Wales: Eryri (Snowdonia)

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

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.

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.

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.