Llanbedrog beach, and a farewell to Wales

Our last full day in Penrhos; tomorrow a return to London, on Sunday a return to Warsaw, and on Monday a return to work. Today we visit Llanbedrog beach, the nearest to Penrhos. Shingle and pebbles rather than sand, but a south-facing shore and sheltered bay mean warmer (and indeed safer, for it's almost wave-free here) bathing. I actually braved a full dip and spent some twenty minutes in the sea.

Overlooking the sea, a rocky headland jutting out into Cardigan Bay. Beyond, Warren Beach, its car park no longer accessible to non-residents (a shame - a family-friendly beach that boasts fine sand). It's a six-minute climb to the top of the headland - there's a viewpoint near the top on which stands a large steel sculpture of a fisherman. Eddie and I climb up there.

We are rewarded by spectacular views. Left: Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) towers up over the seaside flats overlooking the beach at Pwllheli.  This photo nicely illustrates how the Polish holiday conundrum 'góry czy morze?' (mountains or seaside) is not an issue in North Wales. The country's highest peak within easy reach of the finest beaches. I must say, a week is nowhere near long enough to explore this part of the world. We focused on the beaches rather on the mountains, but Snowdon's worth climbing, as are the lesser peaks of the Llyn itself. North Wales has many outstanding 'must-visit' tourist attractions including Caernarfon castle, the Ffestiniog Railway (now connected to the Welsh Highland Railway to create a 40-mile steam ride), the Llechwedd slate quarries and dozens of others. As long as it's not pouring down, there's much do see and do.

Right: a view across Llanbedrog beach, taking in its colourful beach huts, the village beyond, and then in the distance Carn Boduan. From up there, you can see both sides of the Llyn Peninsula.

This has become a very special place for me; 15 times I've been here, my brother and his family have been here seven times. After five years away, the Llyn has lost none of its magic for me, and I hope that one day I shall once more return - and that the weather gods will again be smiling upon us.