Profil von Hele

At the top of Penglais Hill, looking down to the seashore, sits the Aber Arts Centre. Nestled amongst other buildings on the Aberystwyth University campus, the Arts Centre is the cultural hub of this stretch of Mid Wales coastline. The cinema shows the most up-to-date programmes, including some off-mainstream films during the annual Wales One World Festival. The dance and theatre programme is innovative and the auditorium attracts the biggest name acts to come to these parts. Regular art and photography exhibitions are always worth checking out, especially as they often include the work of local artists. But, if you’re not up for much culture, check out the book and art shops, go to the bar for a drink, or the café for some coffee and a sandwich.

The greatest charity shop I’ve ever been to sits at the end of Heol Maengwyn, just over the road from the medieval clock tower in Machynlleth. It’s not a plush outfit, far from it, but you will find some gem items here. And, best of all, pretty much everything costs just 50p. Monies go to support a dog sanctuary, but even if you don’t like dogs, there’s more random items here than you can swing a cat at. In my experience, the Dog Shop always delivers…

The best record shop in North Wales. Cob Records, named after Porthmadog’s cob by which it sits, has been going for years. Buy or sell CDs, videos and DVDs. Get that old school record shop experience and flick through stacks of CDs in vast wooden, makeshift shelving. Selling your stuff here is a really good option if you’ve decided to have a CD and DVD cull. I’ve made back a pound or two in my time.

Think MOMA; think New York. But not Machynlleth. Well, think again! The ancient capital of Wales, Machynlleth (pronounced Mac-hun-cleth), might be a town of 3,000, but it also houses the Museum of Modern Art Wales. With regularly changing exhibitions that combine local art with that from far-flung locations, MOMA Wales in the old Tabernacle is worth a gentle look-see if you’re visiting town. If you’re not planning a visit, make it another reason to go and spend some time in this brilliant little Welsh town that’s got more going for it than you might at first think.

Past Tal y Llyn and along a lovely, lush green valley so typical of this part of Wales lies Dolgoch Falls. If you can’t get here by bicycle there’s ample car parking space at the foot of the path up to the falls. Follow the pavement along from the little shop then ascend one of two routes along the river until you reach the falls. Nice green patch at the top to relax a while after your leg up. It’s a gentle climb, relatively short and easy for all the family. Popular also with dog walkers. Lovely on a summers’ day, but probably even better in spring or autumn.

This is a great little Greek restaurant just along from the pier in Aberystwyth. A good, interesting menu, friendly staff and quick service make dining here a real pleasure. I would recommend going in a small group and ordering as many dishes as possible to share. Always the best way… The place is decked out well with downstairs and upstairs seating. All really reasonably priced, too. Eat well.

In the hills of Happy Valley (real name) and along the ridgeline to Aberdyfi lies the Bearded Lake. It’s not particularly beardy, though if you choose to swim in it’s dark blue waters your legs will no doubt be brushed by lots of vegetation. It’s an unexpected thing and a nice place to stop if you’re doing the whole day's walk along the mountains to the beach at lovely Aberdyfi. If you’re driving, there is a car park next to the narrow road through the valley.

Proper stone-baked pizza, freshly made to order, cooked four at a time. The Wynnstay pizza restaurant is a great place to go with friends to share any number of the varied menu of pizzas. I recommend any of the ones with goats’ cheese on. They do a mean Fiorentina, too.