If you read my post the other day about winter breaks, you will know that I’m currently on the hunt for places to go. Last year we spent New Year on Llŷn. We absolutely loved it. So much that we went back for a second time for Jit’s birthday in June. We had initially planned to return this year, but alas. It is booked and I’m now on the search again.
New Year on Llŷn
While I am Googling my way through places that we can visit, I thought I would draw some inspiration from our trip last year. As well as share it on here as I am yet to do so!
December 2016 was the first year that we took time away for the New Year and it developed into a mini tradition of ours, with New Year on Llŷn last year. After discovering that lots of things were shut in Glasgow during our 2016 stay (who knew they took four days off at New Year?!) we opted for a more disconnected break instead. Llŷn was the perfect location for it too as you get no phone reception and you must walk three-mile on the coastal path to get to the free village WiFi. Perfect.
Our one bedroom annex rented through Airbnb was the perfect place for us to walk the Welsh Coastal Path so everywhere we went was on foot. We also had the joy of visiting cats (Lou, the owner has six furry ones too!)
Away from it all
Although when we visited Glasgow, we had high hopes for fireworks over the Clyde and a lively experience, it was pretty quiet. For a city, that is. Being able to really get away from it all was bliss. No pings or alerts to break the silence and just the crackle of the log burner and the music CDs that we brought with us to enjoy on the long dark nights.
During the day we had plenty of time to explore (being early birds) and Llŷn Peninsular has a lot going for it. Wildlife, flora and fauna (even in winter) and views that you could just stare at for eternity. There was even an OS map in the annex for us to take out in our new map holder.
Although it might seem like we were in the middle of nowhere, we had access to the shop, cafes and a National Trust museum of the area just over in Aberdaron village. A very pleasant (if windy in the winter) walk along the coast.
New Years Eve
It has been a long, long, time since we have done the party thing on New Years Eve. We have never done a wild once since being together actually (16 years!) as we used to go to my Auntie and Uncles house for a family do. Much more our style as you are comfortable, with nice people and don’t have to fight for the toilet or a drink.
New Year on Llŷn was spent eating our favourite ramen with the company of Zsa Zsa the cat. Classical music on the player and a glass of wine or two for us. And yes, we did take our slippers with us!
I would replicate that New Year any day! It was cosy, quiet and lovely. No blasting of fireworks, loud music of drunk people staggering home. I’m not even sure that we made it past midnight in the end, but with fleecy bedding, who could resist an early night?
New Year’s Day
We do usually go for a walk on New Year’s day, wherever we are but nothing like the hills and valleys we had to explore around the Land’s End of North Wales. Views to Bardsey Island and grassy plains for miles. A distant change to a walk then lunch at the Trafford Centre (which is usually quiet on New Year’s day, hence our venture)
We decided to head to the top of the hill to see the views as it was so incredibly clear. Don’t let the picture fool you though, the wind was up and it was cold. And by cold, I mean all the layers and waterproof pants for wind breaking cold. Gorgeous all the same though and layered up with a flask of tea in your pack, you’re sure to be toasty.
The only people
At the top, as we enjoyed a snack and a cup of tea, we came to realise that there were more people visiting than we had thought. Each car would arrive to the top followed by someone running up the small hill in full Rocky style with arms in the air cheering. Only to spot us sat on the floor snacking and sheepishly go to rejoin their party. We had a number of people ask us astonished whether we had actually walked up there. The responses to our ‘yes’ answer varied from pure disbelief to Shouting to friends in delight. To be honest, bar the wind in parts, it is not really a challenging walk if you’re into hills.
As fast as one car of people arrived, they left and were replaced by another. It seems a very popular past time around there to head u high (in the car) to take in the views. And who could blame them.
Setting sun
We spent most of the day exploring the area and decided that it would be a great opportunity to wait for the sunset. With the already glorious amber glow hitting the area,we were confident that it was going to be stunning.
One thing we hadn’t anticipated was how quickly it goes dark once the sun begins to set! And we were without head torches. So unfortunately, we had to hot step our way along the path before darkness hit. We did manage to catch some of the sun setting, but not the whole shebang. There’s always another time though (a time when we have our head torches, at least)
As the darkness began to close in around us, we made our way back to the cottage to repeat the relaxation of the previous evening. Log burner, hot drinks, cat company and smooth music to accompany our dinner.
I’m not sure whether it was the home, the cats, the area of the sunset that stole our hearts that New Year, but we have a firm promise that we will be returning time and time again. We want to see all the seasons there and I can guarantee that we will.
Reminiscing over New year on Llŷn
Looking back to New Year on Llŷn last year has reminded me how lovely it is to get away from it all and to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and people. You know I love both, but sometimes it is nice to refresh away from it all.
So from looking at what I loved about last years break, I realise that I want something similar for this year. It doesn’t have to be Wales, it can be anywhere with long views and of course, a log burner! There’ isn’t long really, so I had better get my head out of the clouds of our previous trip and concentrate on booking something for this year.
Any ideas, please let me know in the comments below – links welcome too!
Do you like to get away for New Year or in the winter? Where is your favourite place for a winter break?
Let me know in the comments, along with any recommendations for my this year trip!