Sir Benfro

Before heading off to the notoriously snobby country of France, I thought it appropriate to enlighten you on one of the most underrated and deprecated regions in the world: Wales. Why did no one tell me before about the breathtakinly unspoilt, majestically beautifully and unexpectedly fun-filled land of Pembrokeshire? I suspect the former is the reason. Unlike Cornwall, seemingly miles and miles of Pembrokeshire is untouched, the reason behind this perhaps being the lack of 'cool' credit the region obtains. For me, the stereotype Pembrokeshire tourist instantly brings to mind a middle-aged, yet unfeasibly physical, white-haired hiking enthusiast, forcing his way through scorchingly cold wind and rain along the Pembrokeshire coastal path, staying in unfriendly B & Bs, and repeating the mantra: 'It's just great to get away from it all and immerse oneself in Mother Nature! 'Staycations' should have been brought back years ago!' Translated as: 'I'm really regretting leaving my cosy semi-detached in Surrey and coming to this god-forsaken, freezing-cold hell hole 'cause I couldn't afford to go skiing this year. Bloody recession' .

Perhaps not the location one would choose as a romantic holiday for a 21-year old couple. My sights were set on a cute little Cornish cottage somewhere near surf beaches and pubs...the setting of my summer holidays as a child.... However, the last-minute nature of the arrangement and the financial situation of a student and graduate/care assistant prevented this idyllic and completely unobtainable fantasy from being realised. Along with their fashionable status, 'staycations' have become expensive. Various budget holiday websites were searched, with delightful destinations such as Benadorm and Magaloof being almost considered....before Pembrokeshire appeared on the suggestions list. The first B & B I e-mailed, Fynnon Clun, situated just outside the charming village of Goodwick, replied within minutes. To add to the excitement, owners Mike and Christine had a self-catering 'Cwtsch' available, later discovered to be an adorable little barn conversion, complete with ladder up to the bedroom, log burner and free-range eggs and bacon. It cannot go without mentioning that Mike and Christine were the perfect hosts, and, dare I say it? Pretty cool.

I rarely use the word 'stunning', but I feel it an appropriate adjective to describe the scenery surrounding Fynnon Clun. By day, sublime cliffs and deep blue seas, delicate flowers decorating windy little roads, awe-inspiring open country and pretty little villages with multi-coloured, smartie-like houses. By night, silence and the milky way. What could be more romantic? Oh, and so one doesn't get too bored with one's loved one and that beautful backdrop, there's always surfing, kayaking, coasteering, rock climbing, fishing, hiking and wonderful food and drink. Who needs places to go out in the evening when, actually, all you want to do is sleep after all that action? However, despite our lack of enthusiasm for evening activities, there seemed to be many a lively pub, cinema or concert within distance.

I will return to Pembrokeshire again and again, and if Mike and Christine allow it, to Fynnon Clun. Referencing an appropriate proverb for Wales; It pays not to be a sheep.