Ker & Downey - Wales Explorations

Day 1 - Monday 9^th September - Arrival into Wales & Conwy

Upon arrival into Manchester airport, collect your rental vehicle and drive to the heart of Conwy Valley, arriving at Bodnant Welsh Food for some classic local cuisine. Take a short drive to visit the smallest house in Great Britain, nestled at the end of a terrace of houses on the quayside. Pop inside for a nosy of this national treasure and experience the special atmosphere inside.

Walk down to the World Heritage Site and famous fortress of Conwy Castle to soak up this exceptionally preserved set of Royal Medieval apartments. Follow the footsteps of King Richard II as he took refuge from King Henry VI.

Overnight: Conwy | The Castle Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Suite

Day 2 - Tuesday 10^th September - Beaumaris, Halen Mon Salt, Caenarfon & Portmeirion

This morning drive over the Menai Bridge to the island of Anglesey and visit Beaumaris Castle, the last and greatest created by King Edward I. This formidable defence fortress tells a tale of the dream that never came true as the unfinished towers make this a special place of ambition and beauty.

Next, head to the banks of the Menai Strait to discover Halen Mon. Experience a guided tour and tasting of hand harvested sea salt and discover what makes it one of the world’s finest seasonings.

End the day at Caernarfon Castle, recognised as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. Unlike it’s neighbouring castles, Caernarfon is most impressive for it’s scale and architectural drama. Journey on to Portmeirion to draw the curtains on this enchanting village.

Overnight: Portmeirion | Castell Deudraeth
Room Type: Castle Grand Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Wednesday 11^th September - Hiking Snowdon - Guided

Today, meet your expert guide as you hike Snowdon, also known as Yr Wyddfa in Welsh, which proudly stands as the highest mountain south of the Scottish Highlands. Though its elevation of 3,560 feet may not compete with the giants of the world, Snowdon remains an impressive and rewarding peak. Choose from 6 different paths to reach the summit, re-fuel with a picnic lunch whilst admiring the views of the valleys below.

Transfer back to Portmeirion and raise a glass to celebrate summiting the highest mountain in England and Wales.

Overnight: Portmeirion | Castell Deudraeth
Room Type: Castle Grand Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Thursday 12^th September - Cwm Idwal hike, Swallow Falls and Dolwyddelan Castle - Guided

This morning, journey North and meet your guide to walk along the dramatic scenery of Cwm Idwal. Explore the beautiful ice-sculpted formations and witness the crystal clear waters of Llyn Idwal in the hollows below.

Pass through the quaint village of Pont Cyfyng and reach Swallow Falls, a spectacular waterfall created by the river Llugwy flowing through a narrow chasm. The water is separated by a prominent rock giving the falls the resemblance of a swallow’s tail and see the picture perfect back drop of beech, conifer and birch trees.

After saying farewell to your guide, stop off along your way to the stunning coastal town of Portmeirion at the impressive Dolwyddelan Castle. Since the 13th Century and built by Edward I, this mountain Castle has been a stronghold with stunning views.

Overnight: Portmeirion | Castell Deudraeth
Room Type: Castle Grand Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Friday 13^th September - Harlech Castle, Feed Red Kites and Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber

This morning visit Harlech Castle, known for it’s stunning surroundings amongst the rocky crags of the sea below and Snowdonia setting the scene behind. Enter Harlech over the floating footbridge, an easy feat today, unlike the many sieges this Castle historically withstood.

In the afternoon, perch yourself on a hilltop as you witness the long established tradition of feeding the red kites. Walk among the trails with remnants of the lead mining industry and look above the heather coated hills for the red kites to grace the skies.

Journey on to Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber for a mysterious journey to the Neolithic times when ancestors of this agricultural community buried their dead in these tombs and feel the haunting atmosphere amongst the hills.

Overnight: St Davids | Twr Y Felin
Room Type: Standard
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Saturday 14^th September - Exploring Pembrokeshire

Hike a section of the spectacular Pembrokeshire Coastal Path along the most varied coastal scenery in Britain. Twisting and turning for nearly 300km, there are plenty of magnificent views to enjoy along the cliff tops and beaches below. Rest your legs for a while at Pembroke Castle. Be fascinated by its tumultuous past, how its defenders narrowly avoided a siege by the Welsh and the unique cylindrical tower.

This afternoon, discover the hidden gem of Church Door Cove. Marvel at this geological wonder of a small sandy cove with towering cliffs cut by the sheer force of the sea, resembling doorways of a church.

Overnight: St Davids | Twr Y Felin
Room Type: Standard
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sunday 15^th September - Penderyn Distillery and The Brecon Beacons

Start your day learning about the home of Welsh whiskey and what makes Penderyn Distillery so special. A combination of the villages natural spring water and unique copper pots gives this once lost art a new lease of life.

Drive North through the Brecon Beacons and stop for a walk in this majestic National Park before arriving at your final stop in Wales, the picturesque Hay-on-Wye.

Overnight: Hay-On-Wye | The Swan At Hay
Room Type: Classic

Day 8 - Monday 16^th September - Matlock Bath, Nine Ladies and Haddon Hall

Enjoy a relaxing morning exploring the quirky shops, cafes and amusements of Matlock Bath as you stroll along the Rive Derwent. It’s unique position in a limestone gorge with the charming promenade and tranquil atmosphere gives you a sense of peace in nature. Next visit the Nine Ladies Stone Circle from the Bronze Age, traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday.

End the day at Haddon Hall, a favourite location for film makers featuring tales of Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice and Elizabeth to name a few. Marvel at the Elizabethan Walled Gardens renowned for their beauty and structure.

Overnight: Hope Valley, Peak District | The Scotman's Pack Hotel
Room Type: Twin Ensuite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Tuesday 17^th September - Hiking Mam Tor

The most dramatic vista of the Peak District awaits as you climb Mam Tor. Once you reach the summit, enjoy views North over the Edale Valley to Kinder Scout and the Derwent Moors. Also called ‘The Shivering Mountain’ you’ll be rewarded with iconic topography views of Englands stunning landscape.

Overnight: Hope Valley, Peak District | The Scotman's Pack Hotel
Room Type: Twin Ensuite

Day 10 - Wednesday 18^th September - Caving

Home to the highest natural cavern in the UK, enjoy winding your way through the twists and turns of passageways and exploring the caverns and tunnels of this labyrinth laden land. With your expert guide, explore the Subterranean caves and discover the impressive chambers that lead to stunning waterfalls and fine calcite formations. Feel the adrenaline with a traverse above underground waterfalls and challenge yourself with an abseil straight from the surface.

Overnight: Hope Valley, Peak District | The Scotman's Pack Hotel
Room Type: Twin Ensuite

Day 11 - Thursday 19^th September - Footsteps of Jane Eyre

Spend today walking in the footsteps of young governess Jane Eyres’ story, famously written by the novelist Charlotte Bronte. Weave your way past many scenes and bring the famous gothic novel to life. Take the chance to explore a Romano-British village, Norman fort, historic church and breathtaking moors, perhaps enjoying a picnic or lunch in a cosy cafe along the way. Seek out hidden gems like Robin Hood’s cave, wildlife such as cackly red grouse and the distinguishable curlew and learn about local legends. Retire to your hotel after your adventures for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Hope Valley, Peak District | The Scotman's Pack Hotel
Room Type: Twin Ensuite

Day 12 - Friday 20^th September - Depart

Enjoy the scenic views that unfold beyond the window as you wind your way back through the Peak District and arrive at Manchester Airport to drop off your rental vehicle and say goodbye to England and Wales as you begin your journey home.