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Offa's Dyke, the Brecon
Beacons, and the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast
June 21-28, 2008 and September 13-20, 2008
Wales lies in the Southwest
of the UK, a landscape packed with mountain
ranges, lush valleys, a rugged coastline
and some charming towns. Among
all this a network of trails and tracks
used throughout Welsh history from the
ancient Celts onwards. The week starts
on the edge of the Black Mountains and
the historic town of Abergavenny, 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. This holiday will take you into
the heart of an ancient culture and
you will stay in two comfortable Welsh
hotels
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive
Abergavenny beautifully
located in the Black Mountains and 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. Approximately
8 miles of easy to moderate hiking. (B,L,D)
 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 7 miles, easy to moderate
hiking.
(B,L,D)
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. 5 miles of moderate hiking.(B,L,D)
Day
5 Transfer to Pembrokeshire. The
drive takes us across the spectacular Black
Mountains, with plenty of opportunities
for enjoying the wide-ranging views. There
may be time for a short walk as we go, before
arriving in Pembrokeshire for overnight. (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. 5-7 miles of moderate
hiking.(B,L,D)
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.
5-7 miles of moderate hiking.(B,L,D)
Day 8 Depart
after breakfast.(B)
Land Cost $3075
Includes:
- 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
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