Sometimes going abroad just isn’t financially viable or sometimes you just want to explore a little closer to home.

Last year that was my goal , I spent a week traversing the coast of Wales and ended up seeing practically everything from St David’s Cathedral to Rhyl, all in just 7 Days. Guaranteed there was a lot of driving and a day or two where I persisted with drying out clothes via the car heater in the passenger side foot well (yes it stank and no it wasn’t the highlight of the trip), but if you’re up for seeing coastline befitting a Heathcliff romance and mountains you half expect to be inhabited by a fellowship with a ring then here are my must stop places for your 7 days in Wales.

Day 1: Hit the south coast- I don’t mean Cardiff or Swansea, I mean head SOUTH towards a quaint little place called Dale. Yes there isn’t really much tourist traps here but you will find a delightful little pub that is not only filled with conversation and laughter, serves some of the most delicious fresh sea food you could ask for, and I mean the guy who caught your food it sitting at the bar drinking an ice cold pint whilst you munch away! If you don’t want to eat that’s fine card games are plentiful amongst the revellers whilst drinks are consumed and closing time well let’s just say if it’s raining and you’re seeking shelter, as long as you’re buying beer they’ll stay open (disclaimer: probably not until 5am but you get the drift)

It’s also in Dale that you’ll find a small secluded beach right in the middle of the Welsh coastal path, brilliant for a day’s exploring, or a real trek if that’s what take your fancy. The surrounding areas are full of heritage sites and opportunities for boat trips to see seals and puffins if you’re there the right time of year.

Day 2 & 3 : If you’ve stayed near or even in Dale you’re in a prime location to visit Tenby or St David’s both of which are around 1 hour either side of the village. It’s worth saying though that Tenby is better in sunshine, as the beaches are caves produce blue lagoons you’ve only ever seen in Disney’s Peter Pan, and if there’s sun there is always the excuse for ice cream, which you are spoilt for choice with once you walk through the old town archways.

St Davids is the United Kingdom’s smallest city and the final resting place of Saint David the patron saint of Wales. Stop by the Cathedral to stare at gorgeous glass windows and on the way back to the car make sure to stop by The Bishops pub for a warming pint and one of the nicest Welsh rarebit I’ve had in a while. And although everywhere is better in the sunshine St David’s isn’t full of beaches and ice cream so save this visit for a duller day and make Tenby your sunshine visit.

Day 4: It’s time to move camp and Dolgellau is your prime location for all things central, now this doesn’t mean just drive straight to camp. The coastal road from the south takes you past plenty of places to stop and break up the journey whilst providing hundreds of gasp worthy scenes (queue plenty quotes of “oh wow look at that waterfall”)

If you don’t mind more fish take a small detour to Porthgain where you’ll find The Shed providing fish and chips beyond your standard Cod. Freshly caught and served in portions to stuff you full for the rest of the drive the little bistro delivers a boutique feel with the views of a historic dockland and mine view.

Another detour worth the visit is Da Mhile distillery. Their artisan organic spirits aren’t one’s you’ll find in your local supermarket. If you can’t stay for the tour at least try the Seaweed Gin. This unusual flavour is infused with handpicked seaweed from the Celtic coast for three weeks, giving it a lovely light green hue and is perfect for those after beach barbeque tipples.

Then there’s always old faithful Aberystwyth were penny pushers are plenty, you can get scale the hill via cliff railway, picnic on the beach and explore the castle. This historic market town is a mix of old and new with a little something for everyone to enjoy whether it be a stick of rock or a hipster chic coffee shop.

After plenty of exploring along the way settle into camp under a canopy of trees, next to a riverside and spark up your campfire in anticipation of melted Camembert and crusty bread (mmm carbs!)