Exploring Wales

Mary and Tom & Mary and David

Tuesday 7th May – Monday 20th May 2024

Number of Travellers:  4
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights

Overview

Known for its sweeping coastlines, mountainous national parks, charming language and Celtic culture, Wales is a haven for those with an adventurous spirit. Join us on a trip into the heart of a country rich in history, culture and tradition. With your expert guide, hike through winding, quiet valleys, among misty mountain peaks and over rugged coasts. Discover the beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and take a boat trip to Ramsey Island to spot puffins and other coastal birds. Explore Snowdonia, hiking to the top of Snowdon while also having time to visit quaint villages and engaging museums and galleries. As the May wildflowers dance in the breeze enjoy relaxing in the warmth of bespoke accommodation, hand-picked for its local charm, lovely food and welcoming hospitality.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Tuesday 7th May | Arrive in Brecon Beacons National Park | Overnight: Brecon

Day 2 | Wednesday 8th May | Hay-On-Wye & an Afternoon Hike | Overnight: Brecon

Day 3 | Thursday 9th May | Hiking Pen y Fan | Overnight: Brecon

Day 4 | Friday 10th May | Exploring the National Park | Overnight: Brecon

Day 5 | Saturday 11th May | Travel to Pembrokshire | Overnight: St Davids

Day 6 | Sunday 12th May | Hiking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path | Overnight: St Davids

Day 7 | Monday 13th May | Exploring the Coast | Overnight: St Davids

Day 8 | Tuesday 14th May | A Boat Trip to Ramsey and Skomer Islands | Overnight: St Davids

Day 9 | Wednesday 15th May | Eryri National Park | Overnight: Llanddeiniolen

Day 10 | Thursday 16th May | National Slate Musuem & Hiking Cwm Idwal | Overnight: Llanddeiniolen

Day 11 | Friday 17th May | Hiking Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) | Overnight: Llanddeiniolen

Day 12 | Saturday 18th May | Hike on Anglesey | Overnight: Conwy

Day 13 | Sunday 19th May | Conwy Castle | Overnight: Conwy

Day 14 | Monday 20th May | Travel to Windsor

Highlights

  • Explore the differing Welsh landscapes as you visit the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia National Parks
  • Hike to the summit of some of the highest mountains in Wales, admiring sweeping views to the sea
  • Relax in hand-picked, bespoke accommodation, chosen for their warm Welsh welcome

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 7th May - Arrive in Brecon Beacons National Park

This morning meet your Wilderness guide Tom at your hotel. From here, transfer north into the rugged bounds of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Carved out by the Ice Age, the mountains, hills and valleys are a mix of grassy moorlands, heather-clad plateaus and shattered mountainous peaks. Moulded by nearly eight millennia of human activity, the weathered landscape is home to prehistoric monuments and numerous burial cairns. You’ll enjoy a walk with Tom before settling into the laid-back luxury of your charming hotel, which is tucked in the quiet hamlet of Llanhamlach.

Overnight: Brecon | Peterstone Court Country House & Spa
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Guide Details - Tom Hutton Read More +

Name: Tom Hutton
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7974 912 479
Meeting Place: Your Carddiff Hotel | Meeting Time: 09:30

Tom will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:30am.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Peterstone Court Country House & Spa | Location: Brecon Beacons
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1874 665 387 | Website: https://www.peterstone-court.com/

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 2 - Wednesday 8th May - Hay-On-Wye & an Afternoon Hike

This morning, visit the pretty market town of Hay-On-Wye, which lies just north of the Black Mountains. Full of independent and quirky artisanal shops, it has become famous for its secondhand and antiquarian bookshops – with some specialising in rare and out-of-print volumes. It’s a lovely place to explore, and with many local cafes to try out, once you’ve arrived, it’s a hard place to leave. Later this afternoon, enjoy a hike with your guide, keeping an eye out for red kites and peregrine falcons. Return to your lovely hotel this evening, say goodbye to your wonderful guide Tom and relax.

