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Wilderness Walking

Highlights of Wales

Next Trip: 18th - 24th May 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

From £2,195 View Prices & Dates

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Trip created by Anna Brownlow
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Region: Wales
Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
Accommodation: Deluxe
Max Group Size: 8
Confirmed: When 3 Traveller(s) Book
Deposit From: £548.75 £548.75

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

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Known for its sweeping coastlines, mountainous national parks, charming language and Celtic culture, Wales is the perfect destination for those with an adventurous spirit.

On a trip that showcases the best of this wild and captivating country, join an expert Wilderness guide to hike through winding, quiet valleys and among misty mountain peaks. Discover the rugged beauty of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro), taking a boat trip out to Ramsey Island and spotting a myriad of coastal birds. Explore Eryri (Snowdonia), hopping on the train up to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), while also having time to visit quaint villages and engaging museums.

Relax in the warmth of bespoke accommodation, each hand-picked for their local charm, lovely food and welcoming hospitality.

Trip Highlights

  • Discover wild islands, hidden sandy beaches and impressive mountain peaks as you explore Pembrokeshire and the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
  • Visit engaging museums and captivating castles as you learn about the history and heritage of Wales.
  • Relax in hand-picked, bespoke accommodations, chosen for their picturesque location, attentive staff and delicious, local food.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Wales

This morning, meet your Wilderness guide at Cardiff Railway Station and transfer west along the southern coast into Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Arrive at Stackpole Walled Gardens and enjoy a pot of tea and a slice of cake as you chat about the adventure ahead. After a nosy around the beautiful gardens, set off on a walk that winds past lily ponds, sandy beaches and up onto the grassy headland for stunning views across the shimmering sea. Afterwards, transfer further east to St Davids, home to a stunning 12th-century cathedral and many artisanal shops. Settle into your charming hotel this evening – full of contemporary art and with a fine-dining restaurant that serves seasonal, locally-sourced meals. (L, D)

Walk details: 10 km/6 miles | 140 m/460 ft ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 2 – A Boat Trip to Ramsey Island

After breakfast, head out for a fantastic boat trip that circumnavigates Ramsey Island. Sail over the white-capped water to the RSPB Reserve – home to ravens, peregrines and buzzards, guillemots, razorbills and fulmars. Observe the noisy, impressive spectacle from the boat as you learn about the island’s birdlife. A great place to also spot seals, listen out for the huff of these lovable creatures as you sail by the huge western cliffs. Upon landing, enjoy a walk with your guide. The southern headlands are a unique combination of heather, gorse and coastal plants, where you can also spot pipits and skylarks. Back on the mainland, return to your hotel with time to freshen up and enjoy dinner. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 5 km/3 miles | 150 m/500 ft ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 3 – Hiking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Wake to the smell of fresh sea air and, after breakfast, head from the doors of your chic hotel to hike a stunning part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. On the way, stop to explore the ruins of St Non’s Chapel and the pretty working harbour of Porthclais. Traverse the spectacular coastline and look out for porpoise feeding in Ramsay Sound. Finish your walk at Whitesands Bay, an incredible expanse of soft white sand and one of the best surfing beaches in the country. Enjoy taking a break here, relaxing in the sunshine after a thoroughly lovely walk. Later, enjoy a visit to St Davids Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace before returning to your hotel to enjoy a free evening. (B, L)

Walk details: 13 km/8 miles | 250 m/820 ft ascent | approx. 6 hours

Day 4 – Crossing Wales

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before heading north into Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Along the way, visit Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber, a remarkable dolmen predating Stonehenge. Continue to Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre and have lunch before enjoying a beautiful walk with great views of the Cambrian Mountains. Return in time to see the feeding of the red kites – incredibly graceful birds of prey instantly recognisable by their deeply forked tail. A slightly longer transfer this afternoon will take you to your boutique country house hotel nestled in the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). (B, L, D)

Walk details: 4 km/2.5 miles | 80 m/260 ft ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 5 – Exploring Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

