guardian travel north wales

Instant calmer: a mindful walking weekend in Wales

A trip focusing on slow immersion in the natural world is the perfect way to unwind and restore mental harmony for this busy mum

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A railway station concourse is a stressful place. Trains come and go, announcements call out, screens flicker, lights flash and people run in different directions. Yet it was this chaotic scene that I was being asked to imagine on a mindful walking weekend in north-east Wales – one designed to help me unplug from stressful situations and learn tricks to sooth my senses in day-to-day life. I lifted my head to look at the assembled group – my friend Cerys, Nicky (who runs her own hospitality business), Claire, whose company started this tour, and Belinda Gammon, a mindfulness guide and therapist. We were high on a hill above the hamlet of Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, where only the sound of wind-rustled leaves could be heard.

“Think of your mind as being this station,” said Belinda in a slow, soothing tone. “Your thoughts are the trains that endlessly pass through, creating noise. You have the potential to jump on to any one of them – without really knowing where it will end up – but doing that can get you lost, confused, overwhelmed. Mindfulness meditation helps us to observe the trains but not board any.”

Her metaphor was particularly apt. The previous afternoon Cerys and I – mums to a toddler and teenagers respectively – had begun our trip at London’s Euston station, congratulating ourselves for booking a break that would give us mental time out from juggling parenthood and work.

Barely had our train pulled out than we were interrupted by a call from the nursery (my toddler had taken a tumble and I needed to sign an online accident form), an urgent text message from work, and a message from Cerys’s youngest child about the whereabouts of his bus pass. Whether or not mindful walking would work seemed irrelevant: we both needed this escape.

Claire Copeman – owner of Adventure Tours UK, which is certified as a socially responsible “B corporation” – began running these mindful walking tours during lockdown. She met us from Chirk station, south of Wrexham, and whisked us to the West Arms, a 16th-century coaching inn in the Ceiriog Valley.

“It’s totally different from the usual hiking, kayaking, cycling and running trips we offer, and I wasn’t sure how popular it would be,” said Claire. “But they completely sold out, so we put more on.” The weekends appeal to a wide mix of people, she added, from city workers wanting to escape hectic jobs to pensioners keen to get outside in a slow and thoughtful way.

A stay at the West Arms is part of the unwinding process – manager Sian welcomed us as though we were family. Despite our stressful journey, we felt instantly more relaxed, and before long were exploring the nooks and crannies of the old building, which started life as a farm in the 1570s before being transformed into a drovers’ inn, where cattle drivers would rest their livestock en route to markets in Oswestry and London. Now it’s frequented by people from the old market towns, who come to eat locally sourced food (Dolwen Welsh lamb, fish from the north Wales coast and speciality wild meat dishes from the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant), and sup ale from a microbrewery down the road.

The next morning, after Belinda explained mindfulness using the station analogy, we continued on what would be a five-mile jaunt into the foothills of the little-known Berwyn Mountains .

We began wandering amid farmland, before resting for a few minutes beside a brook while Belinda led an exercise to help us notice just how busy our minds can get. As we climbed higher into an ancient woodland, we lay down on the grass and learned through a guided meditation how to focus on our breathing. I began to notice things I would have missed while walking at my usual pace. I smelled the tangy scent of wood sorrel, heard the call of a meadow pipit, realised how similar the sound of wind moving through woodland is to waves lapping on a shore.

By the time we reached a line of wizened hawthorn and stopped to eat our lunch, the mood was decidedly serene. I began to realise that on a slower, more considered walk, you might cover less in terms of distance, but experience a lot more.

Next, Belinda made us focus on the microscopic detail of a leaf before drawing us back into the wider landscape. After focusing for such a long time on the minutiae, where moss began to resemble a thick forest, the hills felt suddenly larger than I ever thought possible and my mind was temporarily blown. Claire took the opportunity to remind us of the larger impact we can have on our environment, too. As part of her mission to protect the places she visits (she was one of the first tour companies to start carbon-labelling trips), she has partnered with community interest company Trash Free Trails – so participants have the option of collecting any rubbish they find when walking one of their regular routes, then sorting and recording it in an online survey. The data collected contributes to an evidence base for action on litter pollution .

