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Discover North Wales on a wildlife walking holiday in the UK

Physical Rating

Discovery

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.

North Wales 8 Days June to September 96 kg per person
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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.

Day 1

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.

Day 2

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

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!

Day 4

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

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

 

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.

Day 7

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.

Day 8

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

  • 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

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

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 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

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

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

Customer Reviews

V
Valee Cat
A GRAND TIME
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.
A
Aimee
ONE OF THE BEST TRIPS I'VE BEEN ON
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!
M
Mark
PERFECTION!
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!

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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