Ker & Downey - Wales Explorations - Final Information
Nicole
Monday 9th September – Friday 20th September 2024
Monday 9th September – Friday 20th September 2024
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.
Pick up self arranged vehicle at Manchester Airport.
The Castle Hotel confirmation numbers:
Room 1: BK034512/2
Room 2: BK034512/1
Overnight: Conwy | The Castle Hotel & Restaurant
Room Type: Deluxe Suite
Travel Date: September 8, 2024 | Airline: Singapore Airlines | Flight Number: SQ51
Departure Airport: Houston | Departure Time: 06:45
Arrival Airport: Manchester | Arrival Time: 09:40
Flights lands into Manchester on 9th September
Car Rental Company: Hertz
Booking Reference: K7984087732
Pick Up Location: Manchester Apt Delta Hotels by Marriott, Hale Road, Hale Barns, Manchester, WA15 8XW | Pick Up Time: 11:00
Phone: 843 309 3047
Car rental arranged by Nicole
Directions for Day 1 here
Activity: Conwy Castle
Start Location: Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle is a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Manchester airport
Your entry time to Conwy Castle is flexible. Last admission 16:30pm
Parking: Castell Conwy does not have a car park, we recommend parking in the Castle Hotel car park and walking from there (4 minutes)
Please use your Explorer Pass for entry (PDF found in the additional information drop down)
Activity: The Smallest House
Start Location: The Smallest House, Conwy
Phone: +44 (0)1492 573965
Entry to The Smallest House is non-bookable and cash only (tickets are £1.50pp)
Entry time is flexible
Smallest House is open until 6pm
The Smallest House is within walking distance of your hotel
Restaurant: Castle Hotel, Conwy | Location: High Street, Conwy
Reservation Time: 19:00 |
Booking Reference: DMN-16870019813
Phone: +44(0)1492 582800
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
The name on the reservation is Nicole Porto.
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.
Castell Deudraeth confirmation number: BK067434/1
Overnight: Portmeirion | Castell Deudraeth
Room Type: Castle Grand Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Directions for Day 2 here
Parking:
– Beaumaris Castle – parking a few mins away
– Halen Mon – parking on site
– Caernarfon Castle – parking adjacent to castle at waterfront
– Castell Deudraeth – parking on site
Activity: Beaumaris Castle
Start Location: Beaumaris Castle, Castle St, Beaumaris LL58 8AP | Start Time: 09:30
Phone: +44(0)3000 252239
Beaumaris is a 45 minute drive from Conwy Castle Hotel. We recommend leaving at 08:45am to arrive at Beaumaris for opening time at 09:30am
Parking information: parking a few minutes walk away
Please use your Explorer Pass for entry (PDF found in the additional information drop down)
Activity: Halen Môn Salt Tour
Start Location: Halen Môn, Brynsiencyn Isle of Anglesey LL6 16TQ | Start Time: 11:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Booking Reference: 6164729
Phone: +44(0)1248 430871
Halen Mon is a 30 minute drive from Beaumaris. Parking is on site. Please arrive 5 minutes before your tour begins.
Please see additional information for your tour ticket confirmation.
Activity: Caernarfon Castle
Start Location: Caernarfon Castle, Castle Ditch Caernarfon Gwynedd LL55 2AY
Phone: +44(0)1286 677617
Caernarfon Castle is a 30 minute drive from Halen Mon.
Your entry time to the castle is flexible.
Please use your Explorer Pass for entry (PDF found in the additional information drop down)
Restaurant: Castell Deudraeth Brasserie | Location: Portmeirion, Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth Gwynedd LL48 6ER
Reservation Time: 19:15 |
Booking Reference: BXAZQD3J
Phone: +44(0)1766 770000
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
We have made the reservation using our company card. Should any charges be incurred in conjunction with the below cancellation policy below, we will invoice these to you.
Cancellation policy: Any cancellation requests made within 24 hours of your booked time will result in a cancelation charge of £18pp being processed and a no show charge is £30pp
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
Name:
Tom Hutton
Contact Number: +44 (0)7974 912 479
Meeting Place: Castell Deudraeth | Meeting Time: 09:00
Your expert guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel before your day hiking Snowdon. You will be able to discuss the route and then drive in convoy to the destinations.
