Week long Walking Holidays

Undiscovered Snowdonia (7 nights)

A full week of walking!

Saturday - Morning pick up in Chester. We then travel along the north coast of Wales, stopping at the beautiful Aber Falls before driving into the Snowdonia National Park. We spend the night in Dolgellau, a pretty town in Mid Wales surrounded by the hills of Southern Snowdonia.

Sunday - Today we climb Cader Idris, the highest mountain range in Mid Wales. A stunning circular walk to Pen-y-Gadair, the highest point, on well established paths. From the top there are stunning views to the coast and hills of Northern Snowdonia. This is a strenuous walk, taking between four and six hours. Overnight in Dolgellau.
Distance: 13km. Ascent: 950m. Time: 4-6 hours.

Monday: On the eastern edge of the national park, a rough and sometimes boggy track takes us to onto the classic and rarely frequented Arran Ridge, where we follow an easy path along the tops with lovely views of Cader Idris. We finish in a small village where we can take refreshments before driving to our accommodation in Betws-y-Coed.
Distance: 15km. Ascent: 800m. Time: 6-7 hours.

Tuesday - 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 we take the steam train through the hills to Rhyd Dhu, before climbing the "Little Matterhorn" - Cnicht. This is a short climb on a good path with some easy scrambling near the top to reach the summit of one of Snowdon's most distinctive peaks. Overnight in Betws-y-Coed.
Distance:9km. Ascent: 690m. Time: 4-5 hours.

Wednesday - 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. Overnight in Betws-y-Coed.
Distance: 12km. Ascent: 875m. Time: 5-6 hours.

Thursday - 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 on the group size, ability and 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. Overnight in Betws-y-Coed.
Distance: 5-7km. Ascent:1000m. Time: 5-8 hours.

Friday - Depending on the weather, today we can climb either Tryfan - a distinctive peak, once voted the favourite mountain amongst professional mountaineers, or Moel Siabod, an easier walk on a well established path offering some of the best views in Snowdonia. Tryfan provides some of the most exciting basic scrambling in Wales, and Moel Siabod also has a short easy ridge scramble to the summit. An easier alternative would be to visit the beautiful Cwm Idwal with it's unique geology and plant life. Overnight in Betws-y-Coed.
Tryfan Distance: 3km. Ascent: 620m. Time: 4 hours.
Moel Siabod Distance: 10km. Ascent: 800m. Time: 4-5 hours.

Saturday - Return to Chester, via Conway or Llandudno, with a possibility of visiting Conway Castle for those who wish. (Entry not included.) Arrive in Chester late afternoon.

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Cwms and Castles (7 nights)

Sunday - Morning pick up in Chester. Drive to the Snowdonia National Park via the North Wales coast. A short but rewarding trek up Yr-Aran - a satellite peak of Snowdon, with lovely views to Snowdon itself from the relatively unfrequented summit. Overnight in Betws-y-Coed.
Distance: 9km. Ascent: 700m. Time: 3-4 hours.

Monday - We drive across the Menai Bridge to the pretty town of Beaumaris, where we visit the fascinating castle. After lunch we drive to South Stack - a nature reserve for seabirds, where we may spot seals. If there is time we take a walk on one of the island's beautiful beaches. Overnight at Betws-y-Coed.

Tuesday - Today we have a demanding ridge walk along the Nantlle Ridge, on the western edge of Snowdonia. Stunning views make the steep start worthwhile. The path is good on rock and grass with a little easy scrambling. Overnight at Betws-y-Coed.
Distance: 12km. Ascent: 6850m. Time: 5-6 hours.

Wednesday - Depending on the weather, we can either climb Tryfan, an exacting scramble up one of Snowdon's most loved peaks, or Moel Siabod, an easier walk up a freestanding hill with fantastic views toward the Snowdon horseshoe. An easier alternative is the Devil's Kitchen at Cwm Idwal - a short walk to a fascinating geological 'bowl' in the heart of the Glyder range. Overnight at Betws-y-Coed.
Tryfan Distance: 3km. Ascent: 620m. Time: 4 hours.
Moel Siabod Distance: 10km. Ascent: 800m. Time: 4-5 hours.

Thursday - A visit to Conway Castle. Built between 1283 and 1289 by Edward 1st of England, this is a dark and atmospheric castle standing on a rock guarding the Conway river. Both the towns of Conway and Llandudno are nearby, and a walk on the 'Great Orme' at Llandudno may be possible for those who want to in the afternoon. Overnight at Betws-y-Coed.

Friday - An ascent of Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales (1085m.) There are many routes up this lovely hill, and the views on a clear day cover all four countries of the UK. A demanding and long day depending on the route, but extremely rewarding. Overnight a Betws-y-Coed.
Distance: 5-7km. Ascent: 1000m. Time: 5-8 hours.

Saturday - In the morning we visit the imposing Caernarfon Castle where the Prince of Wales was invested. After lunch we take the steam train to Rhyd Ddu, from where we climb Cnicht - the 'Little Matterhorn' of Wales. A good path leads up to the summit with some easy scrambling near the top. Overnight at Betws-y-Coed.

Sunday - Return to Chester via the Aber Falls, arriving in Chester mid -afternoon.

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