Being told about this coincided with Belinda asking us to do the final part of the walk in silence. It worked beautifully. As we concentrated on our breathing, the landscape and our place in it and found an inner calm, we removed a lot of farm waste (rope, feed sacks and pieces of machinery) along with cans, food wrappers and water bottles. It sounds arduous, but it felt like a pleasure.

Back at the West Arms for our second and final night of freedom ­– and relishing the chance to chat again – we decided that while we didn’t find every exercise worked for us (the half-hour of silent walking was a bit frustrating for two friends eager to talk), taking time out to listen to the sounds and take in the smells, made us appreciate the venue a lot more. Belinda had also given us some tools to cope with the madness of our everyday lives. My main takeaway was that even as a mum who constantly juggles childcare and working, it’s all right to not think about your kids all the time and to allow yourself time out.

On our last morning, after a hearty breakfast, Claire took us to a footpath on the edge of Moel Famau country park . There we walked uphill to see the small growing forest her company is creating in association with the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty wardens. For every guest who comes on a tour, a birch, oak, wild cherry, hawthorn or pear tree is planted.

So far, the company has planted 335. It was a gratifying way to finish the trip, surrounded by thriving saplings. As we made our way to the station my phone began to beep alerts once more, demanding my attention. But instead of stressfully responding, I embraced my inner Belinda and temporarily put it on silent. For now, I’d learned that everything can wait.

• Adventure Tours UK ( adventuretoursuk.com ) Mindful Walking North Wales trip runs every year from September to May . The next is on 29 September. Price from £ 365 pp includes two nights in the West Arms, welcome dinner, breakfasts, packed lunch for the guided mindful walk and a native tree planted in the Moel Famau woodland.

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North Wales Travel Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 2, 2023

Our North Wales Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for this beautiful area of Wales. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to North Wales!

Plan your visit to North Wales

North Wales is an ideal holiday location with a range of attractions including mountains, coast and countryside.

You can enjoy surfing, hiking, golfing and visiting castles. In North Wales, you will find a wide variety of places to stay from caravan parks to luxury hotels.

This region is particularly good for anyone who wants to spend time in the great outdoors – North Wales has some of the most spectacular walkways and abundant natural beauty – visitors come back time and again to explore the area’s rolling hills, hidden valleys, popular seaside resorts and secluded beaches.

Whether you’re planning a short visit or staying longer, this travel guide will help you get the most out of your trip!

What you will find in this North Wales Travel Guide

Map of North Wales

When is the best time of year to visit north wales, what is the best way to explore north wales, 🚆 by train, 🚗 by car (road trip option), snowdonia national park, train trips, places to visit in north wales, accommodation in north wales, north wales travel guide – best tours and day trips, enjoy your visit to north wales, north wales travel guide – faq’s.

Summer is a great time to visit North Wales as the weather is typically mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer, including mountain biking, rock climbing and horse riding.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed holiday, then autumn can be a great time to visit as the leaves change colour and the region is not as busy.

Read more about the best time to visit the UK in my detailed guide.

There are a number of ways to explore North Wales, depending on what you want to do. If you’re interested in hiking and trekking, then the mountains offer some of the best trails in the country.

The coastline is also great for walks, as well as surfing and swimming. You can also hire a bike to explore the region’s many cycle paths

For those who want to explore the area’s history and culture, there are plenty of castles and other historical sites to visit. Car hire is a great way to see as much of North Wales as possible.

🚗 There is a multitude of car rental companies to choose from in the UK. We recommend comparing prices and deals on Discover Cars  before making your booking.

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What is the best way to travel to North Wales from London?

By train – The train journey to North Wales takes around 4 hours. From London Euston Station to Llandudno it will require two changes of trains (at Crewe and Chester)

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

It’s around a 5-hour drive from London to Llandudno in North Wales.

National Express offers direct services to North Wales from London, Manchester and other major cities.

Attractions and things to do in North Wales

Snowdonia National Park (an area of outstanding natural beauty) is dominated by Snowdon’s highest peak, towering 1085 metres above sea level. There are plenty of trails to hike and you can also take advantage of the excellent mountain biking facilities.

For those who like water activities, there are a number of lakes for fishing or kayaking. Plas y Brenin, the National Adventure Centre, is also located in Snowdonia and offers a range of activities including archery, climbing and orienteering.