Restaurant: Castell Deudraeth
Reservation Time: 07:45
Restaurant: The Portmeirion Hotel & Restaurant | Location: Portmeirion, Minffordd Penrhyndeudraeth Gwynedd LL48 6ER
Reservation Time: 19:15 |
Booking Reference: BJGXHXYW
Phone: +44(0)1766 772440
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
The name on the reservation is Nicole Porto.
We have made the reservation using our company card. Should any charges be incurred in conjunction with the below cancellation policy below, we will invoice these to you.
Cancellation policy: Any cancellation requests made within 24 hours of your booked time will result in a cancelation charge of £18 pp being processed and a no show charge: £30pp
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.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time and location with you the night before.
Overnight: Portmeirion | Castell Deudraeth
Room Type: Castle Grand Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: Castell Dolwyddelan
Start Location: A470(T) Blaenau Ffestiniog to Betws-y-Coed, LL25 0JD
The internal area of the castle is now open Friday, Saturday and Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am-4pm. All other days, external viewing only.
There is no dedicated parking available – please do not use the car park near the farm house.
The pathway via the farm house to the castle is private property and there is no access to the castle via this route.
There is a layby on the A470 – 500m to the east of the monument with a public right-of-way.
Restaurant: Castell Deudraeth
Reservation Time: 07:45
Restaurant: Yr Hen Fecws Restaurant | Location: Yr Hen Fecws, 16 Lombard Street Porthmadog LL49 9AP
Reservation Time: 19:30 |
Booking Reference: R3DZCR
Phone: +44(0)1766 514625
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
Name on the reservation is Nicole Porto.
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.
Twr Y Felin confirmation number: 16749
Overnight: St Davids | Twr Y Felin Hotel
Room Type: Standard
Meals Included: Breakfast
Restaurant: Castell Deudraeth
Reservation Time: 08:00
Directions here
Parking:
– Harlech Castle – pay and display car park on-site
– Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre – pay at ticket machine on arrival (£3 for 3 hours, £5 all day – cash or card, no change given -The ticket machine in the bottom car park takes coins and cards. The ticket machine in the top car park only takes coins)
– Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber – limited parking on lay-by outside
– Twr Y Felin – car park is located directly outside hotel
Activity: Harlech Castle
Start Location: Castell Harlech Harlech LL46 2YH | Start Time: 09:30
Phone: +44(0)3000 252239
Harlech Castle opens at 9:30am and is a 20 minute drive from Castell Deudraeth
Please use your Explorer Pass for entry (PDF found in the additional information drop down)
Activity: Woodland Walk & Red Kite feeding
Start Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, SY23 3AB | Start Time: 15:00
Phone: +44(0)1970 890453
Bwlch Nant yr Arian is a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Harlech Castle
The red kite feeding is free to watch
Activity: Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber
Start Location: Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber
Website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/pentre-ifan-chambered-tomb
Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber is a 1 hour 35 minute drive from Bwlch Nant yr Arian
The burial chamber is free to enter
Closing time is 4pm and Last admission is at 3:30pm (access may be available after this time)
Restaurant: GRAIN | Location: St Davids
Reservation Time: 19:30
Phone: +44 (0)1437 454321 | Website: https://grain.wales/st-davids/
This is a table reservation booked under Nicole Porto. Please pay directly.
GRAIN is a 7 minute walk from your hotel
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 Hotel
Room Type: Standard
Meals Included: Breakfast
Restaurant: Twr Y Felin Hotel
Reservation Time: 08:00
Activity: Pembroke Castle
Start Location: Pembroke Castle Pembroke Pembrokeshire SA71 4LA | Start Time: 13:00
Phone: +44(0)1646 681510
Directions to Pembroke Castle and Church Door Cove here
Hiking route suggestions here 9.0 km and here 7.7km
Parking:
– Pembroke Castle – pay and display down the road from the Castle
– Church Door Cove – parking W3W – ///shrubbery.cares.playroom or further walk away along path ///shuttled.readers.grace
Restaurant: Really Wild Emporium | Location: 24 High St, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6SD
Reservation Time: 20:30 |
Booking Reference: 3996
Phone: +44 (0)1437 721755 | Website: https://www.reallywildemporium.co.uk/
The restaurant is a 6 minute walk from your hotel or there is free on-street parking after 6pm
This is a table reservation only for the tasting menu, booked under Nicole Porto.
Please pay directly.
