Mystical Wales - Saints and Stones
May 9th – 16th 2012
Experience a magical journey through North Wales – full of rich diversity encompassing walks to wild places, where ancient monuments haunt the landscape, and countryside which holds legends of Celtic saints. Almost all of these places are within Snowdonia National Park. Visit fairy lakes and holy wells, chambered tombs, standing stones and 2 castles, all set amidst stunning mountain and coastal scenery. A whole day’s visit to the unparalleled quirky little village of Port Meirion, made famous by the TV series of the Prisoner in the 60’s. Other trips include Bodnant Gardens, the premier horticultural paradise, an archaeological walk, and some wonderful secret locations you’ll love. Also we’ll spend a whole day on the Isle of Anglesey visiting special sites there.
Wednesday May 9th – Meet at Manchester Airport and drive to our accommodation in North Wales. After settling in to our lovely B&B in Betws-y-Coed go for a walk to local beauty spot, getting a feel of the beautiful rugged landscape. In the evening enjoy our “Welcome Dinner”.
Thursday May 10th – After breakfast drive towards the coast to visit some magical places in Snowdonia National Park. We’ll begin with a delightful walk in Cynfal Gorge, a beautiful “fairy” like valley outside Ffestiniog, where we’ll hear stories about Hugh Lloyd’s pulpit and the Black Pool etc. Then move on to Maentwrog and hear how St Twrog’s fingerprints came to be on a stone named after him. Moving down the coast, we’ll stop in Harlech for lunch, and visit the 13th Century ruined castle there. A little further down the coast, at Llanfair, the knees and breasts of St Mary are believed to be imprinted on a rock beside her well, and her footprint and thumb print are to be found nearby. Mary’s footprints are also recorded in the vicinity at Llan Maria. Our last visit of the day will be to the Stones of Llanbedr and Gwern Einion dolmen on the way to Dwffryn Ardudwy, (Neolithic burial chambers).
Friday May 11th – Today we take a drive to Anglesey, starting out on Holy Island at Rhoscolyn. Here is St Gwenfaen’s holy well and her column above a multicoloured marble beach. Stop by Llyn Cerrrig Bach, (Lake of the Little Stones) on the way to Barclodiad y Gawres (the Giantess’s Apronful) a Passage Tomb in the Irish style containing some rare rock carvings. Whilst here, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch.
For our afternoon on Anglesey we’ll pay a visit to Llanddwyn Island, walking a beautiful long stretch of deserted beach to reach it. Once there, we’ll see the well of the female celtic saint Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers (The Welsh equivalent of St. Valentine). This became a pilgrimage site in medieval times, which funded the building of a chapel, of which you can see the ruins today. Our last port of call on Anglesey is to view the impressive Neolithic site of Bryn Celli Ddu (Hill of the black cell) a magnificent chambered tomb.
Saturday May 12th – After breakfast have some free time in Betws-y-coed, before heading out to the Archaeological Trail near Llyn Brenig. We’ll take a picnic lunch with us and enjoy sites such as the very rare platform cairn, a stone circle and an old settlement, all in a breath-taking wild setting. After this we’ve been kindly invited to have afternoon tea in a remote cottage set in the most idyllic secret location on the edge of the moors. Say no more – you’ll love it!
Click to enlarge images above
Sunday May 13th – Today’s excursion is to explore an area south of Dolgellau, again in Snowdonia, where we find a myriad mysteries. Llyn Cynwch, a fairy lake with a number of legends and the stunning Precipice Walk with its outstanding views towards the coast. At lunchtime, stop in Llanegryn, to enjoy a picnic lunch in the gorgeous valley, visiting the little church there to see the beautiful rood screen. And then on to the mythical Llyn Barfog (the Bearded Lake) where King Arthur’s horse left its footprint in a nearby rock as he leapt across the Dovey estuary. This lake is also known as the Fairy Lake and the scene of another well-known legend regarding a local farmer and his herd of magic fairy cows.
Monday May 14th – After breakfast wend our way to Bodnant Gardens, heralded to be one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK, spanning over 80 acres on the banks of the River Conwy with magnificent views towards Snowdonia. Spring is probably one of the prettiest times to be here. Have lunch in the gardens and then on to Gwydir Castle in Llanrwst, where we can explore the restored 16th Century mansion and meet the couple who restored it. And not far away, on our way home, take a walk to Capel Garmon, a great chambered tomb hiding in the gorgeous green landscape.
Tuesday 15th – Today is our last day together and we can enjoy an excursion to Port Meirion, a unique little village on the Snowdonia coast designed by visionary architect, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis from 1925 -1973. It was made famous by the 1967 cult TV show, The Prisoner, which was filmed there. Today it stands as a splendid quirky tribute to Clough, enjoyed by the many who come and visit, some to stay in the unusual buildings, or the hotel, where we’ll have lunch in style, enjoying the views of the mountains of Snowdonia across the estuary. After a delicious lunch (provided), we explore the semi-wild gardens. These comprise of several acres of walking trails, some of which go down to the beaches below and it’s all a wonderful paradise to be enjoyed. There are plenty of unusual places to explore with several light hearted follies with seating for quiet contemplation - a magical place to spend our last day. This evening we will enjoy our “Farewell Dinner” at our favourite place.
Wednesday May 16th – Goodbye to beautiful North Wales and back to Manchester Airport.
Price - £1675* which includes:
- Pick up and set down Manchester International Airport
- All accommodation, all breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
- All land transportation
- All entry fees
- Portmeirion
- 2 Castles
- Bodnant Gardens
- A multitude of ancient and heritage sites in stunning locations
A deposit of £350 will secure your place.
*Cost is based on 2 people sharing. Single rooms may be available at extra cost. Please contact Denni for availability and price.
PLEASE NOTE: tour cost is based on 4 - 6 participants. Less than 4 and it may be necessary to add a surcharge of between £200 - £500, depending on tour and number.
You can pay for the deposit of the tour or the total amount using a debit or credit card using Paypal. However PLEASE check availability with Denni first either by phoning on 44 (0)1631 564 750 or filling in the online enquiry form.
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