The Craig Y Dderwen Hotel, Betws-y-Coed

The Crag y Dderwen or Riverside hotel is just on your left as you drive into Betws-y-Coed, down a winding driveway.

It is set in 16 acres of land, with the river running along the edge of it's gardens.

We were greeted with enthusiasm and offered inside or ouside seating.

After a morning of gorge walking, the outside decking overlooking the river, valley and gardens was just what the aching bones doctor ordered.

The stillness disguised the fact that you are a stones throw from the centre of Betws-y-Coed, which was humming with visitors on foot, bike and car.

We asked to have an extra sandwich as my daughter doesn't like smoked salmon and were offered an alternative to it, included in the offer instead.

We chose brie, bacon and cranberry instead, mmmm delicious.

My daughter chose the "tea of life" a white tea and found it fragrant and interesting enough to drink the whole pot.

I chose a dark Columbian coffee and relished every cupful.

We were offered refills, but were stuffed by then!

On offer were blueberry muffins, danish pastries, barabrith, scones with clotted cream and individual jam pots and of course our bacon sandwich.

My daughter noted that the griddled welsh cakes were missing, (probably replaced by the sarnie) but having eaten our fill, I can honestly say, we didn't miss them!

We spent an hour, walking the banks of the river and skimming stones, with the sun shining down, sparrowhawks hovering and the water gurgling, it was the perfect end to a fantastic day.

I would highly recommend a visit even if you don't imbibe, but the afternoon tea is delicious!!!