Walkabout in North Wales
WILD WALES WALKABOUT OCTOBER 2-8, 2022
8-10 people only on this trip! Six nights/seven days $1925.
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For the first three days we will be walking on the Llyn peninsular in North Wales and the terrain will be easy to moderate conditions. Our three days here we will be walking along the Welsh Coastal Path surrounded by birds, wildlife, and the sounds of the sea and the wind. With us you can choose the distance you would like to walk each day. After breakfast each morning we will walk from our B&B in the morning for 3-5 miles and stop for lunch at a pub or a small cafe, or we could purchase a packed lunch. In the afternoon if you would like to spend the afternoon reading, relaxing or taking a nap we can transport you back to our guest house.
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The cost for the six nights and seven days is $1925 based on double occupancy and includes all accommodations, breakfast, two evening meals, all transportation from pickup, visits to museums and historical sites and presentations. Invoices will be emailed for the final two payments. Single supplement payments will be split between the two final payments.
There is no pressure with Wild Wales Walkabouts to hike on our tours everyday, or all day. If your choice is to curl up with a book in the hotel, sit on a bench watching the sea or the river Wnion go by, talk to the locals, you are on your holiday! You need to relax in the way that works for you! Others can choose to continue walking for another 4-6 miles during the afternoon. Each evening we will gather for supper at our guest house or in one of the pubs in the small hamlet of Aberdaron or Dolgellau.
Puffins
Sunday, October 2
We will all meet at the Tea Room at the train station in Bangor, North Wales at 2p.m. We will be transported to our comfortable Guest House (family owned) in the seaside village of Aberdaron where after a short walk along the shore we will be served our evening meal by our friendly hosts.Wild Wales Tours will be buying supper this evening.
Monday, October 3
Walk to Porth Meudwy not far from Aberdaron and take the Enlli ferry across to Bardsey Island, weather permitting. This is a beautiful place, full of wildlife and steeped in history. This is the “Island of 20,000 Saints”, a nature reserve and destination for pilgrims for over a thousand years. We will be served tea and coffee on the island. Easy walking.Tonight you are free to go out and have supper at a pub in Aberdaron.
Tuesday, October 4
This morning a hike to an Iron Age Fort, Tre Ceiri (Town of the Giants) or along the Welsh Coastal Path.Tonight we could head down the street to a tavern, and eat supper overlooking the bay from the deck or inside in the cozy pub.
Wednesday, October 5
After breakfast we will take a short trip by train to the picturesque 14th century settlement of Dolgellau. Here we will have lunch at a very special restaurant and winery. We will be greeted by storyteller Mair Ifans, who is also a triple harpist, the national instrument of Wales. Our stay here for three nights in the medieval market town located on the shore of the river Wnion and in the shade of the iconic mountain, Cader Idris (chair of Idris). This special lunch is on us.
Llyn Padarn
Thursday, October 6
9a.m. On one of our days here we will be walking along the scenic Mawddach Estuary footpath from Pen-maen-pool to Barmouth, a very easy walk on flat ground. Another of our days will be up in the hills above the Mawddach estuary walking along ancient paths and roads built by the Romans! An easy walk around the Crogennan Lakes and and old Iron Age burial ground.
Friday, October 7
9a.m. Today a walk in the Rhiniog range of mountains and possibly visit the Nose of the Giant!
Tonight, our last night together we will all gather at a local pub and reflect on our trip! We will be buying you supper this evening.
Saturday, October 8
9a.m. After breakfast we will take pictures and say our goodbyes to each other and we will deliver you to the train station in Barmouth to your next destination. We will review all the options with you for your onward journey and connections.
The cost for the six nights and seven days is $1925 based on double occupancy and includes all accommodations, breakfast, two evening meals, all transportation from pickup, visits to museums and historical sites and presentations. Invoices will be emailed for the final two payments. Single supplement payments will be split between the two final payments.
$500 additional cost for a single occupancy.
You will pay for your airfare, four lunches, three dinners, and all drinks & snacks, generally people tip 10%. Cost of ferry ride to Bardsey Island approx $40 each.
