Partially surrounded by trees and sitting on the banks of the Aeron, the cosy shepherd’s hut at Cwt Bugail Aeron is a peaceful, adults-only Ceredigion bolthole. It places you 15 minutes’ walk along the river into Aberaeron, known for its choice of eateries, fishing harbour and beach. But there’s no real need to stir very far from base camp if you don’t feel like it; on-site you have a kitchen corner (with microwave oven, fridge, kettle and toaster), living space and a proper double bed in your cosy, centrally heated shepherd’s hut. Bring all your own linens and towels, or your hosts can provide them for a small cost. Right outside is a separate wet room and a shelter with a picnic table for alfresco eating and loungers for general chilling. A barbecue and firepit are supplied, and bags of charcoal or logs are available for additional charge. There’s car parking for two cars, and secure bike storage if you’re travelling under pedal power. Please note that you’ll need to walk past the owner’s house to the shepherds hut at the bottom of the garden – bring a torch for manoeuvres after dark as there is no street lighting.

Haydn and Mona will welcome guests on arrival and advise on any matters relating to facilities on site and information on various activities in the area. Both are fluent Welsh speakers.

Mountain bikers can disappear off to Bwlch Nant yr Arian (40 minutes’ drive), Hafod Trails (40 minutes) or the Raven MTB Trail at Brechfa (50 minutes) for adrenaline-inducing downhill rides. The Llyn Brianne and Nant-y-Moch reservoirs (both about an hour) beckon sporty types both on two wheels or on foot, while less-energetic walkers can follow the course of the River Aeron from the shepherd’s hut right to the Wales Coast Path (10 minutes’ stroll) at Ceredigion Bay. Combine exercise with culture and amble along the river to Llanerchaeron (35 minutes), a National Trust-owned Georgian villa designed by architect John Nash in 1790, with a walled garden and wild parkland to discover. There’s more Welsh history to be seen with subterranean tours at National Trust - Dolaucothi’s gold mines (35 minutes’ drive), and if you’d like to give your feet a rest, board the Vale of Rheidol Railway at Aberystwyth (half an hour) for a trip through spectacular countryside on an Edwardian steam train. If days at the seaside are what you crave, choose between the pocket of sand at New Quay (15 minutes), picnics at pebble Cwmtydu Cove (25 minutes) or kayaking and dolphin spotting at Tresaith and sandy Aberporth beaches (both half an hour).