Self-Drive - Wales: Eryri (Snowdonia)

Gary & Judy

Wednesday 30th April – Sunday 4th May 2025

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Overview

Founded in 1951 as the first national park in Wales, Eryri (Snowdonia) is home to the highest mountains in the UK outside of Scotland. With 60km of coastline and over 2,000 square kilometres of craggy mountains and crystal clear lakes, there is much to explore in this beautiful area of North West Wales.

A haven for adventure enthusiasts, Eryri (Snowdonia) is an exciting place to explore on foot or by bike with something for every level, ability and experience. Your expert guide will suggest outings which will be tailored to suit your interests. Look forward to exploring miles of wild land, discovering remote hidden places said to be home to dragons, hiking through spectacular scenery and experiencing the thrills of biking through ancient forests. You’ll also have time to yourself to enjoy the many activities and attractions that this part of Wales has to offer. Whatever you fancy, hill walks or scrambles, remote solitude or pretty villages, museums, local craft shops and cafes, this part of Wales will leave you wanting to return for more.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Wednesday 30th April | Arrive in Eryri (Snowdonia) | Overnight: Tremadog

Day 2 | Thursday 1st May | Guided Hiking in Eryri (Snowdonia) | Overnight: Tremadog

Day 3 | Friday 2nd May | Guided Mountain Biking in Eryri (Snowdonia) | Overnight: Tremadog

Day 4 | Saturday 3rd May | Free Day to Explore at Your Own Pace | Overnight: Tremadog

Day 5 | Sunday 4th May | Explore & Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Wednesday 30th April - Arrive in Eryri (Snowdonia)

Take your time and enjoy the drive along beautiful country lanes and amidst stunning mountain scenery before arriving at your destination of Porthmadog on the Cardigan Bay coast, your base for the next four nights. Settle in, then explore the village this afternoon. You’ll love this busy little harbour town which is home to quirky shops and inviting cafes. You might like to take a trip on the local steam railway that travels along the shore and through meadows and woodlands, or enjoy a walk along the estuary to the beautiful beach of Black Rock Sands which has amazing low tide caves and an abundance of rock pools. Check the tide times before you venture out.

Overnight: Tremadog | The Golden Fleece
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Thursday 1st May - Guided Hiking in Eryri (Snowdonia)

Your guide will meet you at your accommodation this morning to discuss options for your hike today, taking into account your own experience and interests. Stunning views, glacial lakes and exciting ridge walking awaits if you decide to head to the iconic Cader Idris. Known as Yr Wyddfa’s (Snowdon’s) twin, as they are both composed from the same rock, it is the highest peak in southern Eryri (Snowdonia), standing at 1,995ft/608m. The mountain tends to be much quieter than its better-known sister but the views from the top are spectacular and certainly make it worth the journey. For those looking for something a little gentler, you could enjoy a hike at Rhiw, which offers stunning views across to the 3 mile wide bay known as Porth Neigwl, or Hell’s Mouth, so called because of the danger to sailors during a storm. This walk meanders through small fields and quiet country lanes and passes through the woods of Plas yn Rhiw, an old manor house now owned by the National Trust. Keep an eye out for cairns and the evidence of roundhouses and other prehistoric remains.

Overnight: Tremadog | The Golden Fleece
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Guide Details - Walk Snowdonia Read More +

Name: Walk Snowdonia
Contact Number: +44(0)7784 530 019
Meeting Place: The Golden Fleece | Meeting Time: 09:30

Your guide will meet you at The Golden fleece this morning to chat through some options and help you prepare for the days adventure. From here, you’ll convoy to the short distance to the start of the hike, throw on your packs and get ready for an unforgettable day in the Welsh hills.

Please make sure to bring a packed lunch with you. Packed lunches can be ordered from your accommodation if the kitchen is notified the night before you need them. Alternatively, you can pick something up locally from one of the many cafes or supermarkets in Porthmadog.

Please do not contact your guide ahead of your trip and instead please refer to the Wilderness team with any questions you have.