Rising 1,085 m/3,560 ft over Eryri’s (Snowdonia’s) glacier-carved landscapes, Yr Wyddfa (or Snowdon to give it its English name) is the country’s highest peak. Accompanied by your guide, take the train up the mountain’s impressive heights, soaking up the scenery and visiting Hafod Eryri Visitor Centre. Enjoy a walk across the rooftop of Wales, descending to Pen-Y-Pass and a small cafe on a trail that contours the edge of the hillside and provides spectacular views. Catch the Sherpa’r Wyddfa (Snowdown Sherpa) bus back down the remaining distance while enjoying the ruggedly beautiful landscape. Return to your hotel this evening and enjoy dinner before turning in for a good night’s sleep. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 5.5 km/3.5 miles | 50 m/160 ft ascent | 720 m/2,360 ft descent | approx. 4 hours

Day 6 – Welsh Heritage & Hiking Cwm Idwal

Diving into the heart of Welsh industrial history today, transfer to the village of Llanberis for a fascinating tour of the National Slate Museum. Enjoy engaging talks and live demonstrations as you get a glimpse into the importance of slate mining in the history and politics of Wales. This afternoon, join your guide on a hike to Cwm Idwal – a beautiful glaciated hanging valley where arctic flora thrives among huge rock slabs. Chat with your guide about the rare and fragile plant life as you explore the ice-sculpted hollow filled with the clear, crystal waters of Llyn Idwal. This evening, perhaps enjoy an aperitif on the terrace before making your way inside for a final, decadent dinner. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 5 km/3 miles | 120 m/400 ft ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 7 – Conwy Castle and Depart

As a blackbird fills the air with its bright, carefree song, join your guide for a circular walk to some thundering waterfalls. On your return, enjoy lunch at the Distillery Cafe before heading off to visit Conwy Castle – an impressive medieval fortress which still towers over Conwy town after 700 years. Wind your way up the restored spiral staircases for views of Eryri’s craggy mountains and the cobbled streets below. Offering the most complete set of residential rooms inhabited by the medieval monarchy anywhere in Wales, visiting the castle is a fascinating experience. This afternoon, your guide will drop you at Chester Station, where you catch a train back to London or towards your next destination. (B, L)

Walk details: 6.5 km/4 miles | 330 m/1,080 ft ascent | approx. 3 hours

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Wilderness Walking
Highlights of Wales

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Trip Dates & Prices

Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
18th May - 24th May 20246 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£2,195Book Now
14th Sep - 20th Sep 20248 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£2,195Book Now

Trip Details

Accommodation Read More

On this trip, we use two 4* hotels – spending three nights in South Wales in St Davids, Pembrokeshire and then three nights in North Wales on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.

In Pembrokeshire, we stay in Twr y Felin, a former windmill, lovingly refurbished and expanded into Wales’ first contemporary art hotel.

In North Wales, we stay in Ty’n Rhos, a family-run country house hotel nestled in the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

Single Rooms

There is no supplement charged to solo travellers. However, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £550 is charged.

Due to the nature of our accommodations, single supplements are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Meals Read More

On this trip, all meals are included from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7, except for dinner on day 3. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

Throughout the journey, varied local produce will be served up in hearty and imaginative meals and of course, any special dietary requirements can be catered for.

Day 3 will be a free evening in St Davids; your guide will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations, and then they’ll take the evening off.

Inclusions Read More
  • Six nights accommodation in welcoming 4* hotels.
  • All meals during the trip, from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7, except for dinner on Day 3. Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
  • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide/driver throughout
  • All transport throughout the trip starting in Cardiff and finishing in Chester
  • Activities mentioned in the itinerary.
Trip Grading Read More

Green Graded 1-3

Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails, but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to approximately 450 m/1,500 feet. Distances will be typically 8-10km/5-6.5 miles, but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Travel Read More

You will be met by your Wilderness England Guide at Cardiff Railway Station at 9:30am on Day 1 of your trip. Meet just outside the South Entrance, by the red postbox. There are regular direct trains from London to Cardiff, and you can usually leave London early on day 1 and arrive into Cardiff before the meeting time.

The trip will conclude at Chester Railway Station at 4:30pm on the final day of the trip. There are direct trains from Chester to London every hour or so. There are also direct trains between Chester and Cardiff if needed.

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Make This Trip Private

Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

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Chris Page

Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of UK & 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

Green Graded Walking Holidays
Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Compare walking grades

Our holidays reviewed
in your own words

Don’t hesitate, sign up now for a smoothly efficient professionally run and personable touring organization !

Nancy Kessel
Wilderness Walking - National Parks of the UK
Reviewed on 20/05/2019

Rated 4.95 out of 5 based on 716 reviews

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