Itinerary Expand allBetws-y-Coed to Betws-y-Coed Day 1 Arrive at your hotel in Betws-y-CoedOur trip begins at the hotel in Betws-y-Coed, a small village in the Conwy Valley, known as the gateway to Snowdonia National Park. There will be a welcome briefing and group meal. Please arrive at Stables Lodge on time for your 6pm briefing.Stables Lodge, Betws-y-Coed or similar Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Transport to Ogwen Cottage; walk back to Betws y CoedIn the morning we take a transfer to the start point of our first walk at Ogwen Cottage. From here the Slate Trail descends gradually through the Ffrancon Valley. Walking through Gwydir Forest, we pass the Ugly House before reaching the famous Swallow Falls and eventually returning to our hotel in Betws.Stables Lodge, Betws-y-Coed or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Walk Betws y Coed to Penmachno; transport back to Betws y CoedWe set off from the hotel, out along a woodland path and through the Fairy Glen. The impressive Conwy Falls are a particular highlight and offer a chance to pause for lunch at the café bearing its name. We continue on through Penmachno Forest, finishing for the day in Penmachno Village, often described as a 'hideaway' thanks to its setting ringed by forests and hills. At the end of our walk, we transport back to Betws for a free evening.Stables Lodge, Betws-y-Coed or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Transport to Cwm Penmachno, walk to Llan FfestiniogWe take a transfer to Cwm (valley in Welsh) Penmachno to begin with an ascent through the old quarry workings. Today we pass through the wild (sometimes boggy) SSSI of Migneint to discover the hidden Cwm Cynfal Gorge and arrive in Llan Ffestiniog for the evening.Gwesty Seren Hotel, Llan Ffestiniog or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 In the morning we take a transfer to Blaenau FfestiniogIn the morning we take a transfer to Blaenau Ffestiniog. We start our walk from there past Cwmorthin Lake to the remote Rhosydd Quarry. Continue to Croesor Quarry, dropping down the Croesor Valley and along the wild drover’s road. A spectacular riverside path leads us to the picturesque village of Beddgelert.Royal Goat Hotel, Beddgelert or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Transfer to Rhyd Ddu, walk to Waunfaur; transport back to BeddgelertIn the morning we take a transfer to Rhyd Ddu. Heading through the forest and along the valley, we pass through the slate workings of Nantlle, across moorland and through woodland to reach the village of Waunfawr. This area, originally dominated by numerous small settlements and of course slate production, experienced inevitable decline following the end of slate production but is regaining an identity thanks not only to the walks in the area but also the arrival of the Welsh Highland Railway. From here we transfer back to Beddgelert.Royal Goat Hotel, Beddgelert or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Transfer to Waunfaur, walk to Llanberis, visit National Slate Museum at Dinorwic QuarryIn the morning we drive back to Waunfawr to resume the trail, which intertwines here with the North Pilgrim’s Way. Footpaths and forest tracks lead us all the way to Llanberis, with its enviable lakeside location at the foot of Snowdon. A short final walk allows time to visit the National Slate Museum in Dinorwic Quarry. This is the perfect way to end the journey, having effectively put 'faces to names' of some of the key quarries and routes that for years defined and dominated the nature and culture of this part of Wales. Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Betws-y-CoedFollowing breakfast, we transport back to Betws-y-Coed and say our goodbyes. Meals included: Breakfast
United KingdomUK passport holders do not need visas for this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies.For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
Hotels & Guesthouses Throughout the week, you will spend 7 nights in 3-star hotels and guesthouses. The accommodations have been selected for their charm, character and offer a comfortable stay. All accommodations offer rooms with en-suite.
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Reviewed January 2022 Andrew BeavenWalking the Slate Trail — landscape & industry Thoroughly enjoyable guided walking trip in an unexpected landscape. Fascinating to learn some of the history of the slate industry, and to see how nature is already reclaiming some of the quarry sites.What did you think of your group leader? Greg was excellent — knowledgeable, clearly genuinely enthusiastic about the local community.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Good walking footwear; layers; waterproof jacket! Some of the days were quite long, with no “escape points”. Some of the paths were very boggy, but there was always a way around. Don’t rely on the published Slate Trail guide book — neither the maps nor the instructions have enoug detail. Don’t go in the underground quarries!Is there anything else you would like to add? We did this trip in September 2021, with some COVID restrictions in place. Not much trouble when we were out walking, but evening catering options were restricted (but still very good) — Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert would normally have a much wider choice of restaurants.