Walking in Snowdonia

Day 2 North Wales Path - Conwy to St Gwynans

Walk 13.5km/8.5mi - 5hrs or 7.2km/4.5mi - 5hrs
Today brings us panoramic views and exploration of the North Wales Path. Our adventure begins at medieval Conwy, the home of UNESCO-listed Conwy Castle, and we'll pass the smallest house in Britain on our way up Conwy Mountain. Lovely views greet us as we head through the rolling hills to Sychnant Pass. At this point, you can choose to take a shorter walk back down the lush valley path, where you will be met by the coach in St Gwynans for an afternoon of free time back in Conwy. Should you wish to trek on, we'll pass Maen Esgob and continue along the Wales Coast Path. Follow countryside lanes cross high moors, dotted with the occasional quaint cottage and historic stone walls. As we head towards Foel Lus, your reward becomes clear as incredible coastal views open before us. After enjoying the peaceful surrounds, picturesque views and that invigorating feeling of a long walk in the outdoors, we'll journey back down to St Gwynans. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 3 Llyn Idwal - Llyn Elsi

Walk 4.8km/3mi - 2hrs & 5.6km/3.5mi - 2.5hrs
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast this morning, for two wonderful walks to areas of astounding natural beauty. The first is a circular path through an upland environment that's world-famous for unique rock formations and rare plant life. In fact, Cwm Idwal was the first National Nature Reserve in Wales. The area was sculpted by the Ice Age into jagged cliffs, ridges, and the bowl-shaped hollow of Cwm Idwal itself, filled with the pristine water of Llyn Idwal Lake. Watch out for flora that survived the Ice Age, like purple saxifrage and the Snowdon lily. To complete the spectacular scene, Llyn Idwal rests on a backdrop of sheer, black cliffs known as 'The Devil's Kitchen'. Next, we drive to the lively mountain village of Betws-y-Coed. If you'd like to, you can take a break here to enjoy locally sourced food in cafés, pubs and restaurants. You'll also find plenty of shops for gifts, outdoor gear, clothes and crafts, along with galleries featuring works from Welsh artists. If your feet are itching for more action though, join us on our second walk. Llyn Elsi is a picturesque lake in the Gwydyr Forest above the village. From here, expect to snap frame-worthy photos of views across the Snowdonia National Park. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 4 Beddgelert - Welsh Highland Railway

Walk 8km/5mi - 5hrs or 7.3km/4.5mi - 5hrs
The pretty village of Beddgelert is famous for a legend starring Llywelyn the Great and his dog, Gelert, who is said to be buried nearby. However, there's much more to the town than myths, with its picturesque stone buildings bordered by mountainous vistas. Today, you will have the choice of two amazing walks. Follow the picturesque Glaslyn River and the lake of Llyn Dinas on the first, from Nant Gwynant to Beddgelert. We'll pass the Sygun Copper Mine, a Victorian-era excavation site, before free time to explore the town. Or challenge yourself to the second walk to Aberglaslyn. It continues past Llyn Dinas to traverse trails with stunning views of the Cwm Bychan Valley. Serene woodlands and idyllic running streams accompany us to Aberglaslyn. Next, it's all aboard as we embark on an exciting journey on the Welsh Highland Railway. We'll travel in vintage carriages with steam engines whisking us through the spectacular scenery. Expect plenty of opportunities for photos while you're soaking up the romance of rail travel in the heart of nature. The train stops beneath the majestic walls of famous Caernarfon Castle, one of the most impressive structures of the Middle Ages. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 5 Depart Llanberis

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then make your way home.

Meals included: B

Additional Information

Please note: We'll walk at a manageable pace, and all the walks can be shortened if you wish. Most walks take place on paths and tracks. Some will be slightly more strenuous and may involve moderate slopes, hills, stiles and foot bridges, which may be rough underfoot. Sturdy walking shoes are essential.

Car parking charges may apply – see the hotels website for more details.