People and places I like.  It’s not an exhaustive list and will be added to….

Llan Velo

Friendly bike shop with full workshop facilities in Llangollen.  Trek dealers who offer a ‘demo’ day for about £50 where you test a Trek Domane or Fuel and there’s no obligation to buy.  I think you know what I’m getting at.  Limited sizes though.

R H Roberts

Local bike shop in Bala.  Limited stock but very good and very cheap for repairs.  They also have a small range of hybrid and basic mountain bikes for hire from £15 per day.

Stori Beer and Wine

I’ve already waxed lyrical about ‘the best beer shop in the world’ but this is so good and Neil and Fiona are so nice, it’s worth mentioning again.  Unrivalled range of Welsh beer and a tap room at the back which is dog friendly.

Aran Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream made by Sammi and Sion in the back of shop.  Very, very naughty and very, very nice.

Awen Merion

Independent book shop on Bala High Street with a good selection of Welsh and English books and OS Maps.  If they don’t have a map in stock it can usually be ordered for collection the next day.

Raine and Shine

Local company based down the road in Bethel that specialises in renewable energy systems.  They installed my biomass boiler which provides heat and hot water for the cottages and house.

Splosh

All the cleaning and laundry products are sourced through Splosh.  A clever little company based in Hay on Wye providing plant derived, vegan friendly products in pouches or sachets to which the end user adds water.  All ordered online and delivered by post.  It reduces packaging, transport weight and plastic waste.  Let me know if you’re ordering for the first time and I’ll give you a discount code worth £5.