Covering a total of 823 square miles, Eryri / Snowdonia is Wales’ largest National Park and one of the first to be designated back in 1951. Home to over 26,000 people, Eryri’s landscape is steeped in culture, history, and heritage and attracts walkers in search of towering peaks, breath-taking valleys and  tranquillity on its lesser-trodden paths. Rachel knows the area well and will guide you expertly through these impressive Welsh mountains.

We have exclusive use of a beautiful self catering house nestled in a valley at the bottom of Yr Wyddfa, in the heart of the National Park. It is an elegant stone-built house retaining many original features and is located in the village of Beddgelert. The holiday is fully catered by our own cook, Vicky who will ensure there is a hearty meal for you at the end of the day.

Itinerary (subject to change):

Day 1: Arrival in Beddgelert in the afternoon. Settle in and enjoy your surroundings before dinner.

Day 2: Beddgelert, Pass of Aberglaslyn, Sygun Copper mine, Cambrian way, Beddgelert.

Today we explore a western moorland / mountain area known as the Moelwyns. Leaving our base we take a short walk to Gelerts grave ( named after Prince Llywelyn’s faithful hound )

Our route then follows the Afon Glaslyn to view this stunning river up close and through the pass of Aberglaslyn. From there, a long rise through rolling hills and the chance to explore many old copper mine workings brings us to a tiny lochan and the perfect place for lunch! We then traverse to the summit of Moel y Dyniewyd t view the whole Moelwyn range before returning to the lochan to start our descent towards Llyn Dinas a perfect place for a paddle!

Our path follows the outflow from the lake to Sygun Copper mine. The mine is open to the public and there will be the opportunity to visit the mine and explore the area which includes a café and visitor centre. From the mine it is a short valley walk along the Cambrian way back to our base in Beddgelert.  Distance: 13km/8 miles Ascent: 552m/1811ft

Day 3: Bethania, Watkin path, Bwlch-Cwm-L’lan, Rhyd Ddu Path, Welsh Highland Railway, Beddgelert
Today’s walk includes varied terrain always on good paths and stunning mountain views of the main Snowdon group.
For our walk today we take a short and scenic bus ride to Bethania where we take a gently rising path (known as the Watkin path, which is one of the six main routes up Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa ) by the side of stunning waterfalls, old quarries, mines and tramways. The scenery here is beautiful and dramatic where on a clear day the views over the Snowdon mountain range and rocky ridges are particularly stunning. Our walk continues to ascend to the foot of a prominent walkers pass that joins with the South ridge of Snowdon mountain. Here we descend and eventually join the Rhyd Ddu Path ( another route to Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa ) which leads us to the Welsh Highland Railway and a beautiful final descent to Beddgelert through woodland. Distance: 14 km/9 miles Ascent: 535m/1755ft

Day 4: Croesor, Cwm Croesor, Llyn Cwm y Foel, Rhosyydd quarry, Moelwyn Mawr summit, Snowdonia Slate Trail, Croesor
This walk is one of the best places in the area to view the extensive disused slate workings and quarries. The views of Cnicht and surrounding mountains complement the extensive industrial workings providing a historical and natural landscape journey through this less visited area of Snowdonia.
Our walk begins from the tiny hamlet of Croesor and gradually ascends the valley below the impressive Cnicht mountain. After passing two significant stretches of water, the landscape becomes more industrial and scarred by slate mining activity and we weave our way amongst slate workings, tramways, ruins, slate tips and cave entrances. After spending time exploring the area, we ascend Moelwyn Mawr 720m which provides stunning views of the Ffestiniog valley and further afield towards Snowdon. A quick descent, which contains some steep downhill sections returns us to the Croesor valley. Distance: 11km/7 miles Ascent: 715m/2345ft

Day 5: Beddgelert to Dinas Emrys Hill Fort
A magical short walk from Beddgelert through forest and by streams to a lovely view point and historical place where not only is there evidence of a hill fort but also according to Welsh legend the young wizard Merlin revealed the prophecy of the red and white dragons. Finish early afternoon then head home. Distance 8km/5 miles Ascent: 213m/702 ft

• Price
• Grade
• Accommodation
• Guide
• Travel

Single Occupancy £820 Twin Shared £100 discount per person Ensuite +£60 Small Budget Bunk Bed Room Single Occupancy £80 discount Price includes: 4 nights' full board accommodation; Mountain Leader guide; cook

Walks of  up to 9 miles on a mixture of paths and rough ground withupto 715m of  ascent/ descent. The pace will be moderate but there will still be time to stop and enjoy the surroundings. A  good level of fitness will be required. You must feel comfortable walking in a  mountain environment. There are no narrow ridges to negotiate only broad mountain ridges with easy rocky steps to ascend and descend. Terrain underfoot can be rocky and loose so good footwear with ankle support is essential.

We have exclusive use of a beautiful self catering house nestled in a valley at the bottom of Yr Wyddfa, in the heart of the National Park. It is an elegant stone-built house retaining many original features and is located in the village of Beddgelert.

Your guide for this holiday is Rachel Bolton, a fabulous leader who is compassionate and flexible. Rachel is a very safe pair of hands and a qualified Mountain Leader, a member of the Mountain Training Association and the British Mountaineering Council. She is passionalte about the outdoors and has extensive knowledge of the Lake District, Scotland and the Peak Dsitrict in particular. She holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and worked with children as a teacher and headteacher for nearly 30 years. She is also a qualified Alexander Technique teacher. Rachel is passionate about being in the outdoors walking, scrambling, winter mountaineering and climbing. She is currently working towards her Winter Mountain Leader qualification.

By car: There is a private car park at the property. By train: The nearest stations are Bangor to the north and Porthmadog to the south. We can organise a shared taxi around 4pm (not included).