Walking Holidays

Discover Snowdonia (6 nights)

Saturday - Pick up in Bangor (if travelling by rail). We then drive you to your accommodation in the heart of Snowdonia. After settling in, we will take you on an introductory walk that will allow you to form an impression of the area and get a feel for the environment in the national park.

Sunday - Known as the 'Matterhorn of Wales' for it's appearance, Cnicht is a mountain not to be missed. Viewed from the road between Beddgelert and Porthmadog it looks very impressive and our ascent involves a short easy scramble to reach it's summit where there are breath-taking views of the dramatic drop down the vallley of Cwm Croesor and across to the huge Moelwyn Mawr. This is moderate graded walk in one of the more remote areas of Snowdonia. Distance: 10km. Ascent: 750m. Time: 6 hours.

Monday: Tryfan is one of the most recognisable peaks in Snowdonia with its classic pointed shape and rugged crags. This walk makes for an exhilarating day incorporating rocky terrain and requiring some easy scrambling to reach the summit. We normally ascend the mountain from Ogwen Cottage. On the summit are two remarkable standing stones known as ‘Adam and Eve’ some 3 metres high and 1.2 metres apart. We will descend part way down the mountain via the south ridge, and if time allows we will ascend to the Glyder ridge (which actually its more like a plateau). From here we can visit Y Gwyliwr (The Watchman) - know in English as the cantelever stone. This makes for a tremendous photo call! Return to Ogwen by one of a number of interesting routes.
Distance: up to 10km. Ascent: up to 1100m. Time: up to 7 hours.

Tuesday - A long and rewarding day along the Nantlle ridge on the western coast of Wales, providing views of Snowdon and the coast towards Ireland. A steep start leads to an obvious path on the ridge - partly rocky, partly grass. Distance: 12km. Ascent: 875m. Time: 5-6 hours.

Wednesday - We spend the morning in Caernarfon, where we have the chance to visit the castle where the investiture of the Prince of Wales took place. Then you take the steam train on the Welsh Highland Railway through the hills to Beddgelert or Nantmor, before walking along the Aberglaslyn Gorge (good path, and gentle incline). Beddgelert provides a picturesque stopping point with quality ice cream and ale houses. A short hike with about 250m of ascent takes you to the to of Mynedd Sygyn to complete this leisurely day.

Thursday - Today we climb Snowdon, the highest point in England and Wales (1085m) Our choice of route will depend on the group size, ability and the weather. On a clear day it is possible to see England, Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Mann from the summit as well as around 20 mountain lakes, the Llen Peninsular and the West Coast of Wales.
Distance: 5-7km. Ascent:1000m. Time: 5-8 hours.

Friday - Moel Siabod. A lovely walk on the highest peak in the Moelwynnion mountain range with some basic scrambling along the route. This is a distinctive freestanding peak offering excellent views across Snowdonia. An easier alternative would be to visit the beautiful Cwm Idwal with it's unique geology and plant life.
Moel Siabod Distance: 10km. Ascent: 800m. Time: 4-5 hours.

Afterwards we return to Bangor, or to your pre-arranged destination. (If you would like to extend your activity to more days walking with us, just let us know.)

Wales Mountain Highlights – Premium 6 night tour

A 6 night all inclusive guided walking tour staying in high quality hotel accommodation and taking in the 3 highest mountain peaks in North Wales, Mid-Wales and the South of Wales. The week begins with a summit of Snowdon  (standing at 1085m, the highest peak in England & Wales) We then  travel to the pituresque village of Dollgellau where we climb Cadair Idris, which at 893m lies at the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park.  Finally we base ourselves in the pretty market town of Hay-on-Wye and complete our tour with a summit of Pen-y-Fan, standing at 886 metres high, with fantastic views of the surrounding Brecon Beacons.

