Private Guided walking holiday
Secret Snowdonia
- Duration: 5 nights
- Departs: Saturdays from May to September
- Trip Style: Private Guided Tour
- Activity Level: Easy
- Price: From £2829 pp for 4 guests*
Overview
Snowdonia (or Eryri in Welsh) is Wales’ biggest and best-known National Park and our signature private walking tour is the best way to experience it in style.
Instead of joining the crowds on Snowdon (Y Wyddfa), you’ll discover Snowdonia’s peaceful beauty and hidden gems on gentle, lower level walks led by your local guides.
Your all-inclusive tour includes comfortable stays at elegant country house hotels and delicious meals featuring fantastic local produce. You’ll enjoy a mix of privately guided walks and unique local activities, allowing you to fully appreciate Snowdonia’s culture and splendid scenery.
And remember, as this is a private tour you decide when you’d like to travel and who you take along for the journey.
Highlights
- Soak up the spectacular scenery of Snowdonia National Park on easy going guided walks
- Explore the whimsical village of Portmeirion, and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Caernarfon Castle and Snowdonia’s Slate Landscape
- Enjoy a scenic train ride on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway
- Get insights into Snowdonia's culture, history, and natural beauty from your knowledgeable local guides.
- Relax in elegant country house hotels and indulge in fine dining experiences, featuring local Welsh produce.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Snowdonia
We start in Shrewsbury, a lovely old market town close to the Welsh border. From there, we take a 90-minute drive through beautiful Welsh countryside to reach Snowdonia National Park (which is known as Eryri in Welsh).
To begin your adventure, we’ll stretch our legs on the picturesque Precipice Walk. Don’t worry it’s not as scary or strenuous as its name suggests.
After our walk, it’s a short drive to your hotel. Perched high above the Mawddach estuary at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris, this historic Victorian mansion house blends comfort and style. Once you’ve settled in your room, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course dinner at the hotel’s well-regarded restaurant.
- Guided Walk: 3 miles (5km), moderate - rocky path, mostly flat
- Meals: Light lunch & 3 course a-la-carte dinner
- Accommodation: Junior Suite, Penmaenuchaf Hall
Day 2: Explore the Mawddach Estuary
On our first full day, we’ll enjoy an easy walk along the scenic Mawddach Trail.
We leave our hotel on foot and follow an old railway path. This flat, well-maintained trail runs alongside the beautiful Mawddach estuary.
Our walk ends at the seaside town of Barmouth. To enter the town, we cross the historic Barmouth Bridge. The wooden viaduct, built in Victorian times, offers lovely views of the surrounding area.
You’ll have some free time in the afternoon to rest or explore the 20 acres of attractive gardens that surround your hotel before we go for dinner at a cosy local pub.
Inclusions
- Guided Walk: 7 miles (10.5km), leisurely - gravel path, flat
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & pub dinner
- Accommodation: Junior Suite, Penmaenuchaf Hall
Day 3: Harlech & Portmeirion
After a tasty Welsh breakfast, we’ll head north to explore the historic streets of Harlech and its impressive castle.
From here it’s a short drive to enchanting Portmeirion. Designed by visionary architect Clough Williams-Ellis, who spent 50 years building this whimsical Italianate village, Portmeirion is best known for its role as the backdrop for the cult 1960s TV series The Prisoner. We’ll spend time exploring the village and enjoying a stroll through the Gwyllt, a 70 acre sub-tropical forest full of rare plants and wonderful views.
We’ll then make our way to our next accommodation, Plas Dinas. This elegant country house, once the home of Lord Snowdon, is now an inviting hotel with beautifully appointed rooms and lovely grounds.
Dinner will be at the hotel’s Gunroom restaurant, where the menu features the freshest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
- Entry to Portmeirion Village
- Meals: Breakfast, light lunch & 3 course dinner
- Accommodation: Plas Dinas
Day 4: Cwm Idwal
This morning we’ll visit the stunning Ogwen Valley to explore Cwm Idwal, an impressive glacial cirque (or ‘cwm’ as it’s called in Welsh).
The dramatic landscape, once studied by Charles Darwin, is dominated by unique rock formations and full of rare plant life.
After exploring the valley, we’ll make our way to the lovely village of Betws-y-Coed, where we’ll enjoy a picturesque stroll through peaceful woods and along the winding banks of the Llugwy River.
On our return to Plas Dinas we’ll drive through the scenic Nant Gwynant Valley where you can catch your first glimpse of majestic Mt Snowdon (Y Wyddfa in Welsh)
This evening we’ll cross the famous Menai Bridge to visit the island of Anglesey (Ynys Mon) for dinner.
- Guided Walks: Cwm Idwal: 3 miles (5km), moderate - rocky paths and short uphill section at the start // Betws Y Coed 2.5 miles (4km) - forest tracks and riverbank, uneven underfoot.