We have made the reservation using our company card. Should any charges be incurred in conjunction with the below cancellation policy below, we will invoice these to you
Cancellation policy: No-shows or cancellations less than 2 days in advance will be subject to a charge of £30 per person
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.
The Swan at Hay confirmation number: DBM311642801886003
Overnight: Hay-on-Wye | The Swan at Hay
Room Type: Classic
Restaurant: Twr Y Felin Hotel
Reservation Time: 08:00
Activity: Penderyn Distillery
Start Location: Penderyn Distillery Penderyn Rhondda Cynon Taf CF44 0SX | Start Time: 11:00
Booking Reference: ZMMV-260724
Phone: +44(0)1685 810 650
Your voucher and ticket is in the important information section of your final information document. Please take this with you on the day.
Directions here
Parking:
– Penderyn Distillery – parking on site
– The Swan at Hay – small carpark to the rear of the hotel – please note that people have reviewed as tight. Permit parking out front is Mon-Sat 8am-6pm or one hour
Suggested Walk:
Four Waterfalls Walk – 8.8km circular – here – start at Gwaun Hepste car park (£6 per car) or Cwm Porth car park (approx £5 for day) – this is a 10 minute drive from the Distillery
| Location: The Swan at Hay
Reservation Time: 19:00
This is a table reservation booked under Nicole Porto. Please pay directly.
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.
Scotman’s Pack Hotel reservation number: 980-429-991
Overnight: Hope Valley | The Scotsman's Pack
Room Type: Twin Ensuite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Directions here
Parking:
– Matlock Bath – there are a few pay and displays in town
– Haddon Hall – pay for parking at exit barrier of car park – (car park across other side of A6 – take care crossing)
– Nine Ladies – https://w3w.co/decorator.parsnips.saddens
– The Scotman’s Pack Hotel – small car park on site and on street parking
Activity: Haddon Hall Entry
Start Location: Haddon Hall Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1LA | Start Time: 14:00
Booking Reference: 149670
Phone: +44(0)1629 812 855
Please see the additional information drop down for your ticket PDF
Pub: The George, Hathersage | Location: The George, Main Road Hathersage Derbyshire S32 1BB
Reservation Time: 19:30 |
Booking Reference: DMN-16870028570
Phone: +44(0)1433 650436
Please note this is a table reservation booked under Nicole Porto. Please pay directly.
The pub is a 8 minute walk from your hotel or there is parking on-site (barrier opens automatically – code to exit is on receipt)
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 | The Scotsman's Pack
Room Type: Twin Ensuite
Directions here
Parking:
– Castleton Car Park – Cross Street, Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 8WH – pay and display or plenty of other parking around
Please additional information drop down for circular route map
Restaurant: Bank House, Hathersage | Location: Bank House, Main Road Hathersage Hope Valley S32 1BB
Reservation Time: 19:00 |
Booking Reference: BH96TXTH
Phone: 01433 449060
Please note this is a table reservation booked under Nicole Porto. Please pay directly.
The restaurant is a 6 minute walk from your hotel.
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 | The Scotsman's Pack
Room Type: Twin Ensuite
Activity: Caving
Start Location: Castleton National Park Visitors Centre, Buxton Road, Castleton, S33 8WP | Start Time: 10:00
Booking Reference: NA075
Phone: +44(0)1904 500094
Directions to caving car park here
Parking:
Castleton Visitors Centre car park – please do not pay for parking. You will be driving from here less than 5 minutes up the road. You will not be parking here for the day, you will need your own vehicle to follow the instructor to the cave.
What to Bring With You:
Our guide will provide you with full caving equipment.
Below you will find a list of things to bring.
– Please be aware any clothing worn in the cave will likely end up wet and muddy!
– The cave environment can be quite cool, so we recommend several layers:
– 3 or 4 warm layers for the upper body (i.e. thermal base layer, sweat shirt and fleece top)
– Warm trousers (cargo or walking trousers and thermal long-johns if you have them no denim)
– Thin warm hat, balaclava or buff (optional, must safely fit under the helmet)
– We provide wellies but you can bring your own or walking boots
– If you get cold easily you may appreciate gloves; either thick rubber, neoprene or gardening style gloves if it is a colder time of the year
– Water & energy bars and other snacks that are in sealed packets that can be put into cave suit pockets.
– A full lunch is difficult to carry.
