DAY 1

Your tour of Wales begins in the charming English town of Chester. This gateway to northern Wales is rich in history and houses some of England’s best-known Roman ruins including a fortified wall encircling the city, which has remained virtually intact over the centuries. Soon after meeting your guide(s) and a brief orientation meeting you depart for your first walk in the Clwydian Hills. This 20-mile range of rolling hills and moorland provides an excellent introduction to the region and to the week ahead. Your walk begins at Bwlch-Pen-Barras and takes you to the summit of Moel Famau (“Mother Mountain”), the highest point in the range, and from the open ridge, views open up in all directions. To the west is the Snowdonia region, your walking destination for the next few days; to the north lies Liverpool Bay; to the south and east is the Cheshire Plain. Trails and stonewalls wind through the Moel Famau Country Park, its heather moorland an ideal habitat for grouse and curlews.

After descending from the plateau, you stop for a pub lunch in the small rural town of Ruthin before proceeding to Betws-y-Coed, your home for the next three nights. Located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park this pretty mountain village is nestled at the confluence of the Conwy and Llugwy rivers. An artists’ colony since Victorian times, Betws-y-Coed is located amidst an extensive network of pathways, making it an ideal hub for walking. On arrival you take the trail alongside the River Llugwy to the dramatic Swallow Falls, which takes you through a mixture of forest with open views of farmland. At the end of the trail is the “Ugly House,” a rugged stone cottage dating from the early 15th century, and supposedly built by two outlaw brothers. It is now home to the Snowdonia Society and to five acres of woodland and gardens.

Later, after settling in to your family-run hotel, a former coaching inn, you are welcomed for dinner at its inviting restaurant, serving international cuisine using fresh, local produce.
Ty Gwyn Hotel, Betws-y-Coed

DAY 2

Awakening to a full Welsh breakfast at your country inn, you travel north toward the coast to begin the day with a guided tour of Conwy Castle. This imposing structure was built by English King Edward I between 1283 and 1289, as part of a ring of castles constructed to contain the Welsh. It is set high on a hill overlooking the medieval walled town of Conwy with views of the sea on one side and of the Snowdonia Mountain range on the other.

After completing your tour of the castle you transfer to Bodnant Gardens, a complex spread over 80 acres on a western slope above the River Conwy facing Snowdonia. Considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the United Kingdom, it is composed of a formal terraced garden surrounding Bodnant Hall, and a lower wild garden, the Dell. Each season brings different colors and blossoms, azaleas and rhododendrons in the spring, roses, water lilies, clematis, and hydrangea in the summer, and dazzling displays of autumnal leaf foliage in September. You are free to stroll the gardens and enjoy lunch at your own pace in the Pavilion tearoom.

After lunch a transfer of a few miles brings you to a headland jutting out into the Irish Sea called Great Orme’s Head, near the Victorian resort town of Llandudno. Winding away from the center of town, the route makes its way on a combination of pavement and packed earth toward the grassy windblown promontory. Sheer limestone cliffs drop into the sea, where you may see cormorants, herring gulls, razorbills, and kittiwakes circling. Rounding the head, the shifting tidal estuary of the River Conwy extends to the west as you make your way back to Llandudno.

After resting from the day’s excursions, you set out for dinner at a local restaurant in Betws-y-Coed.
Ty Gwyn Hotel, Betws-y-Coed

DAY 3

Weather-permitting you may choose to take the challenging option of summiting Mt Snowdon, which, at 3,560 feet, is the highest point in England and Wales. Mt Snowdon, for which the surrounding national park and region are named, is called Yr Wyddfa in Welsh, meaning “tomb” or “monument.” According to legend, this tomb was that of the giant ogre Rhita who was slain by King Arthur. The route you take to the summit is the Pyg Track, which initially climbs up to Bwlch y Moch (the “Pass of the Pigs”) from the car park at Pen-y- Pass. You make your way along the lower slopes of Crib Goch before zig-zagging above a smaller lake to the ridge between Snowdon and Garnedd Ugain and then on up to the summit. Gorgeous scenery unfolds, in places rugged and rocky, with views to distant rolling hills and lakes, sheep roaming freely throughout.

After a well-deserved picnic, you take the Miner’s Track down, so called because it was used by the copper miners of Snowdon for walking back to Llanberis or Bethesda after their weeks work. After skirting around the lake-filled Cwm Glaslyn to the shores of Llyn Llydaw, you can see large octagonal-shaped rocks and more incredible views. Should you not wish to walk up to the summit of Snowdon another easier walk option will be available. The walk will be in the surrounding area of Snowdon, but will depend on the weather and the time of year.

Tonight you indulge in a feast of regional specialties, such as Conwy Valley oak smoked venison or breast of Anglesey duck.
Ty Gwyn Hotel, Betws-y-Coed

DAY 4

Packed and ready after a sumptuous and sustaining breakfast, you depart for the drive to Caernarfon, a royal town leading toward the Llyn Peninsula. Caernarfon Castle, also built by Edward I of England in the 13th century, is the focal point of the town, while the ruins of a Roman fort can still be seen in the outskirts. Caernarfon is the northern terminus of the Welsh Highland Railway, a restored narrow gauge train track that departs near the old port of Caernarfon and runs south into the heart of Snowdonia. Restoration of the railway line began in 1997, and currently the train runs to Beddgelert, a traditional Welsh village with its sturdy stone cottages that cluster around the banks of the River Glaslyn. The train climbs through a tapestry of farmland giving way to forest and mountainous terrain. Alighting from the train, enjoy lunch in Beddgelert, a perfect place for a sandwich, soup, and a pastry in a local tea shop or café. There maybe time to see the 6th-century monastery which in the Middle Ages was replaced by an Augustinian priory.