TRANSPORTATION TO WALES
We recommend that you fly to Manchester in England. Most overnight flights from the U.S. arrive early in the morning U.K. time. At the Manchester airport, you will be able to catch a train to Bangor in North Wales.There are twenty trains a day from the airport, and they run every hour. The journey takes about three hours.You may also fly from the U.S. to London and catch a train from London to Bangor. (3.15mins)
We will all meet at the Tea Room at the train station in Bangor, North Wales at 2p.m. on Sunday, October 2, 2022.
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Arriving a day early is highly encouraged, if at all possible. As most of you know these days, it is very common to have a late or cancelled flight, or luggage that shows up late. Coming a day early reduces that stress. Wales and England are 6 hours ahead of Central Standard Time. The flight across the Atlantic takes 7-8 hours from the Midwest and around six hours from the East Coast If you can afford the time and an extra night’s lodging at a small hotel or B&B, you will not likely regret it.
PAYMENTS
We will email invoices which can be paid online with a credit card. A deposit of $675 per person ($1350 per couple) is required to secure your place, followed by a payment of $625 ($1250 per couple) April 2, 2022. The final payment of $625 per person ($1250 per couple) is due on July 2, 2022.
REFUNDS
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You may cancel your Wild Wales Walkabout for a full refund, minus a $100 processing fee, if you do so more than 4 months prior to your scheduled tour (June 2, 2022).
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If you cancel fewer than 4 months before your scheduled tour, you will receive full refund, minus a $100 processing fee, ONLY if your slot can be filled!
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If you cancel between 3 and 4 months (June 2 to July 2, 2022 ) prior to your scheduled tour, and your slot cannot be filled, you will receive a 50% refund.
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If you cancel fewer than 3 months (July 2, 2022) prior to your scheduled tour, and your slot cannot be filled, no refund will be given.
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PACKING
Travel as light as possible. Bring one medium sized suitcase, and a carry-on or two.
The mini bus will have limited baggage space, and more small bags are easier to pack than one large bag. We will be near the sea often and it will be breezy, so we need to dress accordingly. The normal temperatures in May range from 50F to 75F degrees. The tour is casual and there is no dress code. If necessary, we will be able to dry our clothes at our hotels. Laundry services will also be available for a fee. Do bring gloves and a hat as well as a swimsuit if you are up for a dip in the Irish Sea!
Suggested clothing for our Walkabouts: We suggest rainproof gear (not shower proof).
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A waterproof hooded raincoat and pants
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A good pair of waterproof hiking shoes
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Three pairs of wool hiking socks, medium thickness
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Wool hat and waterproof gloves
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Low or hiking gaiters
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Knapsack to carry your lunch and snacks
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I strongly suggest walking sticks as they are very useful for balancing coming downhill
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Head light
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Binoculars
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We do cater to book clubs and family groups who would like to customize their trip to Wales.
Tre Ceri Lleyn
WALKING PREPARATION
In order to enjoy the walkabouts, you need to be able to walk between seven and twelve miles a day. We suggest that you prepare for the tour by walking between ten and twelve miles per week for three months prior to the trip. We all walk at a different pace, and you will have ample opportunity to walk in pairs, in groups, or alone.
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Most days we will be walking from 7-11 miles. Its really up to you how much you would like to hike. After breakfast we will set off for the day and after lunch we can arrange for you to return to the guest house or hotel to relax, on most days. This is your vacation and if you need to take a day off to walk around by yourself we can make it work for you. If some folks want to walk further than the eleven miles we can arrange that also.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity runs on a different current system in Wales and England. You will need a converter for all U.S. appliances. They can be bought on-line or in airports. All hotels will have a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend you buying a medical insurance plan during the time you will be hiking with us.
PHONES AND INTERNET
If you have an iPhone you can call your provider and make arrangements for your phone to work in the U.K. for a small fee. You will be able to call and receive calls from home, send emails and text approx. $30 for the month. It
works very well, automatically taking place when your airplane touches down.
Hywel Taff Roberts the director of Wild Wales Tours & Walkabouts will be leading the tour, a native Welshman who speaks fluent Welsh.
We will be joined by guides, entertainers and presenters along the way to highlight for you this magical homeland we call Wales. Come join us!
We do cater to book clubs and family groups who would like to customize their trip to Wales.
Hywel “Taff” Roberts
