Exploring Wales & Cornwall

Lauralynn & Ron Mayfield

Wednesday 2nd July – Thursday 24th July 2025

Number of Travellers:  2
Duration: 23 Days / 22 Nights

Overview

This 3-week journey is a slow and scenic exploration of some of the most beautiful and culturally rich corners of Wales and Cornwall. From the misty mountains of Snowdonia to the sea cliffs of Pembrokeshire and the windswept coves of Cornwall, this itinerary offers a true sense of place. You’ll stay in small, characterful towns, explore dramatic coastlines, ancient castles, and rolling countryside, and enjoy a mix of heritage, nature, and gentle adventure.

Along the way, you’ll delve into medieval history, discover remote villages and quiet trails, and spend six days on a privately guided wildlife experience in Southwest Wales. Whether wandering coastal paths, walking in the footsteps of Welsh legends, or exploring remote islands and prehistoric sites, this journey connects you deeply with the land, its stories, and its people.

Highlights

  • Explore the medieval strongholds of Conwy, Caernarfon, and Tintagel
  • Walk the spectacular coastal paths of Cornwall, including St Michael’s Mount and the Minack Theatre
  • Enjoy a private 6-day Wilderness England wildlife tour of the Pembrokeshire coast

Day by Day

Day 1 - Wednesday 2nd July - Arrive in London - Staffordshire Bound

Welcome to England! Upon arrival at London Heathrow, collect your hire car and begin your journey north towards the charming village of Mayfield in Staffordshire. To break up the drive, you may wish to stop en route at Blenheim Palace, Stowe Landscape Gardens, or enjoy a walk through the Cotswolds for a taste of quintessential English countryside. Arrive in Mayfield and settle into your accommodation, nestled in peaceful surroundings with rolling hills and river valleys all around.

Overnight: Mayfield
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Thursday 3rd July - Free Day to Explore Mayfield

Spend a leisurely day exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding Mayfield at your own pace. Take a scenic drive to the charming town of Ashbourne, known for its cobbled streets, antique shops, and welcoming tearooms. You may wish to out for a walk in the nearby Dovedale Valley, where riverside trails and the famous stepping stones across the River Dove make for a peaceful outing. Alternatively, consider a visit to Lathkill Dale, one of the Peak District’s most picturesque limestone valleys, offering tranquil walking routes through flower-rich meadows, crystal-clear streams, and dramatic rocky scenery. For a slower pace, stay close to the village and relax with a good book or a hearty lunch at a traditional country pub.

Overnight: Mayfield
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Friday 4th July - Arrive in Llangollen

Depart the quiet village of Mayfield this morning and begin your journey west into the heart of North Wales. The drive takes you through peaceful countryside, with optional stops along the way—perhaps visit the stately Chirk Castle, with its expansive gardens and medieval roots, or enjoy a short break in the market town of Oswestry. Arrive in the pretty riverside town of Llangollen, where the River Dee winds through wooded hills and green fields. Stretch your legs with a gentle walk along the Llangollen Canal, or for panoramic views, take a short hike to the romantic ruins of Castell Dinas Brân, perched high above the valley. Settle in for a relaxing evening in your welcoming accommodation, or wander through town to browse its independent shops and inviting cafés.

Overnight: Llangollen
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Saturday 5th July - Explore the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley

Today, explore the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Natural Beauty, an area of rolling hills, open moorland, and peaceful farmland. You may wish to walk one of the scenic hill trails such as Moel Famau, or visit Loggerheads Country Park. For a mix of history and landscape, visit the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey, nestled at the foot of a wooded hillside.

Overnight: Llangollen
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Sunday 6th July - Conwy Castle & the North Wales Coast

Travel north to the fortified medieval town of Conwy, set beside a wide estuary and framed by green hills. Visit the spectacular Conwy Castle, walk the old town walls, or enjoy a coastal stroll along the harbour. You may want to make time to explore Bodnant Garden, one of the finest gardens in the UK, set in a hillside overlooking Snowdonia.

Overnight: Conwy
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Monday 7th July - Explore Anglesey & the Coastal Path

Cross the Menai Suspension Bridge to reach Anglesey, a peaceful island ringed with dramatic coastlines and dotted with ancient monuments. Visit South Stack Lighthouse, explore stretches of the Anglesey Coastal Path, or discover hidden beaches like Porth Dafarch. For history lovers, Beaumaris Castle offers a glimpse into Edward I’s conquest of Wales.

