Situated over 1,000ft (304m) above sea-level, with far reaching views over the Berwyn Mountains, Bala Lake and Cadair Idris, the gardens at Caerau are believed to be the highest gardens open to the public in Wales. Whilst this might be an interesting fact to use when promoting the garden, it does raise the issue that in such a challenging environment is it possible to establish a garden which has real horticultural merit? Well the simple answer is yes.What Toby and Stephanie Hickish have managed to achieve since they first moved to the property in 1994 is quite remarkable. Back then Caerau Uchaf was a derelict house and the garden no more than a field. Whilst planning permission was sought to renovate and restore the house, Toby and Stephanie started work on creating a garden.

Today Caerau Gardens has something for everyone. There are crescent-shaped herbaceous borders, laburnum-covered pergolas, rose gardens, castellated yew topiary, spring gardens full of flowering rhododendrons and azaleas, an arboretum containing some fine Japanese maples, pleached lime walkways, courtyard gardens, a variegated ivy-clad water feature, woodland walks and even a beach hut garden! Not only that, there is also an excellent café serving home-made meals and cakes. Even children are catered for with a discreetly-placed fort and zip wire. Make this the year when you discover this remarkable garden, romantically located amidst the glorious mountain scenery of North Wales.