They are really beautiful snakes . I was lucky to see a juvenile on the Gower cliffs a few weeks ago , it was an unusual rusty/orange colour . Unfortunately by the time I got the camera out it was gone .
Are you sure it wasn't a Slow Worm? they are found pretty much all over the uk (I think), your description sounds a bit like an adult male. I saw one in cornwall on top of a compost heap
