Over-the-Moon Luxury Shepherds Hut

Over-the-Moon Luxury Shepherd’s Hut is in the countryside on the edge of the village of Clawdd-newydd and about six miles from the market town of Ruthin. You can go on walks across the fields straight from the smallholding or, for a woodland walk, head to Clocaenog Forest (four miles). It’s good for bike riding too with quiet roads and tracks through the conifers. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrel and black grouse. There's more wildlife, walks and bike riding at Llyn Brenig (13 miles) along with fishing and watesports. The reservoir is home to the Llyn Brenig Osprey Project and your chances of seeing the birds in spring and summer is high – with both a hide and a live link to their nest. For harder hiking, the Clwydian Range is close by with the 549-metre peak of Moel Morfydd, a worthy target. The Berwyn mountains and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park are also accessible from here with mountain biking, climbing and caving all ways to spend your time. The village of Betwys y Coed, known as the gateway to Eryri, is only 20 miles from the site so it’s a good place to head for. Closer to site, in Ruthin (five miles), you can mooch about the shops and eateries and take a trip to Ruthin Gaol, a Victorian prison that’s now an award-winning visitor attraction.

You are staying on a smallholding with chickens and your hosts are happy for you to collect eggs in the mornings for your breakfast – or to order some in advance of your stay. For other basics, it’s less than a mile from Over-the-Moon Luxury Shepherd’s Hut to the centre of Clawdd-newydd village where you’ll find the closest shop (or siop). You’ll also find the closest pub (or tafarn) there, The Glan Llyn. Both are community run. The Glan Llyn offers food (but not every day – so check before you set off) and has a beer garden. For more options, head into Ruthin (five miles) where you’ll find everything from fine dining (try No 11) to fish and chips – with plenty of cafes and tearooms in between. There are also independent shops and supermarkets if you want to stock up on food to take back to your shepherd’s hut.