Booking Ref: JF9EF

Day 3 - Friday 2nd May - Guided Mountain Biking in Eryri (Snowdonia)

This area of Wales is well known for its exhilarating mountain bike trails, and there is nowhere better than Coed-y-Brenin, the UK’s largest dedicated mountain biking park with miles of single track winding their way through the forests. All abilities are catered for, from complete novices to the highly experienced. After an initial bike set up, you will enjoy a wonderful day zipping through the forest and learning some new skills from your guide on the way. Spend as long as you like enjoying the beautiful forest surroundings before heading back to Porthmadog for the night.

Overnight: Tremadog | The Golden Fleece
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Guide Details - Rik Barratt Read More +

Name: Rik Barratt
Contact Number: +44(0)1492 338 877
Meeting Place: Pedal MTB, Coed y Brenin Forest Park, Dolgellau, LL40 2HZ | Meeting Time: 09:30

Rikwill meet you at the Pedal MTB shop in Beics Brenin where you’ll get suited and booted with your bike hire and relevant safety equipment. After a short bike fit, you’ll hit the trails together for the day.

Please make sure to bring a packed lunch with you. Packed lunches can be ordered from your accommodation if the kitchen is notified the night before you need them. Alternatively, you can pick something up locally from one of the many cafes or supermarkets in Porthmadog.

Please do not contact your guide ahead of your trip and instead please refer to the Wilderness team with any questions you have.

Booking Ref: 15684

Day 4 - Saturday 3rd May - Free Day to Explore at Your Own Pace

After an energetic couple of days, you may wish to explore the local area at a more leisurely pace. You could spend the day in the totally unique village of Portmeirion, designed by Sir Clough William-Ellis from 1925 to 1976. You could be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into a charming Italian village, influenced as he was by the Italian style of architecture, even including a stunning central Piazza. He also wanted to demonstrate how such a stunningly beautiful coastal site could be developed without spoiling it. It’s a good idea to take a tour of the village before venturing down to the beach, then stopping off to admire the Japanese garden complete with a pagoda and a lake covered with lily pads. Another option is to enjoy a wonderful drive through the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) to Llanberis, a beautiful small town nestled at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). From here you can take the mountain rail to the summit of the highest mountain in Wales, a fantastic way of enjoying the splendid views without the effort! Choose to walk down the good path or return by train and head to the fascinating National Slate Museum – held in a former Victorian workshop – to discover the history of the area and watch live demonstrations.

Overnight: Tremadog | The Golden Fleece
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Sunday 4th May - Explore & Depart

After a relaxed breakfast and before continuing your onward journey, you may wish to enjoy a visit to the ruins of Criccieth Castle. This early 13th century coastal castle was captured by King Edward I in 1283 during the invasion of North Wales. It was used as a prison until 1404 when Welsh forces re-took the castle, tearing down the walls and torching the towers. Some of the stone still bears scorch marks. Once painted by JMW Turner, it stands on its own rocky headland between two sweeping beaches with panoramic views over the whole of Cardigan Bay.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 4 nights accommodation
  • 2 days of privately guided days, led by an expert, including bike hire
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Detailed trip itinerary
  • Pre-trip care and 24 hour in country support from the Wilderness team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness England Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1768 721 210
US: 888 351 5706

Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7482 170 401

Emergency Services

999

Important Additional Information Read More
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Get in Touch

Tel: 888 351 5706

Email Chris

Accommodation

The Golden Fleece

Market Square | Tremadog | Gwynedd |
LL49 9RB | Wales
Phone: +44(001766 512 421
Web: goldenfleeceinn.com

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View from Snowdonia, Wales

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Two hikers on Snowdonia

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Two people hiking in Snowdonia National Park

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Snowdonia National Park sign

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Scenic picture of a lake on Snowdonia National Park

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Interior image of the Welsh Highland Railway

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Virtuoso

Self-Drive – Wales: Eryri (Snowdonia)

Wednesday 30th April – Sunday 4th May 2025