Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
17.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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This holiday highlights some of the best scenery the Snowdonia National Park has to offer. You will explore the region mostly on foot, travelling through this incredible scenery and taking some short train journeys on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway along the way.
You begin on the coast at Porthmadog, with your accommodation a short walk from the marina before heading into the Snowdonia National Park. The walks will take you through the idyllic natural beauty of the park, through woodland, along ridges and rivers, across moorland and beside lakes to end with the summit of Snowdon at 1,085m, the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. Routes are planned to combine walking with sections of travel on the Welsh Highland Railway (tickets included), allowing more distance to be covered.
The Welsh Highland Railway is the UK's longest heritage railway and runs for 25 miles from Caernarfon, below Snowdon and to the pretty village of Beddgelert, before going through the Aberglaslyn Pass and on to Porthmadog. It was built in the 1920s to link the former North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway with the Festiniog Railway.
Your accommodation along the way is in a selection of carefully chosen Guest houses and hotels, with the last night in the Royal town of Caernarfon, known for its breath-taking medieval castle on the banks of the River Seiont. The 13th Century castle, built by Edward I as a Royal Palace and military fortress at the mouth of the River Seiont forms part of the Ring of Iron along with Beaumaris, Conwy and Harlech castles, these four castles are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A new town was built within walls at the same time as the castle and the majority of the walls,complete with eight towers and two gateways remain largely intact.
Please note due to seasonal changes the availability of the rail journeys may change. This will be confirmed at time of booking.
The walking routes are on a mixture of footpaths, tracks and across farmland. Some scrambling is needed on the Day 3 and Day 5 walks. Walking boots are essential and walking poles recommended.
On arrival in the coastal town of Porthmadog head out for a stroll around the marina before finding somewhere to eat near the guesthouse.
You stay at Yr Hen Fecws.
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Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee
You'll receive a warm welcome at the guesthouse, ideally located close to the main high street and the marina. Many of the traditional architectural features have been retained with exposed beams and stonework which are perfectly complimented by contemporary and tasteful decor and furnishings. The restaurant offers a good menu using locally sourced ingredients complimented by an extensive wine list.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Take the short heritage rail journey (subject to availability and timings) to Nantmor from where you head, up and over, through ancient woodland and across the moor to beautiful Llyn Dinas. You follow the course of the river, passing the Sygun Copper mine on to the picturesque village of Beddgelert. The village is perhaps best known for the story of Prince Llewelyn ap Iowerth and his faithful dog Gelert.
You stay at Plas Tan y Graig.
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Plas Tan y Graig is a family run B&B Guest House in Beddgelert. There are five comfortable en-suite guest rooms, a cosy guest lounge and large private gardens overlooking Afon Colwyn, Moel Hebog and Aberglaslyn.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
From the day you arrived you'll have seen Moel Hebog (795m) rising above Beddgelert. Today you will enjoy a circular hike from the picturesque village and through the surrounding farmland before making an ascent towards the summit before it opens out onto a plateau. Enjoy a grassy descent down the other side, winding through Beddgelert forest before returning to the village.
You stay at Plas Tan y Graig.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
Plas Tan y Graig is a family run B&B Guest House in Beddgelert. There are five comfortable en-suite guest rooms, a cosy guest lounge and large private gardens overlooking Afon Colwyn, Moel Hebog and Aberglaslyn.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Spend time this morning exploring the small shops and cafes in the village, before a gentle stroll via Gelert's grave, the faithful hound to 13th century Llewelyn, prince of North Wales, to your next train station. Take the Heritage train (subject to availability and timings) to Rhyd Ddu and walk on to your overnight stop, Ty Mawr.
You stay at Ty Mawr.
HairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
Tŷ Mawr, meaning ‘Big House’ is a stone cottage dating back more than 200 years and is now a friendly and welcoming tea house and B&B. A hearty breakfast is prepared for you and picnics are available on request.
Today's walk begins with a big climb to 'Y Garn' but it's worth the effort. Nantlle Ridge is a stunning ridge walk with views across the water to Anglesey and inland towards Snowdon: a sneak peak of what tomorrow has in store.
You stay at Ty Mawr.
HairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
Tŷ Mawr, meaning ‘Big House’ is a stone cottage dating back more than 200 years and is now a friendly and welcoming tea house and B&B. A hearty breakfast is prepared for you and picnics are available on request.
The grand finale. Your final hike ascends the Rhyd Ddu path to Snowdon's summit. Take time at the top to enjoy the 360° views before descending via the Ranger's path, you'll finish at the Snowdon Ranger's station before taking the Heritage train (subject to availability and timings) on to your final destination, Caernarfon.
You stay at Anglesey Arms Hotel.
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Anglesey Arms is a Bed & breakfast situated in the beautiful, picturesque Welsh town of Caernarfon. Built into the walls of Caernarfon Castle, Anglesey Arms is a former 18th-century customs house that has been converted into a homely guesthouse. With free on-site parking, the hotel overlooks the harbour entrance, offering stunning views across the Menai Straits to Anglesey. The cosy rooms feature a TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and some have views across the Menai Straits.
Explore the grand medieval town of Caernarfon, with its mighty castle, pretty harbour and views across the Menai Strait to Anglesey before departing.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $555.
Transfers are available at a supplement from/to Manchester Airport, Chester Train Station or Llandudno Train station
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
17.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
