I finally made it to Saundersfoot after a bit of a faff on the drive down from Carmarthen – nothing major, just a rogue seagull dive-bombing my windscreen with what looked suspiciously like a chip, forcing me to pull over for a quick wipe-down and a chuckle at my rubbish luck. But hey, that's Wales for you: wild, unpredictable, and full of character. Pulling up to Sonnet 3 Spa (Pet) (Roof Terrace) just as the late afternoon sun peeked through, I was buzzing for my three-day getaway. This pet-friendly cottage, tucked into the heart of the village, promised cosy vibes with a hot tub and that killer roof terrace overlooking the bay – perfect for a solo wanderer like me with my faithful spaniel, Monty, in tow.

First impressions? Blimey, it didn't disappoint. The place is one of those modern stone cottages that blend right into Saundersfoot's cliffside charm, steps from the beach and the bustling harbour. I dumped my bags, clipped on Monty's lead, and we were off – no unpacking faff, just straight into a coastal hike. The weather was playing nice at first: crisp blue skies, a gentle breeze off the sea, and that salty tang in the air that screams Pembrokeshire. We ambled down to the sandy sweep of Saundersfoot Beach, dodging families building epic sandcastles, then veered onto the Wales Coast Path for a proper leg-stretch towards Coppet Hall.

That first walk was pure magic – about three miles out and back, with Monty bounding ahead like he'd won the lottery. The path hugs the cliffs, giving jaw-dropping views over Carmarthen Bay, where seals sometimes bob about (none today, mind, but a lad fishing off the rocks swore he'd spotted one). I paused at a bench, munching a pasty from the village bakery – proper job, flaky pastry and all – feeling that rare holiday glow. Back at the cottage, the roof terrace was my reward: firing up the hot tub under a golden sunset, Monty sprawled on the astroturf, lapping up the sea views. Bliss.

Day two, though? Classic British weather roulette. I woke to lashing rain, the kind that turns the Coast Path into a slip 'n' slide. Plans for a hearty hike to Amroth – that five-mile clifftop jaunt with its smugglers' caves and donkey history – went straight out the window. "Sod it," I thought, chuckling as Monty gave me side-eye from his dry bed. We pivoted to a sheltered wander around the village: popping into the Harbour Inn for a cheeky coffee (dog-friendly, naturally), then a muddy tramp along the beach as the squall eased to drizzle. The sea was wild, waves crashing like they were auditioning for a BBC drama, and I loved it – poncho on, hood up, proper Welsh adventure.

By afternoon, the clouds parted just enough for a sneaky loop up to the headland behind the cottage. Wind-whipped but exhilarating, with rainbows popping out like cheeky winks. Monty, soaked to the bone, shook himself all over me – cheers, mate. Back on the terrace, steaming in the spa tub as the sun broke through properly, I had one of those gentle moments: staring out at the bay, rain-fresh air filling my lungs, realising how these weather-whipped walks remind you life's not about perfect plans. It's the soggy socks, the sudden sunbeams, the sheer joy of a damp dog and a cracking view that make it.

That first full day of weather chaos set the tone – adaptable hikes, impromptu village strolls, and the cottage as my rainy-day haven. Saundersfoot's Coast Path is a hiker's dream, but it's the British unpredictability that turns it into a story. If you're after a pet-welcoming bolt-hole with spa perks and terrace sunsets, Sonnet 3's your spot. Monty and I were smitten from the off.