Overnight: Brecon | Peterstone Court Country House & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Hop in Beer and Gin | Location: Brecon
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1874 622 092 | Website: http://www.hopinbeerandgin.co.uk/

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 3 - Thursday 9th May - Hiking Pen y Fan

Rucksacks packed and boots laced, you’ll head out with Steve, your guide for the rest of the trip, to hike to the summit of Pen y Fan, a characterful, flat-topped mountain and the highest peak in South Wales. Used as a burial place during the Bronze Age, the top is marked by a well preserved and structured cairn with a central stone cist. Enjoy the walk through the wild, open moorland, looking out across the patchwork of green and gold fields and keeping an eye out for a variety of upland bird species, or lizards sunning themselves on the red rocks. Later this afternoon, relax back at your hotel, perhaps enjoying an aperitif or two in the garden before dinner.

Overnight: Brecon | Peterstone Court Country House & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Guide Details - Steve Gray Read More +

Name: Steve Gray
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7747 128 081
Meeting Place: Peterstone Court | Meeting Time: 09:00

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Peterstone Court Country House & Spa | Location: Brecon
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1874 665 387

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 4 - Friday 10th May - Exploring the National Park

Head out this morning for another day of hiking. With many different, lovely walks to choose from, chat with your guide and pick the best choice for today. Perhaps head off to ascend the hidden gem of Fan Gyhirych, a lesser-known but nevertheless captivating peak. Or opt for a lower-level walk that explores the tumbling waterfalls of the quiet glaciated valleys of Cwn Sere, Cwm Oergwn or Cwm Cynwyn. The hills that skirt the Brecon Beacons were once rich with coal, limestone and iron ore — the fuel of the Industrial Revolution. This afternoon you may want to visit Blaenavon Ironworks. Explore the ruined furnaces, the impressive remains of the foundry, cast house, and the water balance tower that raised wagons almost 80 feet into the air.

Overnight: Brecon | Peterstone Court Country House & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Peterstone Court Country House & Spa | Location: Brecon
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1874 665 387

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 5 - Saturday 11th May - Travel to Pembrokshire

After breakfast, leave the hills behind and travel west into Pembrokeshire. A stunning salt-soaked county, Pembrokeshire encompasses 186 miles of magnificent coastline made up of hidden bays, golden beaches and towering, rugged cliffs. Along the way, stop at the British Bird of Prey Centre and enjoy a flying experience as you join an experienced falconer on a hawk walk through the shady woodland. Afterwards, stroll around the botanical gardens before lunch and continuing on towards the coast. This afternoon, arrive in St Davids and settle into your charming hotel, which is full of contemporary art and a fine-dining restaurant.

Overnight: St Davids | Twr Y Felin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Really Wild Emporium | Location: St Davids
Reservation Time: 18:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1437 721 755 | Website: https://reallywildemporium.co.uk/

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 6 - Sunday 12th May - Hiking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

As gulls take to the wing against the sea-blown sky, head out into the salty sunshine to hike a stunning part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Established in 1970, its 186-mile route winds along the cliff tops and gives breathtaking views across the glittering sea to the horizon beyond. Enjoy traversing the coastline, stopping to admire the rocky cliffs, crescent beaches and sheltered bays along the way. Finish your walk back in St Davids and enjoy visiting the stunning 12th-century cathedral. Home to some lovely artisanal shops, enjoy a cool drink in one of the cafes before returning to your hotel to relax before dinner.