Caernarfon Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Wales. The imposing castle along the North Wales coast was built by Edward I in the late 13th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beaumaris Castle is another interesting castle located in North Wales and today the site is mostly open to the public and includes a visitor centre, tours and historical re-enactments during the summer months.

Conwy Castle was built in 1283 by Edward I and much of it can still be seen today, including its iconic gateway. You can also take part in historical re-enactments during the summer months.

Harlech Castle is another of Edward I’s Welsh castles and it is located near the town of Harlech in Gwynedd. The castle is open to visitors and has a museum featuring artefacts and armour from its history and also offers scenic views over the Snowdonia mountains.

North Wales is home to some of the country’s most beautiful train routes. The Ffestiniog Railway is a narrow-gauge heritage railway that runs for 41 miles from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog. The route is known for its winding tunnels and spectacular mountain scenery.

The Welsh Highland Railway is another heritage railway in North Wales, running from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. The route offers some of the most scenic views in the country and is also popular with cyclists.

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK

➡️ Location and accommodation guide for North Wales

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to North Wales . You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around Wales and the rest of the UK in these travel guides:

• Top 10 places to visit in Wales
• Best castle hotels in Wales
• Guide to Welsh castles
• Cardiff Travel Guide

Find more inspiration for your travels in my Wales Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

Jude Rogers

Welsh journalist who has regularly written for The Guardian, The Observer and New Statesman for over 15 years. Born and bred in Swansea and trained at the Llanelli Star in her teens, she now lives in rural Monmouthshire.

• North East Wales
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© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

Llangollen, Denbighshire, North Wales

Discover the restaurants, shops, walks and history of Llangollen

There is far more to this beautiful riverside town aside from its world-renowned International Eisteddfod. Find out what Jude Rogers uncovered when she spent a few days exploring the places to eat, bookshops and historic walks of this beautiful part of North Wales.

Beautiful, bustling Llangollen: already a favourite in my family. It's the place my parents travel to from South Wales for the  International Musical Eisteddfod  every July. And where my brother, a Welsh choirmaster, often absconds to with busloads of tenors and baritones.

As someone who prefers their holidays less dense with crowds, I hadn't visited the riverside town until now. But I'm so glad I did... 

It's one of the most atmospheric and intriguing places I've ever been to in Wales.

It's one of the most atmospheric and intriguing places I've ever been to in Wales."

Scenes from the Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2023, North Wales

© Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2023, Photography: Joyful Media

I'd recommend parking nearby, and walking onto the incredible structure the river flows under: the Grade 1-listed, 16th century  Llangollen Bridge . It's had a few alterations since the 1500s, naturally, but it's hard not to sense the years under your feet as you look out from edges. 

You can also get a great view of the bridge from  The Corn Mill , an old 18th century mill once left to go derelict on the riverside. Saved and sensitively converted into a pub and restaurant in recent years, it's a homely and popular spot. I recommend taking twenty minutes for a drink – or more than that if the weather's lovely – on one of the small tables on the terrace above the river.

Llangollen Bridge and the Corn Mill pub, North Wales

Although the town itself is small, it's full of  interesting shops. I loved Books Llangollen on Castle Street with its beautiful, old painted shop sign. It has rooms upon rooms of second-hand volumes, shelved to the ceiling. Courtyard Books nearby is a much smaller, but still very sweet treasure trove, especially good on local interest (which helps when there's so much of it). Given the breakfast I'd had, I also embarrassed myself gawping at the various independent food outlets. There's locally sourced scotch eggs and pork pies at the  Llangollen Oggie Shop , and mouth-watering vegan pies at  Zingiber Wholefoods .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Llangollen Oggie Shop (@llangollenoggieshopandfinefood)

The amazing house they created together, is a testimony to their love for each other."

I also found Llangollen is superb for walking. I particularly enjoyed crossing the river past the steam-hauled  Llangollen Railway  heritage line, which travels ten miles towards Corwen in high season.

In town,  St Collen's Church  is also worth a diversion. Its carved oak ceiling, from around 1450, being both unusual and deeply beautiful.

Just outside town, the Eglwyseg limestone escarpment also offers seasoned walkers (and car drivers) plenty of drama.

