Wales Mountains and Medieval Fortresses – 5 Days

Arriving in to Manchester head west with your first stop at English city of Chester. Explore Tudor facaded timberwork buildings along the “rows” or walk the medieval city walls and gates not missing the impressive cathedral and the excavated Roman amphitheatre. From here meander along the Welsh border marches to visit Chirk Castle on route to traditional Welsh border town of Llangollen where you can ride the steam railway or take a canal boat across the 18th century viaduct.

• Accommodation: overnight in Llangollen or Ruthin.
• Distance: 60 miles / 95 km, 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.), if starting at Manchester Airport*.
• Highlights: Chester and Llangollen.

DAY TWO – Snowdonia National Park, Machynlleth and Harlech Castle

Today you’ll experience some of Britain’s most breathtaking scenery as you cross the spectacular Snowdonia National Park home to the highest peak in England and Wales. Visit Machynlleth which once a Welsh stronghold against the English invasion in the Middle Ages and today a centre for Arts and renowned for the nearby Centre for Alternative Technology. Finally visit one of the UNESCO world heritage fortresses of North Wales at Harlech Castle before your overnight in one of Wales’ picturesque coastal towns.

• Accommodation: overnight in Snowdonia National Park.
• Distance: 40 miles / 65 km, 1 hour (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Snowdonia National Park, Machynlleth and Harlech Castle.

DAY THREE – The Llyn Peninsula and Caernarfon Castle

You may choose to enjoy a mountain train journey on the funicular railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog before returning to explore some of Wales’ most untouched coastline on the tranquil Llyn Peninsula where you’ll find sweeping sandy bays punctuated with white washed villages and a protected Welsh culture and language. Finally to the town of Caernarfon to see another glorious medieval fortress at Caernarfon Castle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Conwy or Llandudno.
• Distance: 45 miles / 70 km, 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Llyn Peninsula and Caernarfon Castle.

DAY FOUR – Isle of Anglesey and Beaumaris Castle

Today cross the Menai Straits to the stunning Isle of Angelsey home to a diverse heritage from the 18th century mansion at Plas Newydd to the 13th century stronghold at Beaumaris Castle and the array of Neolithic and bronze age burial chambers and stone circles dating back to the islands Celtic origins. The isle is home to breathtaking coastlines, natural scenery and wildlife not to mention a stronghold of the Welsh language with Wales’ town with the longest name: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

• Accommodation: overnight in Conwy or Llandudno.
• Distance: 60 miles / 95 km, 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.), if starting at Manchester Airport*.
• Highlights: Isle of Anglesey and Beaumaris Castle.

DAY FIVE – Conwy Castle and Llandudno

Finally explore the peaceful Victorian seaside town of Llandudno, ideal for strolls along the promenade overlooking the sandy bay before visiting nearby harbour town of Conwy. Here you’ll find the final World Heritage fortress at domineering Conwy Castle before exploring the medieval town walls and cobbled squares. Finally make your way back to Manchester in England to return your vehicle. Return your vehicle.

• Distance: 75 miles / 120 km, 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.), based on a direct route to Manchester Airport*.
• Highlights: Llandudno and Conwy Castle.

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.