Discovery North Wales

Dates

• 27 June 2023
• 23 September 2023

Accommodation

The hotel is situated right by the beach and boasts fantastic coastal views.

• 5 nights' hotel accommodation
• 2 nights' innovative eco accommodation

Private room

If you would prefer your own room this can usually be arranged, though an extra charge would apply.

Twin rooms

Solo explorers will be matched up with a likeminded traveller to share with as the hotel rooms in Trearddur Bay, Betws-Y-Coed and Machynlleth will be twin shared.

Locally-sourced food

Accommodation and catering partners have been carefully selected based on their commitment to sourcing local produce, organically produced wherever possible.

Kit list

Equipment for all activities is provided however here's the list of what you need to bring:

• Footwear - 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

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Trearddur Bay
Trearddur Bay
Isle of Anglesey
UK

Getting there

• By air

  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. It is approximately a 2 hour taxi transfer to either airport from the tour end point in Betws-y-Coed.

• By rail

  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.

• By ferry

  Holyhead ferry terminal is a 10 minute taxi ride from Trearddur Bay. The ferry from Holyhead to Dublin takes approximately 5 hours.

• By road

  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. The tour end point in Betws-Y-Coed is located less than 2 hours from the M54 and M6 motorway.

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Check in and welcome

  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, this may be arranged ahead of 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.

• Day 2 | Explore Anglesey

  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.

• Day 3 | Summit Snowdon

  Snowdon/Yr Wddfa 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.

  Pause near the summit to replenish your energy before embarking on the descent back to base.

  With several routes leading to Snowdon’s summit, there are plenty of options to choose from. The guide will choose 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!

• Day 4 | Eco home and Biosphere

  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.

• Day 5 | biodiversity walk and talk

  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.

• Day 6 | ride the trail

  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 the journey continues 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.

• Day 7 | Slate Trail walk

  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.

• Day 8 | Check out

  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.

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 nighttime 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 the woodland

Caring for the world as you do

This adventure supports local, independent businesses. Local guides are always used – people who will give you a more authentic experience and share the hidden secrets only local adventurers can bring. And because this is their home, they have a truly active interest in caring for their environment.

The carbon footprint of all trips is measured and reduced to be as low as possible. Any carbon that is yet to be mitigated is off-set through a local tree planting project. One tree exceeds what is needed to offset the emissions of your low carbon adventure holiday. 

Here is a summary of the Sustainability Policy:

Economic responsibility

• Keeping it local

  Working exclusively with local, independently-owned businesses to ensure your money goes straight into the communities that you're visiting.

• Fair pay for quality service

  Treating partners fairly for the high standards of service they deliver to you, whilst still ensuring value for money.

• Supporting local producers

  Local, independent shops, accommodation, bars and eateries are used and encouraged.

Environmental responsibility

• Low carbon travel

  Ensuring the carbon footprint of this adventure is offset by planting native broadleaf trees, including oak, ash and birch.

  Responsibility is taken for ensuring the carbon footprint of your travel is offset. By working with the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, the unavoidable carbon emissions created by travel are offset, but also new, biodiverse woodland areas within the UK are created that will benefit both the planet and the community. Planting native broadleaf trees, including oak, ash and birch, is helping to increase the available natural habitat for the UK’s native wildlife. Species such as bullfinches, beavers, the brimstone butterfly and many more are all benefitting from this.

• Avoiding single-use plastics

  Reusable aluminium bottles are provided on arrival at your accommodation and packed lunches use more sustainable wrapping such as paper bags or wax paper wrap.

• Locally sourced food

  Accommodation and catering partners have been carefully selected based on their commitment to sourcing local produce, organically produced wherever possible.

• Blue Flag Award

  Partnering with one of the first boat tour operators in the UK to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Sustainable Boat Tour Operator status.

Social responsibility

• Small group tours

  The primary concern with tourism in the UK’s wild spaces is to ensure it only has a positive impact on the local communities and culture so for this reason small group trips never exceed 15 guests.

• Live like a local

  Learning the history and culture of a region plays a big role in your travelling experience – it’s what brings a place to life.

• Read the landscape

  The historical significance of the area is brought to life by the local guides who help you understand the features of the landscape.

• Learn the language

  Keeping local languages alive is sacred, so you’re encouraged to learn simple words and phrases during your time on the adventure.

• Understanding farming culture

  Respecting the countryside code and understanding farming practices are important for visitors to the area.

Adventure promise

Making travel better for everyone

The Adventure Promise is simple and honest. It’s the commitment that this challenge will always do right by you, local communities and the world we live in:

• Payment Instalments
• Flexible Booking
• Low Carbon
• Low Impact
• Support Local
• All Abilities
• Covid Secure

Costs