Summer has arrived, so what better moment to discover Wales' stunning coastline? My partner and I - accompanied by our mischievous pooch Pippin - hopped in the car and embarked on the magnificent four-hour journey from our home in the Gwent Valleys all the way up to the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd for some well-deserved sunshine and rest.

We'd booked a charming little cabin perched on a cliff on the outskirts of Aberdaron, ideal for a peaceful retreat. With Wales enjoying an early summer heatwave in the days preceding our holiday, prospects looked promising for our summer escape. But, as is so often the case, the Welsh weather makes fools of us all.

Fog descended the further north we travelled, and when we reached the cabin above Traeth Aberdaron, we could just about make out the sea, but that was about it.

There was no disputing it was dramatic, and the churchyard of the neighbouring St Hywyn's Church was especially atmospheric when I took Pippin out for a brief wander. But the following morning, everything transformed.

We woke to discover clear blue skies and a magnificent view across the bay to two islands - imaginatively named Ynys Gwylan Fawr and Ynbys Gwylan-bach - or Big Seagull Island and Little Seagull Island, reports Wales Online. What better chance for a visit to the beach, just a few minutes' stroll from our Airbnb?

It was Pippin's first proper beach experience — the rocky coastline of South East Wales notwithstanding — and he had a wonderful time tearing across the sand, though he remained firmly unconvinced about joining me in the water. In quintessentially British style, I managed to get sunburnt almost straight away.

Following a splendid day on the beach and exploring the surrounding area, another surprise awaited us the following morning, when we awoke to find the weather had taken yet another turn, with overcast skies and gale-force winds howling at a ferocious pace.

While venturing out in the blustery conditions so Pippin could answer nature's call, I spotted a handful of hardy souls heading out for a swim, but even clad in wetsuits, they were considerably braver than I, and I swiftly retreated to the cabin, where we spent a snug day cuddled up listening to the wind and the waves.

We rounded off the day with that quintessential seaside staple — fish and chips.

One day out enjoying the sunshine, followed by another unwinding in our cosy little retreat, is essentially my perfect getaway, so in truth the unpredictable weather had done us a favour — though my fancy new binoculars didn't get quite the workout I'd anticipated.

The following morning we packed up and had a wander round the couple of little gift shops in Aberdaron, picking up a few bits and bobs before making our way home.

So long as you pack everything from sun cream to waterproofs, the spectacular surrounds of the Llŷn Peninsula come highly recommended.