Ask any Welsh person what they love most about their homeland, and many will say the landscape. It's stunning, and as someone who comes from the flattest part of the UK (looking at you, Suffolk), I adore it too. My calves? Not so much.
Thankfully, there are so many places you can stop off on route to your next big adventure for a sit down. Here are a couple of my recent visits that also have a view to enjoy:
The Clubhouse, Cardiff Bay
Nestled in the forefront of Mermaid Quay is The Clubhouse, sister venue to The Botanist and a great option for dinner before a show at the Millennium Centre. Both restaurants are known for their hanging kebabs and cocktail list, but it's their Sunday lunch I want to shout about here. Get the sides and share them out, just like you would at home.
After lunch, why not retire to the terrace and enjoy the views across the marina with a cocktail? The Sunset Sour and the Sun, Sea and Surf are my favourites.
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One O Clock Gate, Dinas Powys
Many an adventure starts from your doorstep. We count ourselves lucky to have One O Clock Gate right on ours, and what a local to have. Hidden within Dinas Powys Golf Club it's easy to miss, but trust me when I say it's worth seeking out.
OOG offer Asian-inspired burgers and small plates, and are home to the best chicken burger I have ever eaten - the Korean. Their mac and kim-cheese is a must try, along with the pork laab if you can handle a kick. The fries are crispy and fluffy in equal measure, and when they're slathered in slaw, kewpie mayo and Gochujang they're impossible to turn down.
If you choose an outdoor table, you can enjoy watching the fun and games at the 18th hole. The golf course itself is gorgeous, surrounded by trees and the pathway down to Cwm George Woods. We often go for an after-dinner stroll here, would recommend giving the Vale Trail to Michaelston-le-Pit a go if you fancy a workout.
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Penycae Inn, Swansea
We recently explored the beautiful Craig-y-Nos Country Park, and were in desperate need of a G&T and some lunch afterwards. You may think that the Penycae Inn is your standard pub, but looks are deceiving here. Alongside their bar and restaurant, you'll find a large art gallery throughout, a play park next door and a zoo. Yep, a zoo. Meerkats, cranes, macaws and wallabies - free to enter and lots of fun. Not your conventional view, but it proved useful when trying to keep the younger family members entertained! The rolling hills are also in view in the beer garden at the front, if the squawking gets a bit much.
We loved our meal here, I had syrup-roasted ham with a leek and cider cream sauce. Give it a go!
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So where to next? Hills in Brecon is up there, alongside exploring Bannau Brycheiniog for the first time. I'm also itching to return to Tenby, I miss the seafood!
It's safe to say I have a little way to go still with my scratch map, but I'm looking forward to all the food and drink I'll get to try along the way.
You can find more of Selina's top spots on her Instagram page.