"I'd spend one day in the Wye Valley and another tramping the industrial ruins of the Clydach Gorge."

Author Catherine Merriman has lived near Abergavenny for 32 years. She is married to Chris and has an adult son and daughter.

She's just finishing her sixth novel. Her work includes Leaving the Light On (1992), Fatal Observations (1993), State of Desire (1997) and Broken Glass (1998). She has also contributed to many short story anthologies and magazines.

She talks to MCL about life in Monmouthshire.

What do you like most about Monmouthshire?

It's an area of great beauty, with all the absence of hassle you get with rural living, but not at all unsophisticated in outlook and culture. And it's got excellent rail/road communications to the rest of the world.

Are there any down points?

I know it's my choice, but I live at 800 feet above sea level, and I hate snowy roads in winter!

Where would you recommend as an unforgettable dining experience in Monmouthshire?

We don't eat out much, but we've always found the Clytha Arms excellent (it's at Clytha, just a few miles west of Raglan) especially for fish and seafood. I had the hugest whole crab there - they warned us beforehand, in case anyone was squeamish!

What is your favourite book and why?

My favourites change. At present it would be Rose Tremain's Music and Silence.An exotic, historical rollercoaster.I love the richness of her writing, and the way her characters practically jump out of the page. And, best of all, this one even has a happy ending!

Who would be your ideal companion be on a trip around Monmouthshire and why?

The pilot of a hot air balloon (in his balloon, of course). I'd love to see the county from the sky.

Favourite music and why?

This is a toss up between Bob Dylan's Highway 61 and Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.They are both deeply evocative of my misspent youth (which I enjoyed a lot!)

Favourite town in Monmouthshire and why?

This has to be Abergavenny.Great mix of people, still some excellent independent shops, and generally an upbeat, energetic atmosphere.

Which Monmouthshire landmark or attraction is a must see?

Difficult one.I'd spend one day in the Wye valley (visit Tintern, and lunch at the Boat Inn) and another tramping the industrial ruins and old railway tunnels of the Clydach Gorge.Both areas are wooded and look breathtaking in autumn.

If there is one thing missing from Monmouthshire, what is it?

An absolute conviction that it's part of Wales!

What annual event in Monmouthshire is a must?

I'd like to say the September Monmouth Raft Race, which is a great spectator sport and absolutely hilarious, but I'm not sure they ran it this year. Otherwise it would have to be Abergavenny's Food Festival.