Overnight: St Davids | Twr Y Felin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Twr Y Felin | Location: St Davids
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1437 725 555 | Website: https://twryfelinhotel.com/

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 7 - Monday 13th May - Exploring the Coast

Today, enjoy walking another captivating section of the Pembrokeshire path. Ribbon your way along the clifftops, breathing in the fresh sea air as you look out across the island-dotted seascape. Chat with your guide about the history of the region, as you make your way through a landscape full of rocky outcrops, prehistoric monuments and a fantastic array of coastal wildlife. Stop for lunch with lovely views, enjoying time to unwind and chat without the pressure of the normal day-to-day plans pressing in. This evening, perhaps enjoy a stroll after dinner around St Davids, soaking in the soft, quiet of dusk as the stars start to twinkle out.

Overnight: St Davids | Twr Y Felin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Bishops | Location: St Davids
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1437 720 422 | Website: http://www.thebish.co.uk/

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 8 - Tuesday 14th May - A Boat Trip to Ramsey and Skomer Islands

After breakfast, head out for a fantastic boat trip that visits Ramsey and Skomer Island. Sail over the white-capped water to Skomer, home to 17,000 pairs of puffins and 360,00 manx shearwater pairs. Observe the noisy, impressive spectacle from the boat as you learn about the island’s birdlife and history. Then visit Ramsay Island and listen out for the huff of these lovable creatures as you sail by the huge western cliffs. Later, 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, return to your hotel with time to freshen up and enjoy dinner.

Overnight: St Davids | Twr Y Felin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Twr Y Felin | Location: St Davids
Reservation Time: 19:15
Phone: +44 (0) 1437 725 555 | Website: https://twryfelinhotel.com/

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 9 - Wednesday 15th May - Eryri National Park

Enjoy breakfast this morning before heading north into Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Along the way, visit Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber, a remarkable dolmen predating Stonehenge. Continue to Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre and have lunch before enjoying a beautiful walk with great views of the Cambrian Mountains. Return in time to see the feeding of the red kites – incredibly graceful birds of prey instantly recognisable by their deeply forked tails. Continue north and arrive at your boutique country house hotel which is tucked in a quiet, rural location surrounded by grazing sheep.

 

Overnight: Llanddeiniolen | Tyn Rhos Country House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Tyn Rhos Country House | Location: Seion
Reservation Time: 19:30
Phone: +44 1248 670 489 | Website: https://www.tynrhos.co.uk/

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 10 - Thursday 16th May - National Slate Musuem & Hiking Cwm Idwal

Diving into the heart of Welsh industrial history today, transfer to the village of Llanberis for a fascinating tour of the National Slate Museum. Enjoy engaging talks and live demonstrations as you get a glimpse into the importance of slate mining in the history and politics of Wales. This afternoon, hike to Cwm Idwal – a beautiful glaciated hanging valley where arctic flora thrives among huge rock slabs. Chat with your guide about the rare and fragile plant life as you explore the ice-sculpted hollow filled with the clear, crystal waters of Llyn Idwal.

Overnight: Llanddeiniolen | Tyn Rhos Country House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Garddfon Inn | Location: Y Felinheli
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1248 670 359 | Website: https://www.robinsonsbrewery.com/pubs/garddfon-inn-y-felinheli/

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 11 - Friday 17th May - Hiking Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

Rising 3,560 feet over Eryri’s glacier-carved landscapes, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the country’s highest peak. Join your guide today to hike up its beautiful flanks, enjoying a day spent in the stunning mountain landscape. A popular mountain to climb, there are a number of different routes to its summit. With your guide, avoid the busier routes by taking a lesser-known trail to the peak. Hike through the rocky-strewn landscape, enjoying the ever-changing views. On your return, keep an eye out for the semi-feral Carneddau ponies, whose history is thought to date back to the Bronze Age. Return to your hotel this evening and enjoy a well-earned dinner.

Overnight: Llanddeiniolen | Tyn Rhos Country House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Tan Woodfired Pizza | Location: Caernarfon
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 1286 671 569 | Website: https://tanwoodfiredpizza.co.uk/

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 12 - Saturday 18th May - Hike on Anglesey

This morning, travel north to the Isle of Anglesey. The Isle has a high percentage of Welsh speakers and is therefore often considered to be the heartland of the Welsh language. It is also peppered with prehistoric monuments, which makes it a fascinating place to explore and learn about its history, heritage and distinct Welsh culture. Join your guide for a hike, exploring the coastal heath, dunes and small pockets of woodland that form the wild, quiet landscape. Later this afternoon, return to the mainland and check in to the final hotel of your trip, a welcoming county house set in 200 acres of parkland.