Overnight: Conwy
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Tuesday 8th July - Snowdonia & Transfer to Caernarfon

Make your way into the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Weather permitting, you may wish to hike one of the popular routes up Snowdon, or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway for easier access to breathtaking views from the summit. After your adventure, continue to Caernarfon, home to another of Edward I’s iconic castles and a lively historic town. Settle in for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Caernarfon
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Wednesday 9th July - Nant Gwrtheyrn & Llyn Peninsula

Today, head west to explore the Llyn Peninsula, a tranquil region with long beaches, tiny villages, and Celtic history. Visit Nant Gwrtheyrn, a beautifully restored Welsh language village set in a secluded valley overlooking the sea. Alternatively, enjoy a coastal walk at Porth Dinllaen, where you might spot seals offshore. Return to Caernarfon for a second night.

Overnight: Caernarfon
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Thursday 10th July - Southbound via RSPB Ynys-hir to Hay-on-Wye

Begin your journey south with a stop at RSPB Ynys-hir, a peaceful nature reserve offering woodland trails, estuary views, and the chance to spot a variety of birdlife. Continue on to Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre, where you can enjoy a scenic walk through the forest and witness the spectacular daily 2pm feeding of red kites, a memorable highlight of the region. Afterward, make your way to Hay-on-Wye, a charming market town known for its world-famous bookshops, cosy cafes, and literary heritage, nestled on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Overnight: Hay-on-Wye
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Friday 11th July - Black Mountains & Local Wanders

Explore the surrounding hills and valleys of the Black Mountains today. You may wish to walk up Hay Bluff or along the Offa’s Dyke Path for panoramic views, or follow quiet country lanes through hedgerows and sheep-dotted pastures. Return to Hay-on-Wye to browse antique shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

Overnight: Hay-on-Wye
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Saturday 12th July - Your Wales Wildlife Adventure Begins

Depart Hay-on-Wye this morning and journey south through the scenic countryside towards Swansea, where you will meet your Wilderness guide after dropping off your hire car. With them, travel a short distance to Oxwich National Nature Reserve. The reserve encompasses a variety of habitats, including sand dunes, lakes, and woodlands, as well as a beautiful, long sandy beach. Enjoy a relaxed walk with your guide, looking out for flowers like wild orchids and birds such as water rails, little grebes, and moorhens. This evening, settle into your cosy 17th-century inn and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Overnight: Gower
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Sunday 13th July - Gower Peninsula

Head out this morning to explore Gower Peninsula, the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visit Rhossili Bay, an award-winning great swathe of golden sand and crystal-clear water that looks out to the uniquely named headland, Worm’s Head. Gower Peninsula is an important haven for much wildlife, particularly birds, where it is possible to hear skylarks and yellowhammers, as well as spot raptors such as peregrine falcons and kestrels. As you walk, look out for butterflies such as small blue, dark green fritillary, and grayling.

Overnight: Gower
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13 - Monday 14th July - Barafundle Bay and Stackpole Walled Gardens

After breakfast, travel west to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and visit Stackpole Walled Gardens. Enjoy a scenic walk that winds by lily ponds and hidden coves, up onto the grassy headland, and along one of the most spectacular beaches you’ll ever see at Barafundle Bay. Due to the mixture of habitats here, there is ample opportunity to spot a diversity of flora and fauna. Look for rare freshwater plants, dragonflies, and birds such as stonechat, oystercatcher, and razorbill. After you walk, finish your journey by crossing the waters at Milford Haven (the world’s second deepest natural harbour after Syndey) to arrive in Britain’s smallest city, St Davids.

Overnight: St Davids
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 14 - Tuesday 15th July - Full-Day Seabird and Cetacean Boat Tour

This morning, set out for a day of adventure as you join a brother and sister team for a boat trip out into the Celtic Deep in search of seabirds, whales and dolphins. With depths of up to 100 metres, the Celtic Deep (an area of the Celtic Sea) is full of nutrients, creating ideal habitats for a diverse range of bird and marine life. With the opportunity to spot common dolphins, minke whales, and even sharks, as well as seabirds such as shearwaters, fulmars, gannets, auks, and puffins – today is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Overnight: St Davids
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15 - Wednesday 16th July - Exploring Pembrokeshire

Join your guide to explore mainland Pembrokeshire today, spending time surrounded by the beautiful countryside and spotting wildflowers, insects and birds. Perhaps walk a stunning section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and visit Cemaes Head, watching for the bright orange beaks of choughs. Undoubtedly the most enchanting member of the crow family, they like to nest in inaccessible caves, cracks and crevices in the cliffs. Another option is to wander along a white sandy beach and peer into clear rock pools that are colourful with sea anemones, crabs, and tiny fish before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: St Davids
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 16 - Thursday 17th July - A Boat Trip to Ramsay Island

Today, a fantastic boat trip that circumnavigates Ramsay Island awaits you. The island is an RSPB Reserve, home to ravens, peregrines, buzzards, guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. Observe the noisy, impressive spectacle from the boat as you learn about the island’s birdlife before coming ashore to enjoy a walk with your guide. The southern headlands are a unique combination of heather, gorse, and coastal plants, where you can also spot pipits and skylarks. Back on the mainland this afternoon, have some time to relax before dinner.