Sunday –  Today we climb Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales (1085m) There are several paths up this beautiful mountain and the choice will depend upon group size, ability and of course the weather.  On a clear day, it is possible to see England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland from the summit, 20 mountain lakes and the western coast of Wales. Transfer back to hotel early evening.
Distance: 5-7 km   Ascent: 1000m  Time:  5-8 hours

Tuesday – Today we climb Cadair Idris, the highest mountain range in mid-Wales. A stunning circular walk on well established paths, to Pen y Gadair Fawr, the highest point.  From the top, there are stunning views to the coast and hills of northern Snowdonia.  This is a strenuous walk taking between 4 and 6 hours. 
Distance: 13km  Ascent: 950m  Time:  4-6 hours

Wednesday -  Pick up from hotel mid-morning and travel alongside the river Wye to the pretty market town of Hay-on-Wye in Powys.  We spend the afternoon exploring the town often referred to as the "town of books" as it has over 30 bookshops selling specialist and second-hand books.  Hay-on Wye or Y Gelli it's Welsh name, is renowned for it's beautiful scenery, excellent accommodation and superb local cooking, all provided with the pride in excellence that the welsh are well-known.  Overnight in hotel accommodation.

Thursday -  Today we summit the distinctive shaped peak Pen y Fan, at 886m the highest peak in South Wales in the heart of the Brecon Beacons.  As we walk we see wonderful views to the summit ridge, and once on the ridge out to the Usk valley to the North and the market town of Brecon. Return to hotel accommodation.
Distance: 11km  Ascent: 453m  Time:  5-6 hours

Friday – After an enjoyable breakfast we travel leisurely back up to North Wales, stopping for lunch in Welshpool before returning to Bangor train station early afternoon.

The 15 Welsh 3000 footers & Cader Idris. (6 nights)

Before the UK embraced metric units, the hight of mountain tops on OS maps was always given in feet. In the minds of climbers and walkers, this system gave a natural significance to the peaks above 3000 feet. There are only 15 in all of Wales that meet this mark and they are all found within the central area of the Snowdonia national park. (3000ft = 915m). This is a demanding week of walking which typically involves at least 1000m of ascent each day, and occasionally a good head for heights.

Saturday - Pick up in Bangor (if travelling by rail). We then drive you to your accommodation in the heart of Snowdonia. After settling in, we will take you on an introductory walk that will allow you to form an impression of the area and get a feel for the environment in the national park. We will also discuss the week ahead

Sunday;   This walk takes us into the heart of the remote Carneddau. Starting in the Ogwen Valley, we begin with Pen yr Ole Wen (978 m),  Carnedd Dafydd (1,044 m),  Carnedd Llewelyn (1,064 m),  Yr Elen (962 m). These distinct and individual peaks give way to the long rolling slopes of the northern Carneddau and we finish a long day with Foel Grach (976 m),  Garnedd Uchaf (926 m),  Foel-fras (942 m), landing on the north coast for pick up and return to accommodation.

Monday;  Tryfan (915m),  Glyder Fach (994m),   Glyder Fawr (999m)..Today we deal with the Eastern Glyderau and take the opportunity for a photo call at the famous cantelever stone. A substantial day out, but shorter and less demanding than Sunday. This is a round walk arriving back at our staring point and back to accommodation.

Tuesday; This is perhaps the easiest day of the tour. We deal with the rest of the Glyderau:  Elidir Fawr (924m),  Y Garn (947m) and return to our starting point again

Wednesday;  Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa (1,085 m),  Garnedd Ugain (1,065 m),  Crib Goch (923 m). This is a classic mountaineering route to the summit of Snowdon which contains 3 official 3000 footers! Crib Goch is one of them - a ridge walk that involves some airy and exposed (but not difficult) scrambling. Crib Goch may not be everybody's idea of a relaxing day out walking in the mountains and may be avoided if this is not your cup of tea.

Thursday; To round off a sustained week of walking we ascend  Cader Idris (893 m) in mid Wales. Cader summit is just 70ft short of the 3000 ft mark, but it is a magnificant hill and without doubt it deserves its place amongst the the great Welsh peaks.

Friday; A late start today with time to reflect on the week's achievements. No walking, but a leisurely return to Bangor or pre-arranged destination for departure.