Eglwyseg limestone escarpment, Denbighshire, North Wales

If you're a history-lover, don't miss  Plas Newydd , a black-and-white gothic house lived in by the Ladies of Llangollen. These were two Irish women, Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler, who fled 18th century Ireland to be together. The amazing house they created together, full of repurposed oak interiors and stunning gardens, is a testimony to their love for each other.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Plas Newydd - Llangollen (@plasnewyddllan)

It set off in my head the idea of Llangollen as a place ahead of its time. As I left, I knew there was even more to this progressive, beautiful place. As I cross the old bridge and head home, I know there's only one way to find out... 

My return trip's already booked.

Llangollen Railway, Berwyn Station, North Wales

Discover Llangollen for yourself

Llangollen is an amazing place to visit, especially if you love the outdoors. The  Llangollen History Trail is an excellent introduction to the area. The 6 mile/9.5km walk takes you along the canal to the Horseshoe Falls and Llantysilio Church , then up to the atmospheric ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey and Castell Dinas Bran high above Llangollen.  Link to a map of the Llangollen History Trail .

Search for more attractions in and around Llangollen.

If you fancy joining the rafters and canoeists regularly seen setting off down the River Dee,  search our activities database for certified providers  and other outdoor activities. 

Use our accommodation search to find your ideal place to stay in and around Llangollen, including boutique hotels, 4 star hostels and campsites.

Llangollen canal cruises and the Horseshoe Falls, North Wales

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Watersports and walking adventures in llangollen.

Outdoor enthusiast Chris Knight explores the area around Llangollen by canoe, raft and foot

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Get outdoors in North East Wales

The newest AONB in Wales is rich in history, with beautiful hillsides and forests to explore.

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Find out why much-loved local artist Rosie Davies is inspired by this beautiful part of the world.

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South Wales has a wealth of activities for a great day out.

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The epic Welsh mountain top pass that's winding, breathtakingly beautiful and completely brutal

It is 'one of the steepest, toughest and most spectacular climbs in the country'

• 05:00, 20 AUG 2023
• Updated 08:53, 22 AUG 2023

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Being a mountainous and beautiful country, Wales has its fair share of epic locations at dizzy altitudes offering spectacular views and breathtaking drives - and you won't find many spots more dizzying and breathtaking than one road in north Wales which has been described as one of the most challenging to travel on anywhere in the UK.

Bwlch y Groes is a mountain pass in Gwynedd with an elevation of 545m. That's 1,788 ft above sea level, making it the second highest public road mountain pass in Wales, and the country's highest tarmacked pass. With stunning views across the Dyfi Valley and Cadair Idris, the 17-miles route lies on minor roads between Dinas Mawddwy to the south and Llanuwchllyn to the north, situated within Eryri National Park. You can get the latest WalesOnline newsletters e-mailed to you directly for free by signing up here .

Bwlch y Groes (Pass of the Cross) was used by pilgrims centuries ago to travel from north to south Wales, and gets its name from a cross that was placed on the route as a symbol of faith for those travelling along it during previous centuries. The road is so steep it was used in the early 20th century as a testing ground by the British Motorcycle industry and by car companies who wanted to test prototype vehicles against the toughest and steepest climbs.

Read more: I took on one of Wales' most scenic walks and it took my breath away

Between 1933 and 1954 the International Six Days Trial - one of the oldest 'off-road' motorcycle events in the world - passed through Bwlch y Groes, and throughout the 1970s and 1980s it became renowned as the most challenging climb used in the cycling Tour of Britain. Bwlch y Groes is often called Hellfire Pass by English visitors due to its nature and reputation as one of the most challenging routes to walk, cycle or even drive, given its steep incline and narrow width.

According to the website Dangerous Roads, which has visited and reviewed more than 13,000 roads: "Bwlch y Groes is set high in the Aran Mountains, on the edge of Snowdonia, the road to the summit is totally paved but very narrow and steep, hitting a 25 per cent of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Brutal is a word used often in cycling, but there isn’t a better one to describe the climb.

"In fact, it’s one of the steepest, toughest and most spectacular climbs in the country. It’s one of the truly definitive climbs, and the road is unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles. Wild and remote, to drive the road without stopping will take most people between 30 and 45 minutes. It’s a road of outstanding beauty - rough, weathered and remorselessly steep. The views from the pass encompasses the plain of the Dyfi valley, Cadair Idris and a close view of Aran Fawddwy."

