‘Alex and Lorraine’s 18th-century farmhouse offers a level of hospitality to rival many of the best small hotels in the UK.’ Readers are taken with Alex Yorke and Lorraine Hinkins’s Snowdonia guest house with views over Tal-y-llyn lake to Cader Idris. ‘They achieve their aim of offering good value for money, and minimising food miles.’ Simply furnished bedrooms, each named after a local river, have comfortable bed, local art, Melin Tregwynt throws, upmarket toiletries. Front-facing Mawddach, with views to the Dyfi and Tarren hills, was ‘well appointed’ with a corner bath and shower over in ‘an excellent en suite’. The others enjoy a lake view, and Wnion has windows to the front and back. Three nights a week, Lorraine cooks a meal taken communally around the oak table. ‘We enjoyed eating with other visitors, exchanging tales of our day’s activities.’ The menu, inspired by the seasons, might feature roast Tal-y-llyn lamb or wild sea trout. ‘The breakfast choice is excellent’, with award-winning sausages, dry-cured bacon, free-range eggs, organic home-baked bread, home-made jam, fish options; all setting you up for a long walk. The garden’s hot tub awaits your return. (B and JH)