Wales: Snowdonia & Surrounds

Welcome to Llanberis – the gateway to Snowdonia National Park and Wales’s highest peak, Snowdon. Meet at your hotel just after midday – you’ll find more details in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information. After an all-important welcome meeting, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow adventurers, head off on a walk to the nearby medieval ruins of Dolbadarn Castle, situated on the banks of Llyn Peris. Afterwards, visit the Electric Mountain Hydro power station to check out energy production in the region. You’ll head on an interactive tour actually inside the mountain! Enjoy a free evening to explore the eateries in Llanberis, perhaps with a few of your newfound travel pals.

This morning, spend the day exploring Snowdonia and introduce yourself to the new surroundings! If you’re keen and tickets are available, today is the perfect day to take the train up Mt Snowdon, dominating the skyline of this national park. Book yourself in to take the cog railway part of the way up the mountain, admiring the views that present themselves at the end of the trip. There are multiple vantage points along the range that offer stunning vistas. Otherwise, you could visit the fascinating Slate Museum and learn the industrial heritage of this region, or simply chill out in town and take in the lake views. Tonight, enjoy an evening of home-cooked traditional Welsh fare in the company of your local hosts. It’s a delicious way to get acquainted with the true Wales.

After breakfast, take a hike with your leader and small group around the beautiful Llyn Padarn – one of the two lakes that make up the Llanberis Pass. It’s definitely mother nature at its finest around these parts. In the early afternoon, you’ll meet with a local historian who will fill you in on some Welsh culture and traditions, plus imparting some useful Welsh phrases to use during your time here. For the rest of the day, try out some Welsh at the pub or when ordering at a café – the locals will love you for it! And if you’re unsure of where to eat, do not fear, as your group leader will have some of their favourite recommendations.

This morning is free for you to continue to explore this colourful village, or simply relax at your hotel. If you haven’t already, a quick trip on the Llanberis lakeside railway is definitely a traveller favourite. After lunch, catch a bus with your group to the nearby town of Caernarfon (approximately 30 minutes). Here, you’ll find the Caernarfon Castle – a riverside fortress that’s stood in this very spot for over 700 years. Recognised as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages, spend time peering out to the harbour and city surrounding you, and discovering all of the history that is imbued in its walls. Afterwards, return to Llanberis in the late afternoon, perhaps organising an optional group dinner to celebrate your time in the Snowdonia region.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the group any time after breakfast. Depending on your onwards movements, you might like to book yourself on the 11 am bus back to the main town of Bangor, where onward train connections can get you where you need to go around the UK. If you would like to spend more time in Llanberis, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).