Claire Hamilton has lived on the Welsh side of the Wye Valley for six years with her partner, Steve Eddy.

She is a writer and musician and has an MA in the Bardic Tradition. She writes books on mythology and also gives magical storytelling performances of ancient Celtic and Arthurian tales.

She has performed at both the Monmouth and Abergavenny Festivals accompanied by her Celtic harp.

She also has a gold-leafed Victorian pedal harp which she uses when playing for weddings and dinners.

On summer afternoons she can often be spotted swimming exuberantly along the River Wye, carried by the current.

What do you like most about Monmouthshire?

Although it's only a short distance from Bristol, where I used to live, Monmouthshire gives a real feeling of rural retreat. Socially and culturally, though, there is just as much going on, but it takes a little longer to find it.

Are there any down points?

Compared with city life? Not really. Sometimes I miss being able to get a Mexican take-away, but that's the only down point I can think of!

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

I recently went to the Foxhunter in Nantyderry. I would certainly recommend that for sophistication of food and ambience - but first you have to find it!

What is your favourite book and why?

I am always looking out for good writing, by which I mean unusual images and rich cadences of rhythm, but I also like a book to be profound and to move me. Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels does both. It is stunningly well written and takes the reader on a deep yet satisfying emotional journey.

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

Well, my partner Steve is wonderful for rural walks, hikes up mountains and canoeing along the Wye, but when it comes to pottering among the towns and villages of Monmouthshire - say, for a coffee and a browse in Usk, I'd choose my sister, Rosie Whaley - that's providing I can drag her away from her busy school at Llangattock!

Favourite music and why?

Having had a classical training, my appreciation of classical music goes without saying. But then I discovered Celtic music and found it very powerful and haunting. One of the most exciting albums of Celtic music I have come across is Celtic Soul by the Irish singer Noirin Ni Riain.

Favourite town in Monmouthshire and why?

I think this has to be Monmouth itself because, although I go there at least once a week, it never fails to please. There are unusual and individual shops as well as lovely coffee houses. Sitting outside Henry's in Beaufort Arms Court on a summer's afternoon is all anyone could ask of a delightful market town, which perfectly blends the old with the new.

Which Monmouthshire landmark or attraction is a must see?

For me this has to be Trellech, a truly ancient and magical place. It boasts three Neolithic stones which stand proudly together in a field, and round the corner is the Virtuous Well with its walled niches and little shelf bearing offerings of flowers and candles. The church, too, is rather magnificent and I'm told that Trellech was once a place of pilgrimage. It's also nice, after visiting the sites, to pitch up at The Lion for a plate of wild boar!

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

Only the Mexican take-away, but I'm sure there must be one somewhere!

What annual event in Monmouthshire is a must?

Well, I'm sure everyone is aware of the Monmouth Show and the Abergavenny Food Festival, so I'm going to plug The Monmouth Women's Festival. It was bravely started three years ago by a group of women who met at a book club.

All the events are varied and interesting and so far it has attracted top women speakers such as Shirley Williams and Dame Margaret Anstee.

It is not just for women, either! The third women's Festival begins on March 8 and the most well known speaker coming this time is Polly Toynbee. Look out for flyers around Monmouth and check out the Town Crier website.