The Guardian previously listed Bwlch y Groes as one of the 'top 10 toughest cycle climbs' in the whole of the UK, referencing one particular section which gains 385m in height in just over two miles, making it possibly the hardest bit of tarmac to cycle in Britain. According to the Guardian: "Named Hellfire Pass by the English but better known by its Welsh name, Bwlch y Groes is the highest tarmacked pass in Wales.

"Passing farm buildings and trees, the road veers left, then a very sharp 25% right – a taste of what's to come before easing as the last of the trees disappear beneath you. Now round to the right, the ever steepening, increasingly lumpy surface heads into arguably the hardest section of relentlessly steep tarmac in Britain. The sheer length of this steep section is what sets this climb apart, there's just nowhere to recover. You'll be counting each and every pedal rev as you slowly push your way up the scree-littered road to the summit."

So if you fancy a bit of a challenge on your bike before the end of the summer, or a walk that will feel like more of a difficult run, or even a low-gear drive that will offer spectacular views of one of the most stunning parts of Wales, Bwlch y Groes will not disappoint.

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Discover wild landscapes and historic culture, from the coast to the mountains of North Wales

North Wales boasts a spectacular coastline, magnificent mountains and beautiful rolling hills. It’s the perfect destination for discovering an abundance of wildlife and pristine natural habitats. Enjoy guided hikes, visit a UNESCO world heritage site, take a wildlife boat tour and cycle along the Mawddach Trail, plus spend two nights at a world-renowned eco centre.

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• Trip Essentials

Discover the true North Wales on this authentic journey into nature. Get off the beaten path and explore the breathtakingly wild north coast by boat, hike through the UNESCO world heritage slate landscape, summit the highest mountain in Wales and explore a world-renowned eco centre. Truly escape back to nature in this beautiful, yet little-known corner of the world. We’ll take care of all the details on this fully-supported multi-activity nature holiday, so you can completely immerse yourself in moments of discovery.

8 days, zero-hassle and all this included:

• Full day exploring the island of Anglesey, including a wildlife boat tour
• Hike to the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales
• Tour the world-renowned sustainability educational hub, the Centre for Alternative Technology
• Learn about biodiversity in the Centre for Alternative Technology’s organic gardens
• Look out for wildlife on a night time walk
• Cycle along the Mawddach estuary, home to the historic Clogau gold mine
• Hike within the UNESCO world heritage Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales
• 5 nights hotel accommodation
• 2 nights innovative eco accommodation
• Breakfast every day, plus two lunches and three group evening meals
• Professional, local, English-speaking guide
• All transport during the trip
• Voluntary trail clean in association with Trash Free Trails
• 1 native tree planted in our woodland

Plus flexible booking terms as part of our  Adventure Promise , including instalment payments to spread the cost of your adventure. 

Check out the full itinerary in the tab above!

For adventurers who:

Enjoy discovering a region’s landscape and wildlife through guided hikes and a range of immersive experiences.

Perfect as a private group adventure, guided or self-guided. Please use the enquiry form to check availability for your preferred dates.

Arrive in Trearddur Bay ready to check into your hotel from 15:00.Your hotel is situated right by the beach and boasts fantastic coastal views. 

If you require transfers from the airport, train station or ferry port, please do contact us to make arrangements prior to travelling.

Anglesey is home to some of Wales’s best beaches with several of them gaining status as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From crossing the bridge onto the island you’ll be treated to views of unspoilt coastlines, as you pass through quaint seaside towns.   

This evening you’ll meet your Tour Leader at the welcome meeting, followed by a group dinner. Enjoy locally produced food and a few Welsh beers – how better to get to know each other ahead of your week of discovery.

Explore the island of Anglesey by sea and by land. In the morning you’ll head out on a RIB powerboat to discover the hidden gems of Wales’ rugged coastline and the native wildlife that calls it home. Puffins, seals and dolphins are regularly spotted along these shores.

Back on dry land, in the afternoon you’ll take to the road and travel around the island’s small villages to explore the local culture. Visit some of its many lighthouses and soak up the views of the countryside and seashore. You’ll see how this rural island is a coastal retreat for all kinds of native and migratory wildlife.

Enjoy a free evening to explore Trearddur Bay’s stunning coastline.

