Peter Laing says...
Very helpful.
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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.
Stay overnight at Yr Hen Fecws Guesthouse (Breakfast included)
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.
Stay overnight at Plas Tan y Graig B&B Guesthouse (Breakfast included)
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.
Stay overnight at Plas Tan y Graig B&B Guesthouse (Breakfast included)
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.
Stay overnight at Ty Mawr (Breakfast included)
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.
Stay overnight at Ty Mawr (Breakfast included)
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.
Stay overnight at Anglesey Arms (Breakfast included)
Explore the grand medieval town of Caernarfon, with its mighty castle, pretty harbour and views across the Menai Strait to Anglesey before departing.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
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.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
Very helpful.
Holidays in Wales are always likely to be weather affected and mine was no exception to the extent that low cloud, rain and wind meant that any of the high ascents were pointless from an enjoyment point of view. However I was advised by local reps/accommodation providers of other quite challenging options that could be done despite the weather. Additionally the Welsh Highland Line was not operating its normal service because of Covid so taxis were laid on where necessary. This detracted to a degree from the overall enjoyment of the holiday.
This holiday has been lovely, with very well selected walking tours that kept me challenged and entertained. The GPS has worked well and has avoided me taking the wrong turn here and there., including on the misty mountain side. If I would have tried to organise this all on my own it would have taken ages, so I feel it is worthwhile using Headwater's service. In total I only interacted with 2 people, the person booking the trip and a local person knowing the intricacies of the walks, hotels etc. Both were always very helpful.
Headwater response:
Thank you Mr Becker for your holiday summary, it is lovely to read that you had a great time away with us.
Headwater Customer Service Team
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 6 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All breakfasts
Briefing at the start of your holiday
Headwater navigation app for your smartphone
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers using the Welsh Highland Railway. Please note due to seasonal changes the availability of the rail journeys may change. This will be confirmed at time of booking.
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
| Departing | Tour only | Prices  |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29th Apr 2024 | US$2075 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2075 Single supp: US$555 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6th May 2024 | US$2075 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2075 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 13th May 2024 | US$2075 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2075 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 20th May 2024 | US$2075 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2075 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 27th May 2024 | US$2075 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2075 Single supp: US$555 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd Jun 2024 | US$2240 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2240 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 10th Jun 2024 | US$2240 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2240 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 17th Jun 2024 | US$2240 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2240 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 24th Jun 2024 | US$2240 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2240 Single supp: US$555 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Jul 2024 | US$2255 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2255 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 8th Jul 2024 | US$2255 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2255 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 15th Jul 2024 | US$2255 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2255 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 22nd Jul 2024 | US$2255 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2255 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 29th Jul 2024 | US$2255 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2255 Single supp: US$555 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Aug 2024 | US$2255 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2255 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 12th Aug 2024 | US$2255 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2255 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 19th Aug 2024 | US$2255 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2255 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 26th Aug 2024 | US$2255 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2255 Single supp: US$555 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Sep 2024 | US$2240 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2240 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 9th Sep 2024 | US$2240 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2240 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 16th Sep 2024 | US$2240 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2240 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 23rd Sep 2024 | US$2240 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2240 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 30th Sep 2024 | US$2240 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2240 Single supp: US$555 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Oct 2024 | US$2030 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2030 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 14th Oct 2024 | US$2030 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2030 Single supp: US$555 |
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| 21st Oct 2024 | US$2030 | US$555 | Tour only: US$2030 Single supp: US$555 |
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| Check availability | ||||
The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed by Headwater rep.
Departures
Mondays from 29th Apr 2024 to 21st Oct 2024, for 6 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All breakfasts
Other details
Transfers are available at a supplement from/to Manchester Airport, Chester Train Station or Llandudno Train station
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