Following lunch you take the trail along the River Glaslyn and Aberglaslyn Gorge. The trail hugs the bank of the rushing river with beautiful scenes of the surrounding forest and fields. The guides share with you their extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna.

Later you return to Caernarfon and check in to your manor house hotel in the nearby countryside, set amidst 150 acres of farmland and walking paths. Perhaps there will be time to take advantage of the hotel’s spa and fitness facilities. This evening dinner is served in the elegant dining room and features lamb and beef from local fields, and herbs from the hotel’s gardens.
Seiont Manor Hotel, Caernarfon

DAY 5

The itinerary today leads to the Isle of Anglesey, nestled just off the northwest coast of Wales and connected by two bridges to the mainland. The island contains a wealth of natural and human history, earning the nationally recognized designation of “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” Your walk today begins with a visit to South Stack Lighthouse situated on Holy Island. You walk down the 400 steps to the steel framed bridge which spans the 100 feet between the mainland and the rocky stack, where you will have time to appreciate the sheer massiveness and changing colors of the granite cliffs. After a visit inside the lighthouse make your way back over the bridge and begin walking on the cliff path towards North Stack. Eventually you will walk over Holyhead Mountain the highest point on Anglesey at 720 feet. Its summit is ringed by the remnants of the 17-acre Iron Age Caer y Twr, one of the largest archaeological sites in North Wales. From the summit there are spectacular views of Holyhead and across Anglesey towards Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula.

Concluding the walk close to South Stack, you transfer a short distance to the quaint and historic town of Beaumaris, with its sturdy slate-roofed houses and buildings that cluster around the yacht-filled bay. Then move on to a pub in the town center for lunch and a pint. This afternoon there will be time to explore the town to shop and further sightsee, or add some additional walking to your day.

Dinner this evening is on your own in Caernarfon, with a variety of restaurants to choose from.
Seiont Manor Hotel, Caernarfon

DAY 6

Your last day of walking in Wales takes place on the lovely Llyn Peninsula, which stretches out into the Irish Sea southwest of Caernarfon. A coastal path showcases the 8-mile wide and 25-mile long peninsula, descending into fishing coves and sandy beaches and climbing along the edges of rocky bluffs and cliffs. On arrival you visit the ruins of a Bronze Age hillfort which provides an excellent vantage point of the entire peninsula. Situated atop a heather-covered plateau, the site is known as “Town of the Giants” and retains intact stonewalls up to 12 feet high in places and other evidence of pre-Roman inhabitants. After descending from the fort you transfer to Morfa Nefyn where the portion of the path from here to Porthdinllaen supplies consistently stunning sea views, as well as close up exploration of rock pools teeming with seaweed and tidal life. At the end of the beach stop at the Ty Coch Pub for a well-deserved pub lunch of steak and ale pie, or perhaps a traditional Ploughman’s lunch of cheese, bread, and pickles with a local brew. Here, conversation with the locals about the history surrounding this pub, or local folklore is likely.

After this late lunch you transfer to the hotel with time to relax before your farewell dinner as you relive memories of this glorious week of walking!
Seiont Manor Hotel, Caernarfon

DAY 7

Departing the hotel after breakfast, you travel to Chester (just over an hour), or Manchester (an approximate two-hour drive), where you bid farewell to your new-found friends.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1, 2 & 3

Ty Gwyn Hotel
Betws-y-Coed, Wales

This warm family-run inn is located in a quaint village in the heart of Snowdonia. A traditional coaching inn dating from the 16th century, the hotel features inviting common spaces, recently refurbished rooms, and an excellent restaurant.

Nights 4, 5 & 6

Seiont Manor Hotel
Caernarfon, Wales

This restored Georgian manor house is an elegant hotel with spacious rooms, a fitness center, and fine dining restaurant. It is situated within 150 acres of farmland, streams, and walking paths.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Peter Cooper

Peter lives in Snowdonia, North Wales with his wife, young daughter, and baby son. Peter’s love of the outdoors began when he walked the Pennine Way (a 270-mile walk from the Peak District, U.K. to the Scottish Borders) at the age of 15. When not guiding Country Walkers tours he works as an activity instructor leading guided mountain walks, and teaching canoeing, kayaking, and rock climbing. In addition to guiding in North Wales he also guides abroad in locations such as Africa, Nepal, and the Pyrenees. In the past he has worked for the Civil Service and as a college lecturer, but his real calling is to be in the outdoors, sharing his love of nature with his guests.

Zak Griffiths-Key

Zak has been working in the outdoor industry since leaving school, where he began his career working for the Outward Bound organization in the English Lake District. After a few years he went on to college to study Welsh language and literature, and also to university where he studied environmental science. He has traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific, but has now settled in Wales and specifically Snowdonia, where he works as an outdoor activity instructor. He passes on his love for the environment and the Welsh mountains to all his guests.

Hamish Armytage

Hamish lives close to the Welsh border town of Shrewsbury. He has climbed and walked in the Welsh hills and mountains since he was a teenager and has a strong passion for the area known as Yr Eryri (Snowdonia). He studied philosophy at the University of Aberystwyth in the 1970’s, and more recently has been involved in the development of the wood-using sector in Wales. He is delighted to have recently become a grandfather!