Snowdon mountain is the jewel in the crown of Snowdonia National Park. Standing at 1,085m it’s the highest mountain in England and Wales. The views from its summit are spectacular on a clear day. Today is a full day of mountain hiking to reach the peak of this impressive, rocky landmark. Breathe the crisp mountain air and soak up the stunning panoramic views.

Listen out for the bleats of Snowdonia’s mountain goats, once herded for meat and milk these goats now roam freely. Whilst the goats tend to stick to the steeper more isolated parts of the cliffs, they are often spotted by walkers as their white and grey coats make them easy to distinguish in the landscape.  

We’ll pause near the summit to replenish your energy before we embark on the descent back to base.

With several routes leading to Snowdon’s summit, we have plenty of options to choose from. Our guide will ensure we take the best circular route for the group and the weather on the day. Their local knowledge means you’ll enjoy the best mountain experience but make sure you’re prepared for a challenging day of hiking!

Pack your bags, your journey of discovery continues as you head to your eco home for the next two nights. Situated in the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, the Centre for Alternative technology (CAT) is a world-renowned eco centre set in the foothills of South Snowdonia, home to some of the most special landscapes and wildlife areas in Europe.

Settle into your new surroundings with a well-prepared seasonal lunch. When it comes to dining at CAT the ethos is ‘straight from plot to plate’ meaning the menu is made up of ingredients grown in the site’s own allotment or responsibly sourced from the local area. 

Next take a tour of the impressive 30 acre site, with seven unique habitats including heathland, woodland and meadow each hiding an amazing story and an important mission. It’s impossible not to be inspired by the diversity of your surroundings and the ongoing sustainability projects.

Before settling for the evening in your innovative eco accommodation, experience the Wild Night Tour. Be treated to a sensory experience as you take a guided night walk, looking out for bats and other night creatures.

After a hearty breakfast head out on a guided walk straight from the centre. Today’s walk takes you into the Dyfi forest. Lying in the shadow of Cadair Idris, the Dyfi forest is dotted with ruins and slate spoil heaps. Look out for sweet woodland birds and even larger hunting birds such as Red Kites, the national bird of Wales.

Sit down for a tasty lunch back at CAT. This afternoon it’s time to put your green fingers to work and learn about the ongoing organic garden projects. Guided by one of the team at CAT, you will learn about natural and sustainable practices, perhaps even doing some planting of your own and certainly taking away tips to improve the biodiversity of your own outdoor space at home.

Dinner is a communal affair as you gather round with your fellow travellers to enjoy a vegetarian meal, freshly prepared with ingredients from the gardens.

After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to journey northward to your next destination. 

Take a bike ride from the traditional town of Dolgellau. Follow the cycle trail along the spectacular Mawddach estuary, passing through Arthog wetland RSPB reserve, home to rare flowers, grass snakes, butterflies, dragonflies and all manner of birds, including flocks of siskins and long-tailed tits.

Continue on to the quaint seaside town of Barmouth and a pit stop for a tasty Welsh ice cream at the beach. Enjoy the cycle back to Dolgellau, from where we’ll continue your journey further into Snowdonia National Park.

Take the evening to relax in the Alpine-style village of Betws-y-Coed. Put your feet up at your hotel or perhaps head out to the village pizzeria for their famous Welsh rarebit pizza.

Pull on your hiking boots and get ready to explore a UNESCO world heritage site, on a guided walk along the Snowdonia Slate Trail. 

Starting in the Ogwen valley, take in the unique landscape of North Wales slate as you pass through stunning scenery, rich in history. Slate mining is a prominent and proud part of Welsh history, with some of the quarries dating back as far as 1787. A tough industry; slate mining provided work for thousands of people across North Wales and saw Welsh slate being shipped to all four corners of the world.

As you continue on a gradual descent through the Ffrancon valley, pick a spot with a pretty view for your picnic lunch stop. Moving on, meander through the Gwydir Forest, a popular spot for bird-watching. Buzzards and Goshawks are regular sightings. Pass the famous Ugly House before reaching the pretty Swallow Falls. 

Arrive back in Betws-y-Coed, ready to give your feet a well-earned rest.

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to pack your case and swap details with your new friends before you begin your journey home.

What's Included

What you need to bring.

