Walking the Snowdonia Slate Trail

5.0/5 from

Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging

Group Size :

6 - 15

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TDX

Explore the unique slate heritage of North Wales

Discover a lost world of Celtic rainforests, hidden waterfalls, deep river gorges and abandoned quarries on this 133km circular walking route through Snowdonia National Park. Opened in 2017, the Snowdonia Slate Trail winds through areas that have been largely unknown to walkers. Admire the famous peaks from hidden paths, rarely used since the end of the quarries, and enjoy picturesque villages as you hike the best sections of this fascinating trail.

Highlights

7 nights in hotels and guest houses
6 days walking
Group normally 4-15, plus leader. Min age. 16 yrs
Low altitude throughout
Travel by private minibus
Countries visited: United Kingdom, Europe

Key Information

Slate heritage of North Wales
Peaks, ridges and lakes of the National Park of Snowdonia
Picturesque village of Beddgelert, and the grave of its legendary faithful dog

Countries visited: United Kingdom

Whats Included

All breakfasts and 1 dinner included
All accommodation
Transport as listed in itinerary & luggage transfer throughout

Whats Not Included

Travel insurance
Visas & Vaccinations
Single supplement (available on request and subject to availability)

Day 2

17 km / 10.6 miles

Day 3

9 km / 5.6 miles

Day 4

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 5

20 km / 12.4 miles

Day 6

17 km / 10.6 miles

Day 7

9 km / 5.6 miles

Itinerary

Include Flights

Our 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

In 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

We 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

We 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

Following breakfast, we transport back to Betws-y-Coed and say our goodbyes.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

United Kingdom

UK 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

Vaccination

United Kingdom

No vaccinations are obligatory.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and one dinner included.

Lunches can be purchased from local bakeries, shops and mini-markets which will offer you the opportunity to try lots of local produce and delicacies. Try delicious Welsh cakes or the traditional Bara Brith, excellent for a hiking snack and available in local shops / bakeries. Enjoy the classic Welsh Rarebit in pubs / cafes or try some of the local produce such as Welsh beef or local cheeses.

Packed lunches may also be possible to organise with accommodations stayed at during the trip.

Dinners can be taken at accommodations we stay at or at local restaurants.

Weather

Summers in North Wales tend to be slightly cooler than you might expect and winters can be milder especially on the coast, while higher, upland areas have more chance of harsher weather conditions. The warmest months to visit are from June through to August, although temperatures start to warm up around April and remain pleasant until October time. We advise you take waterproofs as rain / showers can occur at any time of year.

Is this trip for you?

The walks on this holiday highlight some of the Snowdonia National Park's best scenery. Walk across moorland, through ancient woodland, along spectacular ridges. There will be times when a head for heights is required. The walks are not technically difficult and are low altitude throughout. However, you will need to cover distances of up to 20km with 700m ascent, so a good level of fitness is required. Equally you must be prepared for inclement weather.

You will only need to take a daypack with you on the walks and luggage will be transferred between the accommodations during the trip.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.