SNOWDONIA'S SPECTACULAR SCENERY
A week of inspiring walking in North Wales
(4 nights, 5 walking days).
June 10-14th 2024
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Experience the unique atmosphere of this region, famous for its many waterfalls, miles of mature woodland, and dramatic mountain peaks. This is a great break for anyone who likes a train ride, too, as we’ll use the local mountain line to access two of our walks.
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Grade 2 : Easy to Moderate walking (see below)
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Based at The Gwydyr Hotel, Betws y Coed
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En-suite, single occupancy rooms
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Cost £825 or £695 if sharing with a friend. Shared rooms subject to availability.
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What's Included: Single occupancy of en-suite room and 4 x bed, breakfast and packed lunch. Also included are the services of our walk leader for this holiday.
In the evenings we will reserve a group table and you are welcome to order from the hotel menu. The cost of evening meals is not included.
Our walking will be at ‘easy to moderate’ level, meaning that we will cover around 6-9 miles (10-15 km) each full day along routes that are non-technical (no scrambling!).
On one of our days, we will walk up to the summit of Y Ro Wen, a modest hill by Welsh standards, from where we can get a breathtaking panorama of the full Snowdon range. Mostly, however, our walks will follow the network of forest trails and hill tracks that take us to quiet mountain lakes and amazing viewpoints in the foothills of the Snowdon Massif.
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Our hotel, The Gwydyr, is just a short walk from the train station, making this a great place to access via the rail network if you would prefer to leave the car at home.
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ITINERARY
DAY 1
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Please arrive by 2.00 pm when we will meet in the hotel reception for a half day walk to shake off the journey and explore the stunning scenery on our doorstep. We’ll head to Llyn Elsi, a picturesque mountain lake set in the forest above Betws y Coed. Our route takes us via intricate forest tracks where a new and spectacular view opens up round every corner. (8 km/ 3 hours)
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DAY 2
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The local train takes us north up the Conwy Valley to Llanrwst, an attractive village with a stunning bridge over the river that gives access to the footpaths that lead us on… We pass an elegant waterfall (The Grey Mare’s Tail) before entering the expansive Norther Forest of Betws y Coed with its maze of forest tracks. Our route takes us to a series of magical spots: hidden lakes and panoramic viewpoints, remote farms and perfect picnic spots, before leading us back to the banks of the Llugwy, then to Betws y Coed and our hotel. (13 km/ 6 hours)
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DAY 3
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The local train takes us the short, scenic hop to Pentre Bont station in an idyllic rural setting – our start point for an ascent of Y Ro Wen. This shapely hill has the benefit of so many of a similar height, giving outstanding views of the full Snowdon Range from a perfect vantage point, as well as sweeping views of the valleys below. This is our only significant summit of the week, very do-able by most walkers, with gradual ascent and descent and good surfaces underfoot. We’ll take things at a steady pace, stopping for breaks and for photos of the unfolding landscape.
Forest tracks follow a mountain stream back downhill and to welcome refreshments at Elen’s Castle Hotel before the train returns us to our base.
(13km/ 5.5 hours)
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DAY 4
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On this day we head up the River Llugwy which runs through Betws y Coed, up into the adjacent forest and then along the river bank as it tumbles and crashes over numerous falls, eventually culminating in the famous ‘Swallow Falls’, a major cascade that is perhaps the most well-known and impressive natural feature nearby. Our return is along winding tracks through mature, mixed woodland, returning to our hotel for a well-earned cuppa. (12 km/5 hours)
We finish our walk around 3 pm on Day 4 so that you can choose to spend time around the town, take a self-guided walk, or even an additional ride on this scenic train line.
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DAY 5
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A delightful section of the historic Slate Trail takes us out of town, through the famous Fairy Glen, and to the dramatic Machno and Conwy Falls. It’s a final blast of this rich, atmospheric scenery before we finish our week at 1.30 pm. (7.5 km/ 3 hours)
HIGHLIGHTS
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Guided walks on all 5 days taking in the best highlights of this famous location.
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Local train rides to and from walks and entry fees into waterfall walks are included.
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Ascent of Y Ro Wen (599m elevation) for inspiring, expansive views of the Central Snowdonia Range.
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Walks to several stunning waterfalls in the Conwy Valley.
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Enjoy the lively town of Betws y Coed.
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Relax in the grandeur of The Gwydyr Hotel, a grand early Victorian house.
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Hosted walking holiday - i.e. our walk leader is also resident to help make sure your stay is comfortable and problem-free.
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Enjoy easy, on-foot access to our walks - no need to use the car.
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ACCOMMODATION - THE GWYDYR HOTEL
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The Gwydyr Hotel is a beautiful Victorian property which dates back to the early 1800s. Lying in the heart of Snowdonia the Gwydyr Hotel is surrounded by some of the most picturesque scenery in North Wales, overlooking the delightful village green, the hotel provides the perfect setting for a relaxing and memorable break.
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How to get there: Address: The Gwydyr Hotel, Holyhead Road, Betwys Y Coed, Snowdonia, North Wales, LL24 0AB. The hotel is just a short walk from the train station in the heart of Betws y Coed. The hotel website can be found here.
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If you have any queries, don't hesitate to get in touch - we'd be delighted to help.