– Anything you bring must be in waterproof containers and there may not be space in the bags depending on the trip.
– It’s a good idea to eat a big sandwich just before you leave your vehicle before you walk to the cave.
– It is best to have flexible snack options so the guide can advise you on the day.
Important – Please do not take any valuable items into the cave, or wear any jewellery, especially; rings, belly button rings, necklaces, and earrings.
Restaurant: The Scotsman's Pack, Hathersage | Location: The Scotsman's Pack, School Lane Hathersage Derbyshire S32 1BZ
Reservation Time: 19:00 |
Booking Reference: B9NZ74KP
Phone: +44(0)1433 650253
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
Name on the reservation is Nicole Porto.
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 | The Scotsman's Pack
Room Type: Twin Ensuite
Directions here
The trail can be walking from the hotel.
Alternatively the starting location is at: The George Inn, Main Rd, Hathersage, Hope Valley S32 1BB
Please see additional information drop down for the Hathersage Trail Map
Restaurant: The Maynard, Hope Valley | Location: The Maynard, Main Rd Grindleford Hope Valley S32 2HE
Reservation Time: 19:00 |
Booking Reference: DMN-16870029834
Phone: +44(0)1433 424110
Please note this a table reservation booked under Nicole Porto. Please pay directly.
The restaurant is a 10 minute drive from your hotel. There is a car park on site, please make sure that you register your car at the main reception to avoid a fine.
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.
Drop off self-arranged vehicle. We recommend arriving for your flight 3 hours prior to departure.
Directions to car drop off here
Car Rental Company: Hertz
Booking Reference: K7984087732
Drop Off Location: Car rental drop off location: Manchester Apt Delta Hotels by Marriott, Hale Road, Hale Barns, Manchester, WA15 8XW | Drop Off Time: 08:00
Phone: 843 309 3047
Travel Date: September 20, 2024 | Airline: Singapore Airlines | Flight Number: SQ52
Departure Airport: Manchester | Departure Time: 10:40
Arrival Airport: Houston | Arrival Time: 14:30
Notes On Weather & Flexibility
Weather – September in Wales & England can be a very wide range of weather, and very changeable. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential, as well as a flexible attitude. Plans may have to be changed to accommodate Mother Nature, and your guide will have back-up plans that they will discuss with you if required.
Essential Packing List
Note: If you would like us to provide trekking poles for your use then please just let us know and we will ensure these are available for you.
Tipping Guidelines
For tipping our guides – We don’t generally recommend a set amount as tipping is not expected in the same way that it is in North America. However, similar North American travel companies generally suggest something along the lines of £10-30 per person per day for your guide, which is a wide range to choose from. Generally, we would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide, and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations and choose an amount you are comfortable with.
For local services such as restaurants again tipping is not expected but if you receive great service then 10-15% of the bill is normal.
Luggage Notes
Please note that we expect travellers to bring an average of One Large Holdall or Suitcase and up to Two smaller day-bags or hand-luggage sized pieces. If you expect to bring more than this then please let us know well in advance of arrival so that we can ensure there is capacity for this (additional charges will apply if separate luggage transfers are required).
UK: +44 (0)1768 721 210
US: 833 574 0690
Please see our booking terms here.
High Street |
Conwy |
North Wales |
LL32 8DB |
Wales
Phone: +44(0)1858 438300
Web: castlewales.co.uk
Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth |
Portmeirion |
Wales |
LL48 6ER |
Wales
Phone: +44 (0)1766 770000
Web: portmeirion.wales/stay/accommodation
Ffordd Caerfai |
St Davids |
Pembrokeshire |
SA62 6QT |
Wales
Phone: +44 (0) 1437 725 555
Web: twryfelinhotel.com
The Swan at Hay, Church Street |
Hay-on-Wye |
HR3 5DQ |
Wales
Phone: (+44) 01497 821188
Web: swanathay.co.uk
School Lane, Hathersage |
Hope Valley |
Derbyshire |
S32 1BZ |
England
Phone: 01433 650253
Web: scotsmanspackcountryinn.co.uk
Contact Number: +44 (0)7974 912 479
I was born in the Cotswolds and raised in the southwest of England. After 20 years in a suit and tie, I threw it all in and became a photographer and writer, specialising in the outdoors, particularly mountain biking. Somehow, this morphed into guiding and instructing, and I’ve never looked back.