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & casual dinner
- Accommodation: Plas Dinas
Day 5: Beddgelert
Today our walk takes us along a pleasant section of the Snowdonia Slate Trail. This easy path leads through the scenic Gwyrfai Valley. If the weather is good, you’ll enjoy views of the summit of Snowdon (Y Wyddfa in Welsh)
Our walk ends in Beddgelert, a charming mountain village full of character and legend. You’ll have time to look around the village and visit a local cafe or pub for well earned refreshments.
After exploring Beddgelert, you’ll hop on board the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway for a scenic train ride back to your hotel.
There’s a treat in store for your last evening – a relaxed fine dining experience at a small restaurant near the old town walls of Caernarfon. This unassuming restaurant serves excellent food and has won many awards, as well as featuring in the Michelin Guide.
- Guided Walk: 5 miles (8km), 2.5 hours, Easy - Gravel path and forest trails
- Welsh Highland Railway ticket
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & 7 course tasting menu
- Accommodation: Plas Dinas
Day 6: Farewell to Wales
We’ll end the tour with a visit to historic Caernarfon, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its castle and town walls built by King Edward I.
A friendly local guide will take us on a gentle walk through the town. You’ll learn about Caernarfon’s rich history and see its impressive castle up close.
After our morning in Caernarfon, we’ll take you to Bangor train station where you catch a direct train to London or on to your next destination.
- Caernarfon guided town walk
- Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This is the planned itinerary for the holiday. We aim to follow this schedule, but sometimes bad weather or other unexpected events may require us to alter plans. We will always make any changes with your enjoyment in mind.
What's Included
- 5 nights accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners noted on the itinerary
- Privately guided walks
- Entry & Excursion fees
- Private transport for the duration of the tour
- Loan of walking poles and sit mats if needed
- Gratuities for included meals & hotels
- Two experienced local hosts
Where You'll Stay
Book your Secret Snowdonia Adventure
Ready to discover scenic Snowdonia? Contact our friendly team to check availability by completing our short booking form below.
We’ll get back to you within one working day.
Departs:
Saturdays from May to September 2025.
Price:
This is a private tour just for you and your travel companions.
Price is determined by the size of your group and is per person, based on double/twin occupancy. Single-rooms can be arranged for an additional supplement.
2 guests: GBP 3499 | USD 4625 | AUD 6935 per person
4 guests: GBP 2829 | USD 3739 | AUD 5629 per person
6 guests: GBP 2645 | USD 3495 | AUD 5256 per person
Booking Form:
Common Questions
Got a different question? Our general FAQ page may have your answer. Or please get in touch if you need more information. We’re always happy to chat about Wales and help you prepare for your adventure with us.
What level of fitness is required for the walks?
The hikes on this tour vary from easy to moderate. Most days involve 3-7 miles of walking over varied terrain, from good flat gravel paths to rocky uneven trails. Don’t worry—we can provide hiking poles to make your journey easier and we’ll walk at a relaxed pace, giving you plenty of time to soak in the scenery. Our expert guides will be with you every step of the way. You’ll find detailed information about each day’s hike in your final itinerary.
The best part? As this is a private tour we can adjust the walks to suit your abilities, however, a good level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy this tour.
What should I pack for my hiking break in Wales?
Pack comfortable walking boots or hiking shoes, a waterproof / windproof jacket, layered clothing, and a daypack. We’ll provide a detailed packing list in your travel information pack.
What is the best time of year to take a walking holiday in Wales?
The tour is best enjoyed in the spring or early summer when the days are getting longer and the weather is mild.
The UK summer school holidays begin in mid July and finish at the end of August so expect places to be busier than usual.
September is also a great time to visit as the summer school holidays will be over.
Are there any additional costs not covered in the tour package?
While activities and meals are included, any personal expenses, such as drinks, extra snacks, and souvenirs, are not covered.
What are the transport arrangements during the tour?
Private transportation is provided throughout the tour. Depending on the number in your group we’ll travel by SUV (Volvo XC60 or similar) or MPV (Mercedes Vito).
Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
Yes. As this is a private tour you’ll have the flexibility to adjust the schedule based on your abilities and interests. However, please note that many Welsh restaurants and attractions have limited operating days. We’ve carefully planned this itinerary around these opening times. Significant changes may affect our ability to follow the outlined plan.
What's your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy depends on how far in advance you cancel:
- More than 6 weeks before departure: Full refund minus £75 admin fee per person
- 3 – 6 weeks before departure: Loss of deposit
- Less than 3 weeks before departure: No refund
Some parts of your booking may have stricter terms. We’ll always confirm the exact charges before finalising any cancellations. We strongly recommend travel insurance your holiday investment. For full details of our cancellation policy, please see our booking terms page.