• Sturdy, waterproof walking boots and walking socks
• Day backpack – to carry snacks and essentials when out walking
• Waterproof clothing – even if the forecast looks good, the weather can be very changeable in the mountains
• Warm layers – even in summer the mountains and the coast can be chilly, especially in the evening
• Comfortable clothes for cycling in 
• Head torch to help you see on the night walk

Supercharge your adventure

Even more ways to take your adventure tour to the next level! Simply make your selections at checkout when you book your trip online:

• Private room: please contact us for rates and availability
• Return transfers:  if you’re travelling by air, rail or ferry – please  contact us  to discuss your requirements

What you need to know

• Enjoy the reassurance of flexible booking terms, part of our Adventure Promise
• Bookings close 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure, or as soon as places fill
• You must be 16 years or over to join this adventure – under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
• Check in is available in Trearddur Bay from 15:00 on your arrival day
• Hotel details and directions will be provided following confirmation of your booking
• We don’t believe in charging more for exploring our world solo, so we’ll always match you up with a like-minded traveller to share with. Your hotel rooms in Trearddur Bay, Betws-Y-Coed and Machynlleth will be twin shared.
• This trip will run with no more than 15, to ensure you enjoy that small group feel

Getting Here

• The closest international airports are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport
• It is approximately a 2 hours taxi transfer from either airport to the tour start point in Trearddur Bay or alternatively travel by rail to Bangor and follow the By Rail instructions below
• It is approximately a 2 hour taxi transfer to either airport from the tour end point in Betws-y-Coed or alternatively take a taxi to and follow the By Rail instructions below
• The closest train station to the tour start point in Trearddur Bay is Holyhead Station 
• From Holyhead Station, it is a 10 minute taxi transfer to the tour start point in Trearddur Bay or alternatively travel by bus from Bangor via Arriva Cymru 57/58
• The tour end point in Betws-y-Coed, has its own train station
• Holyhead ferry terminal is a 10 minute taxi ride from Trearddur Bay
• The ferry from Holyhead to Dublin takes approximately 5 hours
• The tour start point in Trearddur Bay is located less than 30 minutes from the A5, and less than 1.5 hours from the M56 and less than 3 hours from the M54 motorways
• T he tour end point in Betws-Y-Coed is located less than 2 hours from the M54 and M6 motorway

If you require assistance with arranging taxi transfers, please get in touch with a member of our team

Customer Reviews

Attention-to-details—but not TOO detailed—planning made this trip such a joy. The venues and walks gave a broad variety of viewing, landscapes, and Welsh character; I feel like I’ve gotten a nice, if short, introduction to North Wales. Josh was a caring and fabulous guide. Claire met us at the onset and got us all off on the right foot, and continued to help with later transfers and fielded all questions promptly. Amy handled the particulars from the office with ease and grace. The pacing was lovely also, with fairly strenuous days mixed with more more relaxed activities, and plenty of time for personal reflection. I’m left with a great mix of accomplishment and personal bests, but mostly it was a grand time—all because of the obvious love of the places and activities enjoyed by the planners and guide. I’m looking forward to South Wales, and hope to see the Llyn Peninsula on offer one day. Honestly, no regrets, no criticisms constructive or otherwise, just a beautiful and invigorating holiday.

Discovery North Wales was one of the best trips I have been on, so happy to have been on this trip. Absolutely brilliantly planned, a very relaxed week which was full of great adventures, experiences and food! As a solo traveller I was slightly nervous but received a warm welcome and Tim, our guide, knew exactly who everyone was. He was a great guide and was very knowledgable about the area, walks, wildlife and extra things to do after the tour. The bushcraft skills with Jamie was brilliant- a great experience for everyone! Very relaxed, happy atmosphere throughout and no question or request was too much to ask. Brilliant trip! Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone and everyone!

I racked my brain to think of something that could have been done better, but failed. This really was a very well organised and executed holiday so “thank you” Adventure Tours UK and our guide, Tim, for making the holiday so enjoyable. Tim is clearly very passionate and knowledgable about Wales and punctuated the activities with a mix of history and information to add to the enjoyment. While all the activities were great fun the highlight for us was the bushcraft experience with Jamie which is highly recommended, as long as you are not too squeamish!

Experiences for you

Book your next getaway today.