Overnight: St Davids
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 17 - Friday 18th July - Morning in St Davids

This morning, enjoy a couple of hours exploring St Davids. Visit the magnificent medieval palace now in impressive ruins and learn about its fascinating history. Afterwards, stroll across the way to admire and visit the cathedral, one of the most important ecclesiastical sites in Wales. Depart St Davids to arrive back in Swansea, where your trip will conclude and you can collect a hire car for the remainder of your trip and continue onto Cardiff for the evening.

Overnight: Cardiff
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 18 - Saturday 19th July - Exploring Cardiff

Enjoy a free day to explore Cardiff at your own pace. You might visit the impressive Cardiff Castle, set within Roman walls and Victorian grandeur, or stroll through the elegant Civic Centre and Bute Park, a sprawling green space along the River Taff. The rejuvenated Cardiff Bay area is perfect for waterside walks and contemporary dining, or visit the National Museum Cardiff for a dose of culture and art. Cardiff offers a refreshing blend of Welsh heritage and modern city life.

Overnight: Cardiff
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 19 - Sunday 20th July - Cornwall bound & Tintagel Castle

Begin your journey to Cornwall, with a stop at Tintagel Castle, steeped in Arthurian legend and perched dramatically on a rocky headland. Cross the footbridge to explore the island ruins and coastal trails. Then continue to Boscastle, a peaceful harbour village tucked into a natural inlet where you can settle in for the evening.

Overnight: Boscastle
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 20 - Monday 21st July - Exploring Boscastle

Spend the day exploring the North Cornwall coast, with options to walk along the South West Coast Path, visit St Nectan’s Glen, or explore local legends and folklore. The area is rich with natural beauty and coastal scenery, with plenty of opportunities for short walks and quiet moments. If you are fans of Poldark there are several locations you could visit including Bodmin Moor, where scenes featuring Ross Poldark’s windswept horseback rides were filmed. Visit St Breward, which doubled as Ross’s home village, or take a walk on Roughtor and Brown Willy for expansive views across the moor.

Overnight: Boscastle
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 21 - Tuesday 22nd July - Minack Theatre, Lands End & St Ives

Leave Boscastle this morning and journey southwest along the Cornish coast toward the far western tip of England. Your first stop is the spectacular Minack Theatre near Porthcurno, a one-of-a-kind open-air theatre carved into the granite cliffs, with sweeping views over turquoise seas. Take time to explore this remarkable setting and enjoy the coastal scenery that surrounds it. From here, continue to Land’s End, mainland Britain’s most westerly point, where dramatic cliffs drop into the Atlantic and way marked trails offer stunning views in every direction. In the afternoon, make your way to the charming harbour town of St Ives, known for its golden beaches, thriving arts scene, and relaxed coastal vibe.

Overnight: St Ives
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 22 - Wednesday 23rd July - St Michael's Mount

Begin the day with a visit to the iconic St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island crowned with a medieval castle and subtropical gardens. At low tide, you can walk across the ancient causeway from Marazion, while at high tide, a short boat ride provides access. After exploring the island, you may wish to continue to the nearby Botallack or Levant Mines, where the rugged clifftop ruins and heritage trails tell the dramatic story of Cornwall’s 19th-century mining industry. Later today, return to St Ives and spend time discovering its rich artistic legacy—perhaps visiting the Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, or enjoying a peaceful walk along Porthmeor Beach as the sun begins to dip over the Atlantic.

Overnight: St Ives
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 23 - Thursday 24th July - Depart

Today marks the end of your journey through Wales and Cornwall. After breakfast in St Ives, begin your return drive to Birmingham or Manchester, depending on where you collected your hire car. To break up the journey, consider stopping in Exeter to admire the stunning Exeter Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with its soaring vaulted ceilings and medieval carvings. Alternatively, take a scenic detour through the Cotswolds, where you can wander through idyllic stone villages like Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, or Broadway, often called the most beautiful in England. If you’re in the mood for nature, Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury offers peaceful woodland walks among rare and colourful trees. After your stop, continue your drive and return your vehicle before heading to the airport or your onward destination.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 22 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 11 to Day 17 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Full-Day Seabird and Cetacean boat tour
    • Ramsay Island boat trip
    • St Davids Cathedral
    • Caernarfon Castle
    • Conwy Castle
    • Tintagel Castle
    • The Minack Theatre
    • St Michaels Mount
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Car hire
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • St Michael’s Mount boat transfer (as tide dependent. Can be purchased online for £3.20 if required)
  • Gratuities
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 25% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is £8,055 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Important Additional Information Read More
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

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Photo looking along the coast of Anglesey on a clear and sunny day.

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Snowdonia National Park sign

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Virtuoso

Exploring Wales & Cornwall

Wednesday 2nd July – Thursday 24th July 2025