Wales lies in the Southwest
of the UK, a landscape
packed with mountain ranges, lush valleys,
a rugged coastline and charming
towns. Among
all this lie a network
of trails and tracks used throughout
Welsh history from the ancient Celts
onwards.
You will discover the heart of an ancient culture while rambling with our guide on 5 scenic hikes. In addition to lodging in authentic, comfortable Welsh inns, you will enjoy the following highlights:
- Crickhowell- a thriving market town with beautiful mountain scenery
- Llanthony Priory - remote ruins of an Augustinian priory founded in the 12th century
- Offa's Dyke - a massive earthwork stretching along the entire length of the border between England and Wales, constructed by King Offa of Mercia
- Superb views of Wordsworth's Tintern Abbey on the River Wye
- Dramatic and rugged landscapes of the Brecon Beacons
- The remote and peaceful scenery of the Black Mountains
- Pembrokeshire
coast - enjoy a variety of landscapes ranging from steep limestone cliffs to sandy beaches along this National Park treasure
- Skomer Island - an enchanting island, an important nature reserve and a birdwatcher's paradise
The week starts on the edge
of the Black Mountains and the historic
town of Crickhowell, from where we make
expeditions both to the mountains and
to the glorious Wye Valley, on the border
with England, an area immortalized by
the poet William Wordsworth. Then we
go west to the magnificent and wild
Pembrokshire coast, home to some of
the largest sea bird colonies in Europe.
Day 1 Arrive Crickhowell, a thriving market town beautifully located in arguably the most beautiful valley in the National Park between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. (B)
Day 2 Today we will
discover the ruins of ancient Llanthony Priory,
which, located far up the Honddu Valley in the
remote Black Mountains, is unlikely to be found
by chance; and then walk on Offa's Dyke, the
extraordinary earthwork built by King Offa of
Mercia as a defensive bulwark and which runs
the length of the border with England. (B, L, D) Approximately
8 miles of easy to moderate hiking
Day 3 Today we enjoy
the woodlands and footpaths of the Wye Valley,
overlooking the Royal Forest of Dean and including
views of Tintern Abbey, made famous by
William Wordsworth. Glorious views and a great
sense of Welsh history. (B, L, D) 7 miles, easy to moderate
hiking
Day 4 A walk
into the heart of the Beacons, with wide-ranging
views amid dramatic countryside. An introduction
to the wild and rugged landscapes that characterise
Wales. Return to our hotel in Abergavenny for
overnight.
(B, L, D) 5 miles of moderate hiking
Day
5 Transfer to Pembrokeshire. Enjoy a spectacular journey through the Black Mountains and along the coast, with plenty of opportunities for enjoying the wide-ranging views. Depending on the group size this journey may be by train. On arrival in Haverford West in the early afternoon there is time for a short introductory walk before dinner and overnight in the Wolfscastle Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 6 A short
drive will bring us to the beautiful Pembrokeshire
coast, with magnificent views across St Bride's
Bay. The birdlife here is among the most spectacular
in the world and when the weather is good there
is nowhere more dramatic. (B, L, D) 5-7 miles of moderate
hiking
Day 7 We return
to the coast, for a walk on the peninsula that
forms one of the westernmost points of Wales.
We can see Skomer Island and, weather permitting,
we might take a boat across and do a walk there. (B, L, D) 5-7 miles of moderate hiking
Day 8 Depart
after breakfast. (B)
Dates & Prices:
Tour prices are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement is only applicable if you are traveling solo and/or have a room to yourself.
Tour
Dates |
Tour
Price |
Single
Supplement |
| June 23 - 30, 2013 |
$3,075.00 |
$425.00 |
Interested in a different departure date?
Consider a private tour or a self guided tour. |
What's Included:
Your trip price includes the following. For additional information, please call or email us at
and one of our exceptional Travel Advisors will be happy to share with you all kinds of details.
- 5 scenic guided hikes
- 7 nights' lodging in authentic Welsh hotels
- Double-occupancy room with private bath
- 7 delicious breakfasts and 7 dinners
- 6 lunches, packed or a local pub lunch
- All sightseeing visits and admission fees
- Luggage transported between hotels
“The walks and
hikes were, as usual, just the right length
and level of exercise. The guides and personal
service were excellent! Superb! Knowledgeable,
friendly and caring.”
B Overcash NC
“This was probably
the best tour I’ve ever taken.”
E Rice GA
“Absolutely loved
the trip and it exceeded my expectations.”
M Purvis Washington, DC
