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      Self Drive Collection

      Wales: Eryri (Snowdonia)

      Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

      From £795 Book Now

      Travel Planning & Advice

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      Trip created by Rachael Gavan
      View Rachael's Profile

      Region: Wales
      Trip Type: Self Drive
      Accommodation: Classic
      Confirmed: When 2 Traveller(s) Book
      Deposit From: £198.75 £198.75

      Grading: Your Own Pace

      Carbon Footprint: 62kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      Download Itinerary

      Founded in 1951 as the first national park in Wales, Eryri (Snowdonia) is home to the highest mountains in the UK outside of Scotland. With 60km of coastline and over 2,000 square kilometres of craggy mountains and crystal clear lakes, there is much to explore in this beautiful area of North West Wales.

      A haven for adventure enthusiasts, Eryri (Snowdonia) is an exciting place to explore on foot or by bike with something for every level, ability and experience. Your expert guide will suggest outings which will be tailored to suit your interests. Look forward to exploring miles of wild land, discovering remote hidden places said to be home to dragons, hiking through spectacular scenery and experiencing the thrills of biking through ancient forests. You’ll also have time to yourself to enjoy the many activities and attractions that this part of Wales has to offer. Whatever you fancy, hill walks or scrambles, remote solitude or pretty villages, museums, local craft shops and cafes, this part of Wales will leave you wanting to return for more.

      Our Wales: Eryri (Snowdonia) trip is part of our exciting collection of self-drive itineraries. You can enjoy this trip as a short break, or choose to extend your holiday by adding on one or more of our other itineraries in this range. Suitable for families, couples and groups of friends, the exciting and varied activities on these trips will be tailored to your interests and preferences, making them accessible to all ages and levels of experience. With the option to upgrade accommodation and add on extra days and activities, you are sure to find your perfect adventure.

      This price is based on a group of 4, prices will vary depending on group size. Please get in touch with our team to confirm the trip price for your group.

      Trip Highlights

      • Explore the dramatic magical landscapes and fairytale villages of Eryri (Snowdonia).
      • Discover the spectacular scenery of rural Wales by mountain bike.
      • Hike in the iconic Welsh mountains.
      • Explore at your own pace with self-guided options and time to relax.
      • Upgrade the accommodation and add on extra days and activity.

      Day by Day Itinerary

      Day 1 - Arrive in Eryri (Snowdonia)

      Take your time and enjoy the drive along beautiful country lanes and amidst stunning mountain scenery before arriving at your destination of Porthmadog on the Cardigan Bay coast, your base for the next four nights. Settle in, then explore the village this afternoon. You’ll love this busy little harbour town which is home to quirky shops and inviting cafes. You might like to take a trip on the local steam railway that travels along the shore and through meadows and woodlands, or enjoy a walk along the estuary to the beautiful beach of Black Rock Sands which has amazing low tide caves and an abundance of rock pools. Check the tide times before you venture out. (B)

      Day 2 - Guided Hike

      Your guide will meet you at your accommodation this morning to discuss options for your hike today, taking into account your own experience and interests. Stunning views, glacial lakes and exciting ridge walking awaits if you decide to head to the iconic Cader Idris. Known as Yr Wyddfa’s (Snowdon’s) twin, as they are both composed from the same rock, it is the highest peak in southern Eryri (Snowdonia), standing at 1,995ft/608m. The mountain tends to be much quieter than its better-known sister but the views from the top are spectacular and certainly make it worth the journey. For those looking for something a little gentler, you could enjoy a hike at Rhiw, which offers stunning views across to the 3 mile wide bay known as Porth Neigwl, or Hell’s Mouth, so called because of the danger to sailors during a storm. This walk meanders through small fields and quiet country lanes and passes through the woods of Plas yn Rhiw, an old manor house now owned by the National Trust. Keep an eye out for cairns and the evidence of roundhouses and other prehistoric remains. (B)

      Day 3 - Guided Mountain Biking

      This area of Wales is well known for its exhilarating mountain bike trails, and there is nowhere better than Coed-y-Brenin, the UK’s largest dedicated mountain biking park with miles of single track winding their way through the forests. All abilities are catered for, from complete novices to the highly experienced. After an initial bike set up, you will enjoy a wonderful day zipping through the forest and learning some new skills from your guide on the way. Spend as long as you like enjoying the beautiful forest surroundings before heading back to Porthmadog for the night. (B)