Overnight: Conwy | Groes Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Groes Inn | Location: Conwy
Reservation Time: 19:15
Phone: +44 (0) 1492 650 545 | Website: https://www.groesinn.com/

Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 13 - Sunday 19th May - Conwy Castle

After breakfast, join your guide for a morning hike. With morning mists rolling back from the fields, enjoy spotting songbirds flitting in and out of the hedgerows as you meander your way through the undulating landscape. After lunch, visit the striking medieval fortress of Conwy Castle which still towers over the town after 700 years. Wind your way up the restored spiral staircases for views of Eryri’s craggy mountains and Conwy’s winding streets below. Offering the most complete set of residential rooms inhabited by the medieval monarchy anywhere in England or Wales, a visit to the Castle is a fascinating and engaging experience.

Overnight: Conwy | Groes Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Details Read More +

Discuss dinner this evening with your guide. Steve will share the options with you, and you may choose to dine together.
Pay locally at the restaurant.

Day 14 - Monday 20th May - Travel to Windsor

After a relaxed breakfast this morning, say goodbye to Wales. Together you will travel with your guide to Windsor, stopping on the walk to explore some the beautiful trails. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel this evening.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 14
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 14
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 14
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tickets to attractions mentioned
  • Island boat trip
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 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
  • Gratuities for your guide or at restaurants
Notes Read More

Emergency Support:
Wilderness England has a 24-hour on-call phone number, which is +44(0)7482 170 401. Please only contact this number out of office hours.

Arrival & Departure Read More

Your guide will meet you at Cardiff Hotel at 9:30 am on the first day of your trip.

You will be returned to Windsor Hotel at 5:30 pm on the final day of your trip.

Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is £8,195 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Pay a 25% deposit

Important Additional Information Read More
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

Peterstone Court Country House & Spa

Llanhamlach | Brecon | Powys |
LD3 7YB | Wales
Phone: +44 (0)1874 665 387
Web: peterstone-court.com

Twr Y Felin Hotel

Twr Y Felin Hotel | St Davids | Pembrokeshire |
SA62 6QT | Wales
Phone: +44 (0)1437 725 555
Web: twryfelinhotel.com

Tyn Rhos Country House

Seion | Llanddeiniolen | Snowdonia |
LL55 3AE | Wales
Phone: +44 (0)1248 670 489
Web: tynrhos.co.uk

Groes Inn

Llanrwst Road | Conwy | North Wales |
LL32 8TN | Wales
Phone: +44 (0)1492 650 545
Web: groesinn.com

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Seal

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Puffin

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Red Kite

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Dolphins

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Exterior image of the Welsh Highland Railway

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Birdwatching

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Meet Your Guides

Tom Hutton

Contact Number: +44 (0)7974 912 479

Passionate about walking and cycling, particularly in Scotland and Wales, Tom can typically be found by the coast or exploring the hills. Inspired by his love of nature and the great outdoors, Tom has written guidebooks, and his job as a Wilderness guide means he can share his knowledge with others.

Steve Gray

Contact Number: +44 (0)7747 128 081

Despite coming from SW London I have always been an explorer and was fascinated by wild life! As a kid, I would ride my bike to any bit of open space like Wimbledon Common, Mitcham Common or Bushy Park to explore and search for frogs, newts or small mammals and watch the deer in the Royal Parks. Nothing has changed except that I have gone a little further afield. I love guiding people throughout the whole of the UK.

Full Web Bio

Virtuoso

Exploring Wales

Tuesday 7th May – Monday 20th May 2024