Adventure North Wales

With its unique mix of mountains and forests, rivers and coastline, North Wales is an adventurer’s playground just waiting to be explored. And this activity holiday Wales is packed with the most challenging and exhilarating experiences on offer. It’s the perfect multi activity adventure holiday for adventurers like you.

• North Wales

£1,395 View Trip

Offa's Dyke Path: South

The Offa’s Dyke 8th Century ancient monument stretches the length of the Welsh-English border. Spanning 285km (177 miles) from Chepstow to Prestatyn, this National Trail crosses three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Discover castles, quaint towns and mediaeval abbeys as you walk the first 90km of Britain’s longest ancient monument, from Sedbury Cliffs to Hay-On-Wye.

• At Your Own Pace

£695 View Trip

Share this adventure with your friends

At Adventure Tours UK, we set out to create the kind of breaks people like us go wild for. People who get their thrills in the outdoors and want to care for it too. Who want to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature. If you’re in search of adventure, you’ll find it with us.

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uk holidays

Bustling cities, peaceful countryside, beautiful beaches and awesome mountains - the UK has something for everyone right here on our doorstep. Relax by a log fire in a charming cottage or take a tour  of the Scottish highlands. Enjoy some of the UK's most scenic rail routes or explore on foot on a self-guided walking tour. However you want to spend your UK getaway we have something for you.   

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Aslef’s final strike day disrupts rail services in south and east England

Cancellations or reduced service on many routes on Monday including commuter lines into London

Rail passengers on many routes in the south and east of England including key commuter lines into London can expect significant disruption on Monday as train drivers stage the last strike in three days of action.

Aslef union members began a 24-hour strike at eight operating companies on Monday: c2c, Gatwick Express, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Southeastern, Southern, South Western Railway and Thameslink. The action is part of a long-running dispute over pay and conditions that began in 2022.

Great Northern, c2c and the Gatwick Express have confirmed that they will not be running any services across the day.

Southern will run only one shuttle service throughout the day, calling at Gatwick airport and London Victoria only, while Thameslink will be operate two shuttle services, one calling at London St Pancras, Luton Airport Parkway and Luton only, and one between London King’s Cross and Cambridge only.

Southeastern said it would be running a limited service, with only 29 of the 165 stations it serves open. Greater Anglia will also have much-reduced services, running only hourly trains between London Liverpool Street and Southend, Norwich and Stansted Airport.

South Western has said it will continue to operate an extremely limited timetable, running on a small number of lines to and from London Waterloo. All services would stop by 7pm and it warned passengers to travel only if absolutely necessary.

All companies have said the strikes could lead to some services on Tuesday being disrupted.

The strikes coincide with an overtime ban called by the union at 16 operators across England on Monday and Tuesday after similar action between Thursday and Saturday.

It is expected that ban will increase the likelihood of short-notice cancellations and disruption. Train drivers in Scotland and Wales are not involved in the dispute or the industrial action, but cross-border rail services could be disrupted.

The strikes on the remaining eight operating companies follow two days of action on other parts of the network on Friday and Saturday.

In a video posted on Aslef’s X account on Friday, the general secretary of the union, Mick Whelan, said: “As we’ve seen from the 17 pay deals we have done, and the recent resolution on London Underground shows that when people come to the table there is a resolution, there is a way forward and we are willing to find one.

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“It’s now time for the government and employers to come back to the table, to work with us to resolve this long-running dispute.”

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators, said it was sorry the strikes called by Aslef’s leadership risked disrupting journeys.

“While we are doing all we can to keep trains running and we will work with our industry partners to keep as many trains running as possible, unfortunately there will be reduced services between Thursday 4 April to Tuesday 9 April,” it added. “Our advice is to check before you travel and follow the latest travel information.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike, targeting passengers and preventing their own members from voting on the pay offer that remains on the table.”

• Rail strikes
• Rail industry
• Trade unions
• Industrial action

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Train drivers at Northern and LNER to strike in March, Aslef union announces

Weekend rail strikes: travel disrupted across Great Britain

Train drivers will keep striking to ‘raise profile’ of pay dispute, says Aslef boss

Weekend rail strikes and overtime ban disrupt UK travel

Rail strikes: trains in south-east England halted as rolling stoppages begin

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