relaxing in the UK. The famous Portmeirion Village now has it’s own luxury spa. The girls there are really friendly and I know Louise is a big fan of their treatments and therapies. Have a walk around Portmeirion Village first if you have time.

Springing romantic gestures on your partner can be difficult, but fortunately North Wales offers some of the finest locations in the UK to inspire even the most reluctant Romeo. So this Dydd Santes Dwynen pack up and head to Snowdonia with your loved one, just don’t forget to bring the champagne!