      Day 4 - Free Day to Explore

      After an energetic couple of days, you may wish to explore the local area at a more leisurely pace. You could spend the day in the totally unique village of Portmeirion, designed by Sir Clough William-Ellis from 1925 to 1976. You could be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into a charming Italian village, influenced as he was by the Italian style of architecture, even including a stunning central Piazza. He also wanted to demonstrate how such a stunningly beautiful coastal site could be developed without spoiling it. It’s a good idea to take a tour of the village before venturing down to the beach, then stopping off to admire the Japanese garden complete with a pagoda and a lake covered with lily pads. Another option is to enjoy a wonderful drive through the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) to Llanberis, a beautiful small town nestled at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). From here you can take the mountain rail to the summit of the highest mountain in Wales, a fantastic way of enjoying the splendid views without the effort! Choose to walk down the good path or return by train and head to the fascinating National Slate Museum – held in a former Victorian workshop – to discover the history of the area and watch live demonstrations. (B)

      Day 5 - Explore and Depart

      After a relaxed breakfast and before heading for home, you may wish to enjoy a visit to the ruins of Criccieth Castle. This early 13th century coastal castle was captured by King Edward I in 1283 during the invasion of North Wales. It was used as a prison until 1404 when Welsh forces re-took the castle, tearing down the walls and torching the towers. Some of the stone still bears scorch marks. Once painted by JMW Turner, it stands on its own rocky headland between two sweeping beaches with panoramic views over the whole of Cardigan Bay. After lunch, depart for home or extend your trip by adding one or more of the additional activities on offer. You may also want to link this trip with one of our other Self-Drive Collection itineraries for a longer adventure. (B)

      Optional Extra - Guided Hiking

      Enjoy another day with your expert hiking guide exploring a route tailored to your group. A walk to the hanging valley of Cwm Idwal would be a great choice. Sculpted by ice, a bowl shaped lake filled with clear glacier water remains. This area is home to unique rock formations and rare fragile plants.

      Optional Extra - Zip Line Eryri (Snowdonia)

      For those wanting the adrenaline rush, spend the day at Zip World. Enjoy the thrill of flying through the air at over 160kmph/100mph, or head to the Slate Caverns and traverse through the belly of the mountain bouncing on trampolines suspended within the caves.

      Optional Extra - Pottery Class

      Enjoy a morning trying out the art of pottery throwing. Get your hands wet and create your very own pot. Learn how to use the wheel and sculpt shapes all under the guidance of an experienced potter.

      Optional Extra - Extension to Aberdyfi

      Want to extend your time in Wales? After spending time in the northern part of Eryri (Snowdonia), transfer south to the coastal village of Aberdyfi and spend a couple of days being pampered in the spa or walking along the beach. Enjoy sitting with a drink overlooking the harbour watching the sun go down or dine on local seafood in one of the many delicious eateries this very special place has to offer. Enjoy a round of golf at the 18-hole Championship golf course or a ride on a Victorian narrow gauge steam-operated railway where you can take to the footplate and experience the scenery from the driver’s seat.

      Download Itinerary

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      Self Drive
      Wales: Eryri (Snowdonia)

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      Price from: £795
      Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights

      Trip Details

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      Accommodation Read More

      You will be based in Eryri (Snowdonia) at one of our excellent, hand-picked accommodation partners. The accommodation on this trip will generally be in a small hotel or guest house. However, if you would like to upgrade the accommodation on this trip to deluxe or 5* luxury please get in touch.

      Single Rooms

      Single occupancy rooms are available for a small supplement. Please get in touch with the team to book.

      Meals Read More

      At all stages of your trip you will be able to enjoy delicious meals prepared from superb local ingredients.

      Breakfasts are included at your accommodation. Packed lunches are not included in the trip, but will be available from your hotel if requested the night before or a local cafe/ deli. Your guide can help make local restaurant suggestions.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 4 nights accommodation with breakfast each day
      • 2 days of privately guided days, led by an expert Wilderness England including bike hire
      • Personalised trip design and delivery
      • Expert local suggestions for restaurants and activities
      • Detailed trip itinerary and map
      • Pre-trip care and 24 hour in country support from the Wilderness team
      Travel Read More
      • This trip starts in Porthmadog
      • This is a self drive holiday – you can bring your own car or we can recommend car hire companies.
      Upgrade and Customise Your Trip Read More

      This trip is designed to be tailored to your preferences. Choose to upgrade the accommodation or add on extra days and activities to create your perfect adventure.

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      Bridget Brown

      Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Britain & Ireland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

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      Difficulty Grades Explained

      At Your Own Pace

      On this adventure you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Scotland hiking guide for several days, who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of hikes from gentle low level rambles to challenging days visiting remote summits. Just let them know what type of hike you would like to do and they will be ready!

      On the other days of the trip you will self guided and can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

      Our holidays reviewed
      in your own words

      This has quickly risen to the top of my short list of trips I must do again (along with the Outer Hebrides!). Beautiful scenery, great undulating rides, wonderful accommodations. Highly recommend!

      Karen Dean
      Road Cycling - The Five Countries
      Reviewed on 08/10/2018

      Rated 4.95 out of 5 based on 1,055 reviews

      Read More Reviews

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