self drive walking holiday

Secret Snowdonia

5 nights from £2049 pp

Explore Wales’ iconic National Park at your own pace.

Snowdonia (or Eryri in Welsh) is Wales’ largest and most iconic National Park, and our signature hike & drive tour offers the perfect way to explore it at your own pace.

With the freedom to chart your own course, you’ll discover Snowdonia’s peaceful beauty on carefully selected walks designed to show you the hidden gems that many visitors miss. We’ll provide detailed walking guides and route suggestions so you can enjoy the best of Snowdonia’s stunning landscapes.

Your tour includes comfortable stays at elegant country house hotels, where you can relax after a day of adventure, and savour delicious meals featuring fantastic local produce. With your accommodation and car hire arranged, you’re free to experience Snowdonia’s culture and breathtaking scenery on your terms.

Your Itinerary

Day One

Your tour begins in the southern part of Eryri (Snowdonia), a quieter corner of the National Park known for its remote mountains steeped in history, green wooded valleys, and picturesque estuaries. To start your adventure, we suggest a scenic hike along the Precipice Walk—despite its name, it’s not as daunting as it sounds!

After your walk, a short drive brings you to your hotel, a historic Victorian mansion perched above the Mawddach Estuary, at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris. Blending comfort and style, this elegant retreat offers the perfect place to unwind. Once you’ve settled into your room, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner at the hotel’s renowned restaurant.

Meals Included: 3 course A La Carte Dinner
Stay: Penmaenuchaf

Day Two

Tuck into a hearty Welsh breakfast before you set out to explore the scenic landscapes of southern Snowdonia. You could take a peaceful walk through a quiet valley to the romantic ruins of the 13th-century Castell y Bere, or delve into Snowdonia’s industrial past with a hike through the narrow gorge of Nant Gwernol, leading to the higher ground where the Bryneglwys slate quarries once operated. Step back in time as you explore these historic ruins and uncover their significance in Welsh history.

After your invigorating walk, head to Aberdyfi, where you can spend a relaxing afternoon exploring this charming seaside village.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Stay: Penmaenuchaf

Day Three

This morning, you might enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Mawddach Trail, visiting the nearby Abergwynant Woods or Arthog Falls.

Afterward, it’s time to head north to your next accommodation. Along the way, you could stop to explore the historic streets of Harlech and its impressive castle, or visit Coed y Brenin Forest. While it’s a haven for mountain bikers, the forest also offers a variety of enjoyable walking trails.

After a day of exploration, make your way to Plas Dinas, an elegant country house that was once the home of Lord Snowdon. Now an inviting hotel, it features 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay: Plas Dinas

Day Four

Today, you’ll meet a local guide for a bespoke hiking experience tailored to your interests and fitness level. Whether you’re eager to summit one of Snowdonia's majestic mountains or prefer a less strenuous yet equally breathtaking walk, your guide, with in-depth knowledge of Snowdonia, will lead you on an unforgettable day’s adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Stay: Plas Dinas

Day Five

After a few energetic days, you may want to spend your final one at a more relaxed pace. Consider visiting the whimsical village of Portmeirion. With its charming Italian-inspired architecture, you might feel as though you've stepped into a village on the Mediterranean.

Alternatively, head to the island of Anglesey (Ynys Mon) for a peaceful walk through Newborough Forest, followed by a unique outdoor seaweed bathing experience.

If you're still craving adventure, Snowdonia offers plenty of thrills—from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to gorge walking, zip-lining, and mountain biking. We’ll happily recommend the best activities to suit your interests.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Stay: Plas Dinas

Day 6

After a relaxed breakfast, you could consider visiting the Ogwen Valley to explore Cwm Idwal, a striking glacial cirque (or "cwm" in Welsh) known for its unique rock formations and rare plant life, once studied by Charles Darwin. .

Or stop off in historic Caernarfon, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its castle and town walls built by King Edward I. Take a stroll through the town, explore the impressive Caernarfon Castle and maybe enjoy a leisurely lunch before you depart for home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

5 nights in hand-picked country house hotels

Meals

5 Welsh breakfasts and 2 dinners as noted in the itinerary

Car hire

6 days automatic intermediate SUV, Ford Kuga or similar

Guided Hike

A day hike with a local private guide

Maps & Guidebooks

Maps and walking guidebooks for the areas you are visiting

24 Hr Emergency contact

Local support team available 24/7

Where You'll Stay

Penmaenucahf Hall

A stately Victorian mansion perched on a wooded hillside in a 21-acre estate, with stunning views of the mountains and the Mawddach Estuary

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Plas Dinas

A refined country estate, once home to Lord Snowdon, offering 11 individually styled rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and a rich royal history

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Trip Details

Ready to uncover the secrets of Snowdonia? You’ll find essential information and booking details in the sections below. For any other questions please contact us. We’re here to help you make the most of your trip to Wales.

When to Go

Our favourite times to visit Snowdonia are in spring when the days are longer, the weather is mild, and wildflowers are in full bloom. September is another fantastic time to visit, as the crowds thin out and the mountains become covered in vibrant purple heather.

Snowdonia tends to be busier on weekends and during the UK school holidays (mid July to the end of August), so we recommend avoiding these periods if possible.

While our tours offer flexibility in start dates, we suggest beginning this tour on a Sunday.

Activity level

As this is a self guided tour you can walk as little or as much as you like. We’ll provide you with our own personal recommendations as well as maps and a walking guide book. However a good level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy this tour.

Inclusions

5 nights deluxe accommodation including daily Welsh breakfast
3 course a la carte dinner at Penmaenuchaf Hall
Fine dining experience at the Gunroom restaurant featuring a hybrid tasting menu
6 days car hire - intermediate SUV, automatic
1 day private guided hike
Personalised itinerary tailored to your interests
Comprehensive information pack with local recommendations for restaurants and activities
Maps and walking guidebooks for the areas you are visiting
24-hour emergency contact number

Price

This is a private tour, exclusively for you and your travel companions.

The final price is based on your group size and is per person, assuming double or twin occupancy. Single rooms can be arranged for an additional supplement.

Guide prices for this trip are as follows:

Group of 2: £2049 per person
Group of 4: £1847 per person

Please complete the booking form or email [email protected] for a personalised quote.

how to book

Contact our friendly team by completing this short booking form or email [email protected]

We